The Evans: August 2014

So...this is happening next week! And to say I am thrilled about it would be an understatement! I have worked so long and so hard on my degree (the past year of school online has been rough to say the least), that I could not be happier that this is becoming a reality. Since BYU doesn't have graduation ceremonies in December when I'll really be finished, I decided to walk early. I told G when we moved away that it was really important to me to walk at graduation and commemorate this achievement and time of my life. Luckily for us, BYU scheduled graduation festivities during G's only break since Christmas! The stars aligned!!

I have LOVED my time at BYU, but I am finally feeling like I am ready to move on and see what's in store for the rest of my life. I didn't have time to scan my announcement in, so you'll have to deal with a picture of a picture. I am just happy. Thanks everyone for helping me get here!

^^ And no, for all of the people who have already asked and future askers,

I have never dyed my hair! ^^

It naturally goes lighter in the summer and darker in the winter.

Once ombre goes out of style I'll be in trouble,

because that's its natural gig.

Also, G took this pic of me at the botanical gardens right next door to our apartment and the whole time he was candidly acting like a photographer saying things like, "Oh you look so cute! Your hair is perfect. Okay, great angle. Wow, you are so pretty!" and I couldn't stop laughing and thinking "Who is this amazing man that I married?!" LOVE YOU GORDY!!! Can't wait to pick you up from the airport tomorrow!

Last week we traveled to Arizona for the Brewer family reunion. I grew up going to AZ at least once a year, but G and I were on our honeymoon when my family went last so I had been really looking forward to this reunion and having him meet the rest of the fam. (He went to AZ for my cousin's wedding with me before we were engaged.) I love cousins!!!! I love the strength and love that I feel from my extended family. It is so tangible. This is a tribute to the best bunch of cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents out there! Go Brewers!

^^ We often fly out of Atlanta because it is usually much cheaper.

The bright side is a car ride with my honey. ^^

^^ I didn't get a photo of our take-off from Atlanta, but trust me

when I say it looks quite different than the Arizona desert! ^^

We drove from Phoenix to Snowflake with my sister, brother-in-law and niece. Since we had some time to kill, we decided to walk around the new Gilbert temple that we've heard so much about. And since my niece is obsessed with temples, we knew she would like it! It is breathtaking!

^ Look at that cute baby bump! ^

^Stunner shades.^

^^ Megan, Chris, & Ashlyn ^^

I know I just posted ten thousand pics from walking around the temple, but I couldn't help it. It was gorgeous!! Megan also took the opportunity to point out a cactus on the grounds and teach Ashlyn not to touch them in AZ. ;) The drive to Snowflake was sure entertaining with this cute girl too!