Trevor's New Baby

Trevor has been wanting a motorcycle since I have known him. I was opposed to it, being a nurse and knowing the risks involved. I finally gave in a few weeks ago. Trevor has been smiling since the day it came to our home- if only the weather were a little better so he could ride more. He had a few days of nice weather - just enough for a taste of the fun! When he gets a little better, he may be able to talk me in to going for a ride :)

Uh, how do I ride this thing? Just kidding!

Leaving for his first ride around the neighborhood. Can you see the smile on his face? He hasn't stopped smiling since...

Weekend Getaway

Trevor and I went to Las Vegas for the weekend. We left on Valentines Day and stayed over night in Trevor's grandparent's house in Paragonah, a small town about half way between here and Vegas. We had the house to ourselves and it was really nice. On Sunday morning, we drove in to Vegas and spent the day walking around. It was a little chilly, but we had a great time. We went to M&M world, which was way too busy, we gambled a little (and won about $100), shopped, and went to a concert at night.

Trevor was so great and drove the entire way- there and back.

The sunset was beautiful on the drive down.

The house in Paragonah

This is the hotel lobby at the Bellagio.

Our room at the Bellagio. It was a gorgeous hotel and the nicest room we have ever stayed in! We would definitely stay there again!

Hanging out at Margaritaville

Water show at the Bellagio during the day

Walking around during the day
There was a really neat garden in the lobby

The water show at night. We were able to watch the last three shows of the night.

Leaving...we wanted to stay another day, but we had to get back to school and work. It was really nice to get away, even if it was a short trip.

Valentine's flowers from my wonderful husband

A balloon flower also came with my Valentine's Day gifts. :)

Aunt Karolin, Uncle Greg, Luca, and Quinn came to visit from California this past weekend. We don't get to see them very often so it was really fun to hang out with them. These pictures were from Valentine's day. Trevor loves his cousins... and they really loved Jersey! Notice how they put a crown on her and made her walk around on the leash with it on. I'm not sure Jersey enjoyed this, but she was a good sport.

Luca and Jersey playing in the snow. He would throw snowballs for her to chase -or just throw them at her :)

Quinn, Karolin, and Jersey playing

Jersey loved having someone her about her size to play with

Trevor and Quinn hanging out and cuddling

Mardi Gras...in Utah

Hillcrest High School has a Mardi Gras performance every year. Music is played by the band and jazz band, dinner is served, and there is dancing for anyone who wants to participate. This tradiation started my senior year in high school. We did the first Mardi Gras show... not such a hit! It had grown each year and has become a tradition in the Harris family. This year was Mitchell's final year (he is Trevor's youngest brother).

Allison & Mitch

Trevor's parents

My First Day of Clinicals

Today was my first day of real clinicals for NP school. I had the wonderful fortune of being placed in a women's health clinic where there are lots. and lots. of vaginas. This isn't a bad thing, because women's health is extremely important. People (eg: my husband) don't realize the delicate balance the female body needs in order to maintain its health.

First, Trevor scraped all of the ice and snow off of my car, but I couldn't get the door open. I finally got the rear passenger door open and climbed over the back seat in my nice new professional clothes. The whole time Jersey was trying to climb in the car with me, snowy, wet feet and all!

When I got to the clinic, I observed the very first exam. Then, my preceptor applied the nursing axiom, "See one, do one, teach one," and it was my turn. I did the majority of the exams from that point on. I still have a lot to learn though! Interestingly, I learned that every woman's cervix is not right there when you open a speculum. This experience is a big change from taking care of post-op heart patients. It was nice to have the patients walk in to the clinic- and most of them were generally healthy! No one needed help going to the bathroom, getting up, or feeding themselves. They were women who take care of themselves (for the most part). It's definitely a change of pace for me.
I survived the day (and actually enjoyed most of it)... only about 75 more hours left!

Friends are the Best

Last Tuesday, a bunch of friends from work drove down to Payson to visit Summer after she had her baby girl, Sayla. Lindy and Russ were so nice to drive us all down there. We all loaded up and made the one-hour trek south. Russ and Andy sat in the back and watched a movie, Katherine and I sat with baby Cody, and Jill kept Lindy company up front. When the caravan pulled up to Summer's house, she looked a little suprised (but mostly happy) to see so many people. We talked, had great cheesecake (thanks Katherine), and took turns holding the beautiful new baby girl.

Jill and Summer

Cody and Andy. Andy did not want his picture taken, but I snapped this one before he realized what I was doing. It turned out so cute. Andy kept making Cody laugh- it was adorable!

Russ and Cody hanging out with the girls

Allison, Sayla, McKenna, Lindy, Cody, and Katherine

I have to say, I don't always love my job, but I have made some great friends. I had a really fun day. I just wished we all lived a little closer (Summer, Lindy & Russ)! I love you all! Thanks for such a fun day!

Christmas

This was the first year I got to celebrate Christmas. Last year I worked on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day - both day shifts. We went over to Trevor's parents house on Christmas morning to open presents with his family. His mom made us delicious Swedish pancakes. We left after a few hours because we both had to work that night so we needed a nap. It was a fun morning.

Jersey got some presents too.

Daddy and his Jersey watching "A Christmas Story"

Decorating our own tree was fun too. I love buying holiday decorations for the house and ornaments for the tree! Next year I think we will need a bigger tree since I have so many ornaments. I don't think they will all fit on our small tree that I bought to fit in our apartment last year.
Here is our first and only present that was under our tree this year. Our vacation was our gift to each other.