Annual Westerners.

On August 26th we celebrated our first full year in Utah.  That word celebration found its way into the mix-but in reality we didn't have an actual celebration.  It was basically just a factual statement regarding an ENTIRE year being Westerners.  I will have to suggest that it is a fortunate day for Utah since we have graced them with our presence for a full year.  I can almost even see them making August 26 a state holiday-maybe even paid state holiday :). (Kidding).

This would def. be our State Holiday picture They could put in the Paper.  'The Cook's Reside in Utah for One Year'  This photo makes us look 'mountainy' and 'environmental' and 'Westernery' in my opinion.  Especially with Seth's monstrous bushy beard going on there and my uncharacteristically chaotic hair fro.

Fortunately for me, my family, and the Entire Southland-I have NOT lost my accent.  I still continue to be asked at least every other day (especially with where I work--I'm constantly seeing families, talking to home health agencies, and calling doctors offices), 'Where are you from' or 'Where'd you get that Accent'.  I actually am very thankful that I have this trait or otherwise what would we do for conversation starters?  Our Southern background and Western presentday takes up at least 15-30 minutes of our conversations with others.  Very helpful when trying to meet folks.

Over the past year we have found a wonderful church-that we adore.  Made pretty significant (and hopefully-lifelong) friends.  We've visited about 11 or so states (ones that I would otherwise have never ventured into).  We've seen several National Parks.  Gaped over beautiful landscapes.  Become intense-avid hikers (a little exaggeration there).  And lovers of Western sunrises & sunsets.  

A meadow/mountain view of a recent hike we ventured to.

We've seen a snow blizzard-driven in one actually.  We've realized that in some areas of the US that mounds and mounds--inches and inches of snow may cover the ground but life still goes on.  Utah can be completely ridiculously cold with completely ridiculously amounts of snow-but in every season (except maybe January and February) Utah is always different but beautiful!

Little example of snow covering everything-and life continued without delay.

What cold-wind-snow will do to a bearded man in Utah.


After looking back at a few of our winter photos-I'm certainly NOT looking forward to having a second winter here.  Although there are fun winter activities, I don't enjoy snow being involved in the 9 out of 12 months of the year.  Ick.


Anywho-just wanted to post a blog acknowledging our first year out West.  Over the past few days-Seth and I have been dog sitting in an absolutely gorgeous home with an absolutely perfect view.  We've been waking up the past few mornings to brew a pot of Joe and sit in rocking chairs for front row seats for the Sun's performance of dancing over the mountains :).  Seth told me to write that sentence-seriously.  I'll have to post pictures when I get them uploaded and what not.

Couple spots on the White Pine Lake Trail.


We can certainly tell that USU is starting back for Fall classes tomorrow.  The campus is livening back up with students.  I can start working out again at the gym (I've certainly gotten slack with that aspect of life).  We are seeing and meeting new people, and getting back together with old friends (from this past year) who are coming back from their Summer activities.  


Our friends Michael and Miranda had their precious baby girl-Eva.  We went to visit them in the hospital (can't believe it has almost been three weeks since her Birth).  Seth and I both were able to hold Eva-I got a picture of Seth with Eva.  Of course he doesn't think to take a picture of me with Eva :).

Eva was only a few hours old in this picture.

How cute-but trust us, we are perfectly content holding, babysitting, and returning the baby at this stage in our lives :).

Good luck for those who are starting college soon.

-Eason finishing up his last year-hope you make the Dean's list again this year bro!

-Karla starting up your first year at ol Lander.  Hope you enjoy it~ Whoop!

-Zach~Have fun.  I hope you get a great job so you can employ Seth :).  Seriously-that is what we are both planning!

Seth and I both miss our siblings very much.  Just thought I'd throw a little picture of them up.  We love ya'll and miss ya'll very much.  Living half your life in the same house-fighting with them-growing up with them-sharing your toys with them :).  It is very difficult sometimes to not have them around-especially when you aren't even in the same town.  We were talking about all ya'll on our last hike-FYI :).

