a wedding

NO, not mine! But, one of a very good friend. My roommate, Loni, of the last two and a half years got married on Friday.

She planned out the whole reception that evening herself, so I helped her get things set up for the evening. The day before, we had even made 300 cupcakes. Remind me never to do that again.

That also happened to be the only night all summer so far that it rained. I think it still turned out well though.

Unfortunately, this also meant that I had to move. Poop. I really don't like change. And, the prospect of moving in with someone I don't know was an unwelcome one. I did find a place out in North Logan, though. It's way too far from the south end of town, but it will do for now. I have my own room, bathroom, and livingroom, so there are some perks. I'll let you know how it turns out....

Happy birthday to me!

It's my birthday again! Yay! Although, I cannot believe I am 25. That seems like a foreign number. I even get to go to the "25 or Better" activities now, hahaha. Yeeeah....that probably won't happen. ;)

So, Dad came up to Logan again this week to help drive the boys back to Forks after USU let out for the summer. He and the boys helped Gramps reshingle the entire roof during the week, which was quite a project. But, I know that Gramps appreciated all of the help. And, I even got Dad to help fix a few things on my car and at my apartment. It's always nice to have a Dad around, if even for a few days. :)

I had a BBQ with friends on Saturday in Gram's backyard, which was fun. Then I had a birthday party on Sunday with the family. I did have to convince Dad to stick around for the weekend and my birthday, but it was good to actually have lots of family around for my birthday for the first time in awhile.

AND, I MADE MINON CUPCAKES!!! They were the best!

Birthday Interview:

1. What are some of your favorite foods? Oh, I love pasta! And, bread. And, chocolate. And, pickles. And, cheetos. Just maybe not together...

2. What's your favorite color? Easy. Purple and green.

3. What things make you happy? I like the rain, purring cats, and, of course, my family.

4. What makes you sad? Being alone.

5. What are your favorite movies or TV shows? Right now I'm kinda into "Once Upon A Time". I just love the whole fantasy thing.

6. What are your favorite books? I just finished re-reading the Hunger Games. I really relate to Katniss, so I've enjoyed those books. Now, I just need a new series to read.

Animals and eggs

So, this post won't be all that long, but since it is one of my favorite springtime activities in Logan, I have to share. On Saturday, I drug the boys to baby animal days with me at the American West Heritage Center in Wellsville. Heather came, too. We got to see the baby bears, an old west shoot out, and lots of baby farm animals. I got to hold a duck, a chick, and a turtle. The boys were lame and wouldn't touch anything. Oh well. I had fun.

We then colored Easter eggs that night with Heather and Michelle. I think the boys enjoyed that more than the animals.

A time of Thanks

November brought the first snows of the year. Not much, but some. It was enough to roll around some snowballs in the leaves and make a snowman. Landon named him pumpkin head. They kind of look alike don't they? ;-)

Thanksgiving was also good this year. I wasn't nearly as lonely as I was the last few years. My brothers were here, and Heather came over. We played some games. I cooked the turkey and made some pie. Landon and Bryce helped cook, too, and Grandma and Grandpa didn't have to lift a finger. It was our treat to them.

Fall colors in Logan

October in Logan is usually a pretty fun time. The corn mazes are all mapped out. The pumpkins are ready for craving. It's the time for bonfires and the first hot chocolate of the year. There's lots of fun activities going on.

I think our pumpkins turned out well this year. :)

Since there was still no snow in October, we also took an afternoon to head up the Crimson Trail. I love this hike in the fall. It's relatively cool and the leaves are changing colors, and since the hike is only four miles or so it can be done in a couple hours.

We also took my camera out to test it in the fall colors. I love the changing colors here in Utah, since it's something that never really happened at home. Isn't it pretty?

I didn't do anything for Halloween, but I'm kind of a bum that way, lol.

Finally! The Wellsvilles

This mountain has been on my list ever since I moved to Logan six years ago. I see it looming over Cache Valley every day, and I just wanted to be on the top of it. I kept telling my friends every summer that we should do the hike, and no one was very receptive to the idea. Once, a few years ago, I even managed to get two of my friends to decide to go on the hike with me. We got in the car and even found the trailhead on a bumpy dirt road thirty minutes from town, and then the driver decided he didn't want to go anymore. So, we turned around. Huh?! Weird.

