Maune (May and June)

132 - Approximately how many things I want to blog about. But of course I can't. So I'm going to attempt to blog about some of the events of the last 2 months in one post. I want to get caught up without skipping over details. You know how I hate that. So here's the cliff notes version of the last 2 eventful months of the Kellys. I'm not really good at being brief, so I have a feeling this will be a long one. so prepare to scroll. And yes, there will be lots of pictures. Because this is basically my scrapbook. And I was going to do a number thing, but then I got sick of it. So it's kind of random. Nothing creative here. Just the facts.

8 best friends that I will miss dearly. In May my friends got together for a long awaited getaway up in Eden at Abby's parent's gorgeous home. It was A BLAST! We had so much fun laughing and just relaxing with no where else to be, but with each other. It was awesome. We're a weird bunch. When it got late, we started to play around the world ping pong and somehow that turned into muscial chairs. I haven't laughed that hard in awhile. It was the most fun ever! I love every single one of these girls SO much and I look up to each one of them for different reasons. I hope to make good friends while I'm here in NC, but I know these old ones will never be replaced. And I'm really trying to get them to plan the next girls trip to NC! Miss you guys!

1 big award for Dave

I am going to try and humbly say this, but it will be hard because I'm so proud of Dave! He was honored with the "Paul Wintrobe Memorial Award" by the medical school. In my opinion, no one was more deserving. Before they had announced the winner, I was listening to the qualifications for the award while eating my dessert and thinking, that is SO Dave. He was surprised when they announced his name because on the way there he commented how he probably wouldn't get anything because awards usually go to the kids who lobby and brown nose the faculty, etc. I wasn't surprised because I knew no one better deserved it than Dave! Way to go honey!

Here is the description for the award:

The gold Wintrobe Medallion is presented annually to an outstanding graduating senior, based on evaluation of his or her character, breadth of interest and culture, scholastic attainment, interest in research and promise for the future. Since the award was first presented in the mid 50s, recipients have gone on to distinguished careers in diverse medical specialties.

It was a great night for us and Dave really deserved it after all of his hard work and dedication throughout medical school. It was also so fun to be there with our friends to hang out before we all head our separate ways. We'll miss you Faulkners and Barneys!

Is there doctor in the house?

DAVE GRADUATED!!! He is officially an M.D. and I can't believe how fast those 4 years flew by. And yet so much has changed since he began medical school. Again, I am so proud of Dave for working his hardest throughout medical school. Not only in studying, but his dedication every aspect of it that he participated in. I admit that sometimes I wished he didn't try so hard so that I could have more time with him to myself, but that just wouldn't be Dave. He doesn't do things half way. He does his best. Always. And I'm so grateful for it. CONGRATS on 4 years, and here's to 6 more!

It wouldn't be graduation with lots of picture posing. Here's just a few...

me and my M.D.

"The Gunners"

Dave, Nate, and Brandon

The Gunner Family

Dave, me, Brandon, Kerstin, Nate, and Jacey

Dave and his dad, Colin

I love this picture.

The Kelly Boys

Dave was lucky to have all of his brothers come and support him for his graduation. Paul even flew up from Arizona for the day, just for Dave! All the SLC Boyacks came as well. It was great to have everyone there. Dave has so much respect for each of his brothers And the benefit of being the youngest is to have all of these great examples to look up to not only growing up, but through each stage of life.

Our family photo. Sorry for my cheesey smile.

Anna made it through about half of the long ceremony. It must have been at least 2 hours. She was very proud of her daddy and especially liked his tassel from his neat hat.

One of my favorite moments.

Caroline and Anna held each other's hands going down the stairs. And then they wouldn't let go. So cute. We sure miss that darling Caroline.

Only 1 Darcie, for 3 babies! Anna sure loves her aunts!

And that baby in Darcie's belly was born on the 17th. We can't wait to meet sweet Madelyn!

14 augmented cupcakes to form 2 perfectly round desserts!

I laughed so hard when I saw this. We had a wonderful celebatory lunch back at the Kelly's. It was fun looking through Dave's dad's U med school yearbook along with Dave's. In case you can't read it in the picture, the cupcakes along the bottom read, "Do your breast job!"

CONGRATS DAVE!

1 last visit to the zoo with Grandma and Caroline.