Seth's graduation.

Wow Zach you look so super young!

My Bro and Me.  E's :).

Hope you all have a great week!

The Cook's :).

Jay & Stephanie Trip.

Soon, My husband will employ me. :).  How interesting is that statement.  Seth has been doing numerous interviews with Utah Ranchers and Professional/Policy Folks.  He is suppose to transcribe all the interviews-but it takes a while-and it i starting to get backed up.  His professor told him he could hire someone to do the transcribing for him.  Guess who he picked (even though I've already told you)?  ME!  We've completed the paperwork and I'm somewhat employed with Utah State through my Hubs--my supervisor :)-I guess it shouldn't be much different than everyday life right?  It will only be for a short period of time-but I thought it was a fun story to share with you all.

This past weekend Jay and Stephanie flew out to the West to visit with us.  We had a very eventful-athletic-fun weekend with these two.  After picking them up at 10:47 on Thursday-we made it home in enough time to be pooped and went straight to bed.

Friday we went out for a hike to Naomi's peak-which is up our Logan Canyon.  Naomi's peak is the highest area in the Bear River Range-which (I guess) means it is pretty high.  It's right at 10,000 feet, and has been by far the toughest hike Seth and I have encountered.  We made Jay and Stephanie trek it with us-and they were certainly troopers.  Seth and I have realized that hiking is definitely a challenge, but is ALWAYS worth the effort in the end-Naomi's peak no doubt fits in that category.

The furthest set of mountains are our Wellsville mountains-which are my favorite.


Here a few pictures of our hike.

Jay & Stephanie at a 'resting' point for pictures.

Seth and I have come up with 'code'-especially when we are hiking with other folks.  It's not always 100% though.  We usually will stop and say we need to take pictures-sometimes because it is beautiful-other times occur because we are pooped and need a break.

 The Group.

The boys.

The Girls.

Stephanie on the rock-

Such a beautiful area.

These are always my favorite pictures.


After we completed our hike-we went to the lake for our picnic lunch.  The hike took longer than we expected so we finally had our lunch about 330-4ish.

Our picnic view.

When we were done eating-Seth and I wanted to take these guys to see Bear Lake and a Raspberry Shake. (Unfortunately-Stephanie doesn't like Raspberries so she got a different type of shake-her taste buds missed out on a little bit of life).

The four of us at Bear Lake Overlook-After we had engulfed our milkshakes-all but little Miss Stephanie.


Typically, we were all beat from our 5 hour hike.  We got back to our apt and just hung out.  The next Day (Saturday) we went to Jackson Hole, WY and viewed the Teton's.  The Teton's are one of my favorites-they are gorgeous and never look the same to me.  We took them to the same place we went with Seth's parents.  Took a boat over Jenny Lake to do a few hikes on the Teton's.  


We were told to be careful because there have been bear sightings- Just don't get to close to the bear if you see it and you'll have nothing to worry about.  The very FIRST thought Seth and I both had was my dad and his reaction to 
1. this statement and 2. that we were still hiking in this area.  Of course-I didn't think we would see an actual bear-that never happens in real life. WRONG--Mom, don't allow Dad to finish reading this blog from this point on!  While hiking the people in front of us were looking at something and digging for cameras.  Turning around telling us to be as quiet as possible-I begin to get worried.  As we get closer they point to a bear-not 20 feet away.  These idiots literally are standing 20 feet from a bear and are trying to snap a picture of it.  First off-I knew the bear wouldn't come after me-it would definitely snatch these ignorant folks up for taking its picture from 20 feet away.  I was worried about the other bears that certainly had to be somewhere close by.