So, now that the boys are in Logan I can finally bug someone to hike with me. :)

We (Landon, Bryce, my cousin Michelle, Heather, and I) decided to hike up the Wellsvilles on Saturday, starting at eight in the morning, or so. There are several trails up to the highest peak, a couple near Mendon I think and one starting from Sardine Canyon. We decided to start in Sardine, since that road would be easiest on my car. Plus someone had told me it was the easiest/shortest way up. They lied.

The trail starts the first mile or so following a jeep road. Really easy grade. Very deceptive. Then the trail just takes off the main road and into the forest. We actually had some difficulty finding the turn off point. It was so well hidden that we continued up the road for a while and then had to backtrack to find the right trail. It followed up a stream bed, and the trail got very steep very quickly. And, I mean, like really steep.

The steepness of the trail wasn't so bad until the tree cover thinned out. It was late Septmber, early in the morning. Why in the world was it so dang hot?! Hiking in the heat makes me move pretty slow. Luckily, I'm not the only one the sun effects that way. The trail kept meandering up and around the mountain, still just as steep.

It was about here that Bryce caught up with rest of us. He hadn't really been planning on coming, since he'd had a big wipe out on his mountain bike a few days earlier.

We'd already been hiking for a couple hours, and the trail was becoming more and more overgrown. Bryce's wounds were being stabbed, so he stopped to take a nap. Heather stopped, too, since it was getting hotter by the minute.

I was determined to keep on going. I was not going to make it that far just to quit. I could see the ridge above us, where I knew that you could look out over Cache Valley. I had to make it to that ridge. By then, we had completely lost the trail, so we just bushwacked our way up to the top. I had tons of little burrs attached all over my legs.

We didn't quite make it to the top of the peak. But, it was already 12:30 and just getting hotter, so we decided that the ridge line was a good place to stop. We saw the view that we went to see. The peak was another half hour or so along the ridge. We'll just save that for another day.... :)

We made it back to the cars around 2:30, which made for a much longer day than planned. But, I am also convinced that the hike was longer than the trail maps lead me to believe -- just in case you ever want to try that trail. ;-)

I also got the worse sunburn of my life on this hike. Note to self: always, always, always bring sunscreen, even if the weather calls for cloud cover.

Spring Hollow

I've been determined to get out and hiking up and around Logan. Having my brothers here is the perfect excuse to do so, as they don't like sitting around the house all day either.

I wanted to start out on something small, say the Wind Caves or the Crimson Trail, but Landon wanted to do something new. So, we looked at some maps of Logan Canyon and decided to try out Spring Hollow. It's a trail that cuts off from the Crimson before it climbs up into the mountains. It's supposed to lead up to a ridge and the dirt road that goes up Mt. Logan. Well, actually I guess this was Dad's idea. He had told us there was a peak not far past the point where the trail met the road.

I always seem to forget that Dad's "not far" usually is and that his "easy" usually isn't. Oh, well. You live and you learn. lol.

So, Landon, Bryce, Michelle, and I started hiking Monday morning. (It was Labor Day, so we had the day off.) The trail started off fairly easy, lulling us into a false sense of security. It quickly turned into a steep grade. It was steeper even than the Crimson.

Needless to say, we didn't make it all the way to the peak. We made it to the ridge right below the Mt Logan road, where we stopped and ate some lunch, about two hours after we started. Landon ran up to the road and ran back, so obviously it wasn't very far away. But, it was at this point that I discovered my shoes -- ones that I've had for well over ten years -- finally gave out. So, we headed back down.

Of course, no Johnson hike is complete without an adventure. Bryce decided it would be fun to throw rocks at a giant beehive hanging in the trees. And, of course, he hit it. We heard a humming and started running down the trail, chased by a giant swarm of bees.

We made it down without injury, however.

Silly boy.

