Independence Day.

the fourth this year was incredibly hot, humid, crowded and one of my favorite nights ever! we survived the heat (for seven hours... i know i'm crazy) with cold drinks and birthday cake oreos. we fought the crowds for a good spot and ended up with an amazing view. macy's was by far the biggest firework show i've ever seen. i was in awe and so happy to be able to experience it in person. we have the best friends! did i mention they waited with us in the blazing heat for seven hours?! 

 there were a whole lotta these guys standing around...

 just a few of the millions we joined for the big show!

Arizona & Utah

We had a wonderful Christmas this year with my family. 

I feel so grateful for my parents and siblings. 

It's hard living so far away from them, a few visits a year is not enough!

I did a terrible job taking photos this year, but here are the few I did capture.

We visited the beautiful Mesa temple. 

I love little Christina Mariah.

Jessica went to winter formal. Beautiful girl.

Introduced the fam to Grimaldi's Pizzeria, it was a hit!

I also saw some of my favorite girl friends, love these girls.

Jeffrey and little Jace.

After Arizona we visited Jeff's family in Utah. 

One of Jeff's childhood friends was married while we were visiting.

It was a beautiful wedding and reception. 

We're so happy for Todd & Savannah. 

winter wonderland. 

Thanksgiving in Utah.

Thanksgiving this year, was a great one. It was a week filled with wonderful people and amazing food. Our original plan was to stay in New York. We had guests coming in to town on the red eye Thanksgiving night. A few weeks before we randomly found some great tickets to Utah. Luckily we both were able to get work off and bought the tickets! It all worked out perfectly. We even flew back to NY on the red eye, Thanksgiving night with Mark and Brooke.

We got a little festive and made these cute turkeys. I found them on Pinterest, of course I did, and they looked so simple and fun. Not so much, these little guys took all day and they didn't look half as good as the originals! Although, they did inspire lots of laughs and will always be a great memory. They'll just have to be a memory because I don't see myself making these ever again! :)

We also made these cute pumpkins, gold spray paint is my new favorite thing. These turned out a little bit better than the turkeys. 

 Siblings.

One night we made our way up to Salt Lake to see the Temple and do a little shopping at City Creek. This temple has such a special place in my heart, ever since we were married there in 2010. It was so beautiful. 

 Sophies Paparazzi. 

Look at those eyes, such a beauty. 

Window displays at Macy's. All made of candy.

Can't visit Utah with out indulging in J-Dawgs and Cafe Rio!!

I also spent some time with two of my very best friends. Love these girls.