Instantly my pace slows and I am looking for Seth to turn around and go the opposite direction.  Jay and Stephanie continue walking by the folks-past the bear.  Seth is directing me to come by and he would go behind me-but to be quiet and quickly move.  I listened to my man-but my heart was racing and I wasn't a very happy camper at the moment.  For the next few minutes all four of us hiked nonstop to put as much distance between us and that bear as we could.  After a few minutes I look at Seth and we begin discussing how furious and freaked out my father will be when he hears this story.  I walked 20 feet beside a bear--Scary and not much fun.  Is it bad that I was half wishing the bear would scare the folks taking pictures with a mighty growl?


Anywho-We hiked up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration point.  Here are a few more pictures.

Hidden Falls Pic.

My Bear Protector :)-I think the Bear would have enjoyed that cute thing a tad more than me-Don't you?

Again-my favorite type of pictures.  Seth checking out the Hidden Falls and Jay looking out over Inspiration Point.

The Teton's

Jay & Steph.

Happy Campers :).  It was a beautiful day-beautiful place-somewhat beautiful people- Kidding.

I had to get a picture with the J-Bird.  Of course he wasn't being serious in this pic.


We stayed the night in Jackson Hole, WY and had us a good ol time.  Eating out and shopping.  Stephanie and I both had to buy Jackson Hole shirts.  On Sunday we traveled on back to Utah-enjoying a beautiful drive.  The West is just amazing how gorgeous and different things are from the South.  After we got home on Sunday we chilled out and eventually took our guests to the 'usual' spot on campus that we have taken every guest.  I guess that is one of our 'must see traditions' we have started, and of course we forgot the camera for this-but we did go.


During their stay I decided to make a Lemon Blueberry Cake-just because I think it is delicious and it has always turned out attractive.  Except this time of course.  Half the bottom stuck to the pan for some odd reason.  I caked the bad boy with butter so I have no clue why this could have happened.  Anywho-it wasn't the best looking cake I've created, but mind you it was still scrumptious.  

Gross looking cake but still yummy.

Overall it was an active but oh so fun weekend.  After Seth dropped Jay and Stephanie off at the airport I got a text telling me he misses them already-misses the rest of his friends-and his family :).  So-folks you are missed my Seth and I.

We don't currently have any potential bookers for future guests, but we are accepting offers and would recommend coming before the fearsome winter hits us. :).  

Have a good remaining week folks.  Our days are staying warm and evenings are feeling like fall-perfect weather.  Just so you know!

The Cook's :).

Final/Last/Complete Anniversary Blog :).

It is official-We've been married for over a year :).  How fun.  I woke up this morning and reminded Seth that we have been married for 367 days and our 13 month anniversary will be soon.  Then comes our 4 year all together anniversary in October :).  I was quickly reminded that we have hit the one year mark and we are done with days, months, and all together anniversary.  We are only going to be celebrating our marriage and only our marriage annually from this point forward.  

I'm kidding a tad-over exaggerating it somewhat.  But it is also some-part truth.

Please don't judge me. :).

Fortunately-Seth and I enjoyed a wonderful Anniversary meal on the 15th.  We went to a very elegant (in our opinion) restaurant and went to town ordering everything we thought would be delightful.  When one of us would question the other-the response would always be 'But its our anniversary'.  Needless to see our bill should be placed in its own category in our budget 'Anniversary Dinner' :). (Maybe should even start saving for it throughout the year!)  Seth decided that we would go all out every year for our anniversary-every year.  We definitely started this tradition on the right foot!  

Unfortunately-Seth wouldn't let me whip out my camera to take pictures of any part of our meal.  He specifically told me 'no' on numerous occasions when I would attempt to reach down for the machine to capture the setting, appetizers, entrees, or us :).  

I will just say-that it was a beautiful setting.  The food was presented magnificently (Using elegant words due to the elegant place).  And my date was looking mighty scrumptious :).

Most of you who read this still are Southerners or at least raised in the South-so you may be aware of a Wedding Tradition we have.  It isn't as common out here in Utah.  Most folks save their wedding cake topper and eat it on their first year anniversary.  Seth and I left the topper in SC and luckily my Mom mailed it to us.  It got here just in time to notice it had thawed out :).

