A Summer Summary

Our summer really was a lot of fun.  Both of us were working and Craig was taking a few classes, but it was fun not to have too much stress and to just enjoy each other for a few months.  I figure I'll explain all about our adventures in picture form.  Sound good?

We went on a few family camping trips, but because I'm a slacker when it comes to taking pictures, I don't have much proof. :)  We went to Strawberry Reservoir with Craig's twin brother Eric and his wife Karen.  Snorkling for crawdads was certainly the most exciting part of the adventure.

Brothers doing what brothers do best.

My attempt... This was the only sizeable one I caught. Haha.

The sunset was beautiful!  It was fun to sleep just listening to the crickets and the waves hitting the shore just below us.  The lake was like glass when we got up the next morning.  Perfect!  (Craig and Me on the left, Eric and Karen on the right)

We went camping at Payson Lake a couple times with Craig's family and I experienced float tube fishing for the first time!  I couldn't officially be called an Allred until I had float tube fished at Payson. ;)  My parents and Greg came up to the lake at one point and fell in love with it!

I also attempted to perfect my homemaking skills this summer.  I made apricot jam from scratch!  (Thank you to my Aunt Julee for donating the apricots!)  It turned out REALLY yummy and I was proud of myself.  I don't think my siblings and I ever ate store bought jam all growing up, so this was very much on my list of motherly/wifely things to do.  I was really proud of myself!  Just ask Craig, I really was excited.

As another part of my homemaking quest, I rediscovered my sewing machine this summer.  With the help of my mom and mother-in-law, I managed to make a cute skirt!  Woo!  I've also got fabric for some pajama pants and a really cute bag, but those just might have to wait for a while now that school has started again.

Craig turned 24 this summer!  I had planned to surprise him by deep cleaning his car for him, but I got a crazy bout of the stomach flu during the days leading up to his birthday, so I was never actually able to get it cleaned.  I did give him an IOU, some new seat covers, and air fresheners for the jeep.  New car smell.... mmm. :)  I felt so bad, but he was a really good sport and loving as always.  I'm such a lucky girl!  We went to Wingers, his favorite restaurant, after work and enjoyed the evening together.

We also celebrated our first anniversary!  I can't believe we've already been married for a year!  I still feel like a newliwed in so many ways, but then again, it also feels like we've been together forever.... good thing we will be. :)  I just love this man so much and am the luckiest girl to have him forever! 

After a nice dinner at Olive Garden, we spent the night in a hotel in Salt Lake then went to the Hogle Zoo!  Neither of us had been there in such a long time and it was a fun day to spend together.  Sure, it wasn't the most extravagant of anniverseries, but it was absolutely perfect for us (not to mention our college student budget :)...)

We moved into our new apartment just a few days before school started again.  I think if I were to do that over again, I would have timed it a little differently. :)  We're now just a few blocks away from campus (MUCH closer than before) and are loving it.  Craig still has his calling with the stake and I'm getting settled into the new ward.  We love it here already.