A visit from Pops

Right before fall semester started at USU, Dad came down to Logan to visit for a week. He was bringing down the boys and a car loaded with junk, trailing along a Bug.

I tried to get Dad to fix some things on my car and at my apartment, but that was slow going. I think he was more interested in playing while he was in town.

So, we hiked up Mt. Naomi, which is one of my favorite hikes up Logan Canyon. It was beautiful day, and we were on top of the peak by eight-thirty in the morning. I'm not sure how many times I've been to the top of Naomi, but it's worth it everytime.

Bryce had a freshmen orientation class that week, and I had to work, unfortunately. So, Dad and Landon played around some more. We did all, however, get to mini-golfing, along with our cousin Michelle.



I love spending time with my family. I really miss them when they're not around. So, I'm really glad that my little brothers are here for the next year. It will give me someone to play with. :)

Summertime, Summertime, Summertime

I should probably get caught up on all my summertime adventures before I forget all the details. I'll try to keep it short, so you don't get bored. ;-)

First, I know my birthday is not in the summer, but, hey, I missed it on this blog. I turned 24 this year. Crazy. I just don't think that I feel that old, lol. I had a fun birthday, though. I got to have two parties and two cakes. I'm just that awesome. :)

In the beginning of June, I drove up to Forks with my grandma so that we could go to Bryce's graduation from Forks High. I went to the library before we left to pick up some books on tape to listen to in the car. It actually made the trip seem a lot faster, and since I drove most of the way, that's a good thing.

We stayed in Forks for a week and a half or so. It was beautiful weather while I was there. I got to visit my wonderful ocean. I got to see Pursey. I drug my family out to the Hoh Rainforest for an afternoon. We also discovered that there was an archery range in town. I actually really enjoyed myself, and I don't think that I did too bad. :)

I went back to Logan for about a week and then headed off on my next road trip. One of my good friends from Forks was getting married in Las Vegas, so I headed down there for a few days. It was my first trip to Vegas. I can't say that I was really impressed. It was interesting, lots of flashy lights, but lots and lots of people.

It was also very hot down there. I think that I saw one store thermometer that read 120 degrees. Seriously!? That's way to stinking hot for me to handle. And, we were genius enough to decide to walk the strip during the day in that heat. We basically walked from place to place, hanging out in each building for awhile before heading back outside. Next time I go to Vegas, it will be in the winter, lol.

My friend had a bachelorette party a couple days before the wedding. I think I expected a Vegas bachelorette party to be, well, a little more extreme. But, it was really pretty tame, and therefore pretty fun for me. The wedding was also a good time. It was the actually the first one that I've ever been to. It was small, out in a little gazebo behind the casino. It was nice to see all of my Forks friends again, too.

It was then another week back in Logan, some fireworks and holiday things, and then I was off on another road trip. The Johnson Family Reunion was in Clayton, Idaho this summer. It's always a good time being with the family. We did some crafts, played some games, watched some movies, visited an old mining town, and slept in a loft with lots of loud children. Oh, that last part was the most enjoyable. ;-) I actually really enjoy family reunions, and it was good to see everyone again.

Kelsie and Mom also came back to Logan with me after the reunion. We went to Bear Lake, a Pickleville play, did some tubing. I think Mom wanted to spend some time with her parents and in Logan, and it was a fun couple weeks for me, too.

So, my summer was pretty busy, which is how I prefer it to be. Fun times. :)

A Redneck Friday Night

Last Friday night, I went with a group of my friends to the demolition derby in Logan. We were celebrating one of my good friend's birthdays. It was also a good excuse for me to get out of the house and play.

I can't help but think of Forks when I go to a demo derby, though. It is just such a redneck thing to do. At home it was so big of a deal that all of the derby cars would be in the Fourth of July parade down main street before they were crushed in the arena.

Is is sad to say that I actually enjoy derbies, though? There is just something fun about watching cars crash into each other and get set on fire.... Obviously, my enjoyment of such events just goes to show how much of an affect growing up in Forks had on me, haha.

This is my roommate Loni, for those of you who haven't met her.

It only comes once a year!