They both had to sit on Grandma's lap for the train ride.

2 Bouncy Girls in twiner pants. And they didn't even plan it.

Cruisin

It seems like a dream that we even went on this cruise because we left the day after Dave's graduation and then came home, sold our house, packed up and moved. It's still kind of a blur. But it was a fun little trip and it was good just to have a trip by ourselves before Dave starts his 6 years of slavery to the hospital. We just wanted to go somewhere quick and easy. We left Anna home with the 2 excited Grandma's and went on a crusie from LA, San Diego, Catalina, Ensanada Mexico, and back. This was our first cruise, so we were excited to see what the party is all about. It was fun, but just really cheesey. So cheesey. I can be kind of cheesey, so I take it when it comes, but the cheese is nonstop here. I sort of felt like I was at a high school dance for 5 straight days. Don't get me wrong, we had a blast. But we're just not sure if it's our traveling style. Plus all these people want you to do is spend more money on the boat! We're kind of cheapskates, so we didn't buy any pictures (we brought our own camera, duh), fine art, jewelry, or refillable soda drinks. We had a good time though! Thanks Royal Caribbean!

leaving San Diego

The "formal" night. And I love how the lady behind us is also posing for our picture.

Dave and I both honestly fell asleep during this singing and dancing show. And yes, I have my fleece over my "formal" I made my black fleece pretty trendy on this trip. I wore it with just about everything. It was pretty good weather, but there was just enough wind always to make me chilly.

26 miles across the sea

Our favorite stop on the cruise was Catalina Island. I love this little island and it's charm. We skipped the excursions from the ship and hopped on a trolley to see the island. Then we went to the beach and rented snorkel gear and hopped in for a bit. And my very favorite part was just relaxing on the beach on the soft grass. I know it sounds weird, it should be sand, but the sand there is rocky and so they have this skinny long stretch of grass that was so comfy and cozy. I never wanted to leave. Plus, this was our view...Perfection

Ensanada

The last port was Ensanada, Mexico. We took a bus to the main attraction there, the blow hole. It was pretty cool. Just like the one in Hawaii, but a little smaller. Then basically there's a whole street full of vendors trying to sell you sunglasses, purses, and prescription medication. We didn't want to spend our money on junk we would have to pack when we got home, so we went exploring ourselves and found this cool little cove.

And that was our cruise. We had fun and we sat with a fun couple during our dinners. He reminded me exactly of Jack Black. I loved being able to order 3 desserts and taste each one just because I could. The comedians were actually very funny. And Dave and I had fun just being there together.

The OC

After the cruise, we rented a car and drove down to the o.c. to spend a few days. We were glad we had a few days to do our own thing. We cruised the PCH and walked along Dana Point, did some shopping, Wahoo's, In N Out, the temple, Balboa beach, Balboa bars, Cheesecake, and Laguna. The cruise and this visit to the OC was bittersweet because we had such a great time, but it was weird thinking we probably won't be anywhere near the Pacific Ocean for the next 6 years at least.

Dana Point

Laguna Beach

Whew! Almost done.

The Big Move

Packing stinks! I don't know how people move around so much becuase I think it is one of my very least favorite things ever. Especially packing up the kitchen. It's amazing that one room can hold so much stuff. And most of it needs to be wrapped in newspaper or bubble wrap or something. My mom is a rock star and came and helped us pack up every day our last week. We couldn't have done it without her.

One priceless little package.

Poor Anna was a trooper this last month. She didn't know what was going on and endured lots of late nights, minimal attention from Mom and Dad, and lots of DVDs. I felt like the worst mother ever. She also spent a lot of time on our neighbor Madde's tramp. Don't you just love this picture?

Once we got the truck, Anna loved running up and down the "slide". She was so happy to have one of her favorite cousins, Romey, come and play. Anna had so much fun with her all night and didn't want her to go. I think she must have known something was up, because when Romey had to go, Anna had a total breakdown. It was like she knew it was a real goodbye. It made me so sad. Come visit us Romey!

26 feet on wheels

We drove this humungo truck with a trailer holding our Subaru on back. I can't believe we have enough stuff to fill this thing. And we even had a yard sale to get rid of stuff! I think about half of it was Anna's stuff. It was a weird morning. Waking up and driving away from home. Especially with out Anna. We left her with Grandma G and then Dave's parents flew her back to us so she wouldn't have to endure the road trip. It's a strange thing to walk through your house and know that you will never be coming back to it again. We loved our little house and it was sad to say goodbye. But we knew this day would come and we're ready for the next adventure.