It got here pretty early-we were worried it might go bad before our anniversary-so we dived into it on the day it arrived.  Here is a picture.

Seth went straight on in to cutting the cake.  I was absolutely certain my romantic (haha-joke) husband would go into this huge spill of how wonderful I am-how much he loves me-How great it is to be married to me-How fantastic I make his life.  How PERFECT I am as a wife.  Most of you catch my drift by now-I was dreaming obviously :).  I know my man-he is not a gushy-romantic. He loves me in every way he knows how and it is a wonderful love that I couldn't imagine anything more-He warms my car up for me in the winter-scraps the snow off of it-fixes my car-puts gas in my car-takes care of the trash-vacuums-locks our home up-makes me coffee every morning-wakes up at 5:03 with me-cooks my breakfast on the weekends-bakes me yummy bread-and more-I would just take all day going on.  Anyhow-it didn't happen like that.  It happened like this :

So I just dived right in too-like this:

The cake was still very tasty-and just yummy.  We even ate another slice the next day.  Hopefully there is no superstition about eating your wedding cake a few days earlier than your anniversary-if there is, please don't tell me about it :).

As you all know I'm a silly countdown type of girl-I'm also a silly bragging type of girl too.  I have gotten to be completely giddy over flowers.  I love having them around-I feel like they brighten me up and smell just too pleasant.  My wonderful man got me flowers for the anniversary day.  They were absolutely BEAUTIFUL.  He comes in to our home with his golf clubs in one hand and my bouquet in his other.  I wish I would have gotten a picture of that!

After staying in our bed and breakfast that served us homemade white bread as toast-I began craving it.  While Seth was gone playing a few holes of golf-I decided I didn't need my bread man to make it for me.  I was determined to master it on my own.  I tell you what-that stuff is easy-time consuming-delicious.

I really just put this picture up again for the flowers :).

It was good-

So-sorry to disappoint all of you folks-but this will be my last post on our anniversary.  Whoop :)-I'm sure that is what most of you just yelled out.  Thank ya'll for sticking with me and my giddy anniversary posts-but again I promise this will be the last one.  Hope everyone's week is great!

A few final things:

-I just finished reading 1. A time to Dance and 2. A time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury.  Wonderful books.  I boo-hooed like a kid in A Time to Embrace-Highly recommend!

-Jay and Stephanie will be here Tomorrow evening!  Seth and I are in the works of completing their itinerary.

-I am having my first 'girls night out'-tad excited about it-But it is only because Seth has 2 interviews in Tooele again that I couldn't go to with him.  Wish him luck and pray for his safe travels!

The Cook's :).

Anniversary Trip :).

364 

Days Seth and I have been married :).  You all already know I'm a silly girl when it comes to countdowns and celebrations.

Tomorrow we are able to scratch one notch into our walls-remembering our first year of sharing the same last name :).  If you have been keeping up with our blog-you are aware of the whirlwind of our life-the adventures we have shared together-and some of the entertaining memories we have made.  

Who would've EVER thought ME:

-A countryfied/redneck (whichever you prefer)

-Joanna blood running through my veins from birth

-Homebody-never even considering moving away from Joanna-esp SC

-Daddy's little girl (even though there were some intense moments!)

-Mommy's favorite child :)-kidding.  Mom's best friend

Would have picked up everything to move across country with this fella:

Who teaches children bad manners at an early age :).


But I did and couldn't be happier!

Seth has already realized how lucky HE is that we are married.  Whew-I'm so thankful that it only took him a year to figure that out!

That sounds bad doesn't it?  Conceited-Arrogant?  But it is the truth :). 

Now don't go getting your britches in a wad-I feel the same way about this man of mine-that I'm lucky and all :).