What's that you ask? My birthday! lol. On May 13th I turned 23 years....young. :) Well, actually I can't get used to the 3 looming after that 2... yet. I don't know why it feels so much older than 22. Oh well. I got to celebrate all weekend long.

So, on my actual birthday I went out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner with my grandparents. They had never been there before.  I think that my grandpa really enjoyed the atmosphere actually. They almost let it slip to the waitress that it was my birthday, but I stifled that revelation before it could be uttered. I did not want to sit on that saddle and be whooped at!! haha.

Then Grams made me an angel food cake with strawberries and whip cream. So good! And, my mom sent me some flowers. They made my whole apartment smell wonderful! I even got a few presents, and that always makes you feel special, doesn't it? Dad actually got me my new snowboard, which is fabulous. Thanks Dad. :)

Then on Friday I convinced my friend to take me for a motorcycle ride. Yay! I love those rides. Someday I will get my little dirt bike working so that I can really learn how to ride for myself. And, I went that night with a huge group of friends to see the new Robin Hood movie. Honestly, I did not expect much, what with Russell Crow portraying my hero. But, I was pleasantly surprised. The movie was good...not my favorite by a long shot...but good in it's own right. The scenes of the English countryside made me think of Landon.

Saturday was the fun day, though. The weather FINALLY shaped up. The sun came out. The rains ceased for the day. The temperatures reached up to 70. I was so stoked. We had decided to celebrate my day with a BBQ at my grandparents' house. I think about 25 of my friends showed up. We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, played badmitton and volleyball and ladderball, hung out in the backyard, and played Just Dance on my wii inside. I must say, I love my friends so much. They made my birthday pretty darn fun. I've attached a video of the festivities for your enjoyment. :)

So, I also like my cousins' birthday interviews...but I will modify mine a little bit to fit me. :) Here ya go....

1. Height and Weight: 5' 7" and 130lbs...This hasn't changed in years, and I'm totally good with it. :)

2. Favorite Color: Purple and green.

3. Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings for sure! But, my favorite movie of this year would have to be How to Train Your Dragon... I loved it!

4. Favorite TV Show: Hmm...can't say I watch too much TV. But, I do love LOST. I'll watch Chuck and the Big Bang Theory when I can find the time, as well.

5. Favorite Music: Fall Out Boy.... yes, still! Nickel Creek and Sugarland come in a close second and third, though. I will really listen to anything besides rap and grungy junk.

6. Favorite Food: Pasta, yum! and bread. I love bread.

7. Favorite Hobbies: Snowboarding for sure in the winter. I also like hiking and going to the beach. I love reading. My favorite book of the year was Life of Pi. I love to play the piano, my guitar, and flute. I love country swing dancing and trying new things. Is it weird that I miss going to school, too?

8. What do you want to be when you grow up? Can't I just find Neverland?? Well, I suppose I can't, so someday I hope to have a job that I love, but more importantly...someday I will get married and be a mom. Of course, I see that happening no time in the near future...but it is the end goal and I'll look for the opportunities to get there. :)

9. What makes you happy? Being with my family. Being with good friends. Being with my cats and my rabbit. 

10. What makes you sad? Simple...being away from my family for long periods of time.

11. Where would you go on vacation if you could go anywhere? Australia! I would surf and go to the Great Barrier Reef. Go down under in the outback. Learn the accent and maybe catch myself a really cute Aussie. ;) If I could, I'd sidestep to New Zealand and see the sites of Lord of the Rings, as well.

12. Thoughts about the past year: It's been a whirlwind of a year! Landon and I got close when we was living here in Logan with me. It was a little sad to see him leave in August. But, I know that he will be a fabulous missionary, and I know that he is having a really good time in England. I took my last semester of college in the end of 2009. My feelings on this are sooo mixed. I was ready for a break from classes, but I miss being on campus and being around people my age all day long. Entering the "real world" came by way too quickly for me. I am considering going back to school, once the money is saved up, to get my teaching degree for English. Do you think I could handle teaching? I'm giving myself just a little time to think, so that I know what the right choice is for me. I moved out my grandparents, and it has actually been a really good experience. I like the independence. I bought my first car. I love it, even with its quirks and shortcomings. I got a second job. It really pushes my comfort level, and I am learning a lot. I keep trying to play the dating game, but I've come to the conclusion that it's a lot of dang work. I seem to attract a lot of creepers, haha. Overall, the year has been good. Time has passed slowly and I continue to look for the good things and the growing experiences. I can't wait to see what the next year brings me! :)