2037 miles we drove from our old house to our new house. We made it in 3 1/2 days with no flat tires, breakdowns, or accidents. It was a long, bouncy drive. And I'm glad it's over. The countryside was nice (except for Wyoming and Nebraska) and we had good company.

The roads in Iowa. The waves were literally breaking on the highway. I hated when my house flooded. I can only imagine what it would be like to have a whole city flooded!

Dave the trucker driving past the arch in St. Louis.

It seems weird not to have an ending picture of us at our house. We took one, but I think it's on Dave's parent's camera. We're here! Dave's parents brought Anna and helped us unpack and get settled. They were a HUGE help and it was nice having some company while we were transitioning. It's still all a blur. But it's definitely feeling like home now, but strange. I feel like I'm living someone else's life. Living in their house, driving thier car, in their city. It's weird. I like it here. It's just different. Change is uncomfortable, but once you get through that uncomfortable stage, it can be so rewarding and usually better than how things were before. We're excited to see what the next 6 years have in store for us here in North Carolina!

1 million thanks to my parents for their help packing up and Dave's parents for their help UNpacking and getting us settled in. We couldn't have done it without you!!!

Seriously, if you made it this far, you are a true friend.

the after party

As much fun as we had at witches' night out on Friday, the night was still not over for us party girls. I forgot that my friends were having a get together at Katy's new house, so Anna and I headed from Gardner Village across town to see some of our favorite people. I can't always make it when my friends get together in the day, so I didn't want to miss out on the fun while I had the chance. It was already past Anna's bedtime, but as soon as she saw her boyfriends Will and Max, she was ready to party again. Plus Katy has pretty cool toys too. I know I always say this whenever I get together with my friends, but I always think how lucky I am to have them whenever I leave from a get together. We have so much fun together and I am so grateful they put up with me. They are all great examples and I hope to be like them when I grow up! Sorry, no pics - too busy chatting.

Eagles Reunited

Saturday was finally the big 10-year reunion for Dave's class! I'm not going to say much because I feel like I have already spent too much time on this event. I think everything went well and it seemed like everyone had a great time. We ended up having a family picnic social at Sugarhouse Park where we just served drinks and desserts. Everyone just brought their own lunches. It was fun to see the cute '97er's offspring and significant others. We put sidewalk chalk out for the kids and it was a hit. By the time that was over and Dave and I cleaned up (yup, just me and Dave and Anna for the clean up crew) it was almost time to get set up for the dinner! We ran home, unloaded the car, changed our clothes, dropped off Anna, and headed up to the JCC for the dinner. The dinner was much more relaxing to me than the picnic. (I wouldn't do a family picnic again...too much chaos!) We had a social hour while we blasted some good ol' tunes from 1997 (mmmbop and gettin jiggy wit it are classics!) The food was much better than I expected (shout out to Utah Food Services!) and then we started a little program during dessert. One of Dave's good friends, Dave Feist helped out by being the MC for our '97 trivia and our class questions. He was funny and did a great job. Is he not the perfect person for that kind of stuff? We did a little raffle to help recoup some of the costs for us. (um, about $500! Scary!) Surprisingly, it did really well! We ended up with some great prizes (many thanks to friends' donations and local businesses) and so we got a lot of support from the class. We don't have the final bill from the caterer yet, but I think we are pretty darn close to breaking even. Phew!!! It was a fun day and needless to say, we are so glad it is over! The funny thing about High School reunions is that it seems like no matter where you went, or how old you are, it seems like they are always the same. You've got your standard group of drunk guys that show up and sit in the back yelling out stuff the whole night, then you've got your used-to-be-shy-and-quiet girl/boy that shows up knocking everyone out, and then of course you've got the used-to-be-pretty-but-is-now-kinda-trashy girl too. Insert any other stereotype here. It's kinda funny how it works. It was fun to chat with old friends and get to know some new ones. We were lucky to have a great group of friends in high school and it was fun that Dave and I were there together. I'm just glad we have another 10 years before we have to do it again!