This past weekend Seth and I took a trip away to celebrate our anniversary.  We searched and searched for someplace fun-beautiful-relaxing (the works).  We finally came upon a bed and breakfast in Twin Falls, Idaho.  We found a looker and booked right away.  When telling others our destination we got a bunch of, "Why there?  What is in Twin Falls?  Haven't heard of it.  Not very big.  What are you going to do?"  


Honestly, Seth and I weren't looking for too many things to do.  We just wanted to be somewhere besides Logan-stay in a comfy bed and breakfast-eat some yummy food-and simply be together.  After arriving at The Fillmore Inn B&B-Seth and I were both pleased.  Seth referred to it as a 'gem'-and we were both happy with our anniversary destination :).

The Fillmore Inn Entrance.

We pulled into an urban area and parked at our destination.  Above was the entrance.  It was designed by a woman in the 20's or 30's who wanted an 'English' like home.  The house was bought in 2002 by a couple who restored the home and remodeled a few things-but kept the English tutor feel of the place.  It was PRETTY.  Awe-Striking.

Picture of the living area-This room had high ceilings with dark wood beams.  Just so nice to look at.

A few pictures of the room we stayed in.  Bathtub/shower that shows an window into bathroom.  

 Another view.


Our host suggested for us to eat at Elevation 486 and we are very thankful they did.  DE-LIC-IOUS.  Scrumptious.  Wonderful.  I could go on and on about this place.  Not only was the food wonderful the view was amazing.

Beautiful.

I ordered a seafood pasta plate and Seth ordered a steak.

We were served Raspberry Butter with our Rolls-and I have requested to learn to churn butter.  My tastebuds have been craving this butter since we left the restaurant.  While eating Seth and I determined what we wanted to do when we grow up :).

Eating with The Cook's :)

We are going to call ABC, NBC, TLC, FOOD NETWORK, etc.. and tell them we have a last name that coincides with cooking/food (what a catch we would be!).  We will do a show where we travel (by car) throughout the United States and taste food-give a rating-and all that jive.  We both don't think we would go into all the flavor stuff-'this spice compliments that spice'  'it needs a touch more of this or that'  (hopefully you get my drift).  Seth and I just simply want to say in layman's terms-that was 'YUMMY' or 'Not so much' or 'Could be improved' or 'I'd eat the whole plate'.  I think we would be a hit don't you?

Well Elevation 486 was YUMMY-didn't leave a thing on my plate good.

FYI Seth was still working on his-and he did eat it all.  As you can see my plate is empty.

Dessert-Creme Brulee.

Another yummy dish that we had to clean the bowl.

Now off of the food kick-we will let you know when we are starting our food show :).

Another view from Dinner.

Dinner view again.

Saturday-Seth and I woke up in that king size bed sideways :).  We weren't use to a bed so big I guess.  We went traveling around Twin Falls and discovered a few fun locations.

Amazing waterfall.  They call this the Niagara of the West .

Had to get a picture-Touristy stuff.  The sun was bright too-but it was chilly.

Now tell me how beautiful that is!

I came to the conclusion that the rainbow represents how Beautiful our marriage is :).  I'm sure the 25 other couples there came up with the same conclusion for their marriage also.

This picture is at Dierkes Lake.  It was a secluded area with many kids swimming around and jumping off rocks.  We climbed up to a rock and sat on it-looking out at the calm-relaxing scenery.  

We heard the water was cold.

The man I'm blessed to spend my days with :).

The backyard of our B&B.  We ate our breakfast out here-stayed up late one night and chatted-and read our books one afternoon.  Luscious green trees-birds-squirrels-flowers-veggie plants-private.  Perfect!

Sooooo---This is why we chose Twin Falls, Idaho :).  Seth and I are your basic people (I am moreso basic now that I'm with this Nature fella of mine!).  We are pleased by the simplest things in life--yummy food, views of God's creation, and being together.  

The Cook's :).

Life Elevated in Utah.  We enjoyed our vacation-wanted to stay another night even-but it is always nice to be back home.  You can tell Seth wanted to do this can't you ? :).