Baby animals galore

This past Saturday some friends and I went out to Wellsville to go to Baby Animal Days. There were little muchkins everywhere! and that's not including the little animals. ;) It was actually pretty fun. I'd never been out to the American West Heritage Center before, so it was neat to see all of the replicate buildings and people in costume. I'm a fan of history, so those kinds of places are fun for me.

We got to see lots of baby animals, which were scattered throughout the place. The little goats were so stinkin' cute. There was one that took command of the highest bucket in the cage, and he was so intent on keeping it for himself that he fell asleep up there.

There were little bitty turtles, baby lambs, and loud obnoxious piglets. There were also a couple giant snakes that you could hold for a dollar. I'm not sure what that had to do with baby animal days, but oh well. And, even though I didn't hold it, I want you all to know it didn't freak me out, my Dad just taught me way too well how to be a cheapskate. :)

We could even hold baby bunnies, chicks, and ducklings if we wanted.

What do you think? Should I keep him? If only they didn't grow up...

This year's highlight was the baby bears from Bear World up near Yellowstone. Well, they were the highlight for Heather anyways, lol...she gets far too excited when there are bears around.

I saved the best for last! The amazing WHITE peacock. We looked up and there he was, flirting with the four ladies surrounding him on the nature walk. Like a giant cotton ball, or terrible spider web, whichever you choose, in the trees. It was pretty cool.

A little bit of family time does a person good :)

So, my family came up to Logan for their spring break this last week. I was sooo excited to have them here!! I miss them a lot because we're always so far away from each other. I took my campus job off for the week, so that I would have more time to play with them.

Bryce and Kelsie had never been up to the wind caves in Logan Canyon, so we all hiked up there on Monday. It was the perfect temperature for a hike. Not so hot that you get all sweaty and gross, but not so cold that you have to pack up a big ol' coat. Woofy even got to come with us. It was fun to finally get outside after being cooped up in doors all winter long.

Dad told me that I had to take Bryce dancing with me on Wednesday night. Dad doesn't believe that I actually know how to country swing...I'm not sure why. So, Bryce was sent to be a spy, I guess, and maybe to pick up a few moves to take with him back to Forks. Jared tried to show him a few. And my cousin Michelle came along, too. Honestly, I'm not sure how much Bryce or Michelle enjoyed it...they kinda just sat on the walls all night, except for a few minutes when I taught them. But, I still love it, plus it's a good work out, lol.

Oh, haha, I also convinced Bryce and Kelsie that they had to come see How to Train Your Dragon with me, because neither one of them wanted to! But, I thought that it was good. It was predictable, but very cute, and in 3D it was awesome.

We were planning on going to Targhee on Saturday, but storms made that hard to do, so on Friday, we all drove up to Snowbasin to spend the day on the slopes. Logan decided that it would be a great April Fool's Day trick to dump snow the day before. I was so looking forward to Spring! But, the foot of new powder was fun to play in. I have missed snowboarding soo much this season! This was only my third time this year, when last year I went fourteen times. So, I got a little sore, working all my muscles again, but it is so much fun!

Bryce, Kelsie, and Dad even strapped on a board for the first few runs of the day, while I got to test out my new board. I'd been riding the same board for eight years or something like that, so it was definitely time for a new one that actually fit me. Dad took a few good wipeouts, so maybe now he will appreciate that snowboarding is not as easy as he likes to believe.

Mom's best friend from high school, Laura, also came to go skiing with us, which I thought was a way good thing for my Mom.

And, as my family has to undertake the long drive home today, Easter, I made them color eggs with me early. It's a tradition! You just can't not color eggs for Easter, no matter how old you get. My Mom even gave me some of my favorite flowers, purple tulips. :)