Love those cats

Onyx and Jax on a warm, lazy summer morning.

House Hunting

Howie and I haven't officially started our hunt for a new home yet, but Howie's Dad and Stepmom are keeping an eye out for us.  They found this gem of a home pictured below in downtown Salt Lake.  We poked through the windows and  I must admit, I've kind of fallen in love.

 I would want to give the outside a face lift.  Not too fond of the paint color.  Even bringing back the original brick color would be neat, I think.

Gorgeous fireplace!

I never thought I would ever consider an older home (much older home).  They are...well, old, for one thing, next to no closet space, small bedrooms, etc.  But, I see so much character in this home and the fact that it is somewhat updated (like the kitchen) makes it much more appealing.  We've read online that the bathrooms are updated, too.  Howie isn't sold, but we haven't seen inside for ourselves yet.  I can't stop thinking about it though.  I've already envisioned Christmas gatherings and hot summer days in the back yard.  The house needs work, don't get me wrong.  The floors on the main level need some love and the landscaping is pretty shabby.  There is also a basement that may have some income potential for us.  I can't wait to see inside and walk around.  Maybe I'll post some additional pictures of it.

I don't know if we'll end up in it, but it sure is fun to entertain the idea for now.  The home was built in 1908.  How cool is that?

Howie's 29th Birthday

We had a great time today celebrating Howie's birthday.  He asked me to take the day off work so we could just spend time together.  I was all for it.  What a beautiful day to do it, too.  We packed up a picnic lunch and took it to Liberty Park.

Is it just me or is the best thing about eating Cheetos the part where you get to lick the cheese flavoring off your fingers?

"Hey Tara.  Is there something in my teeth?"

We wanted to rent a boat and take it out on the pond in Liberty Park, but it was too hot out.  Maybe next time.  I haven't done that since I was a little kid so, we will definitely re-visit that idea another day.  After the park we went to Leatherby's for a delicious ice cream and to cool off.  Then we went home and took a three hour nap.  What a great, relaxing day.  I'm so glad Howie told me to take the day off.  Happy Birthday, sweetie!

Happy 29th Birthday To Me!

Today is my 29th birthday.



I came into work this morning to this lovely plate filled with frosted brownies made just for me by a co-worker.  (They're actually Costco brownies with homemade frosting, but still delicious.)  Can't wait to dive into one of those!

Today marks the beginning of the last year I have in my 20's.  It's a little surreal.  I didn't think I would feel any different getting closer and closer to 30, but it is a little nerve wracking.  I'm getting older.  There is no denying it.  A lot of people my age already have several children.  I have two cats and a husband.

Not bad.  Not bad at all.

Anniversary Weekend - 6/25-6/28

Last weekend we celebrated our anniversary by using my Aunt and Uncle's cabin in Fruitland, Utah.  They are so nice to have let us use it!  We loved it down there.

You might remember this cabin from this post last year.  I went up last year with my family but Howie couldn't make it.  But this time we had it all to ourselves!  We made the most out of it and took up some yummy food to make while we were there.  The first night we had homemade french bread pizza.

The next morning I made us some pancakes, eggs and turkey bacon. (50% less fat!)

We played some Wheel of Fortune.  Howie is a little bit of a sore loser when it comes to this game.  It's not my fault I'm so good at it!

Then we took one of the 4-wheelers for a spin.  Howie rode on the back of one first because he wasn't sure he wanted to drive one himself.  He had a scary experience on one a long time ago and it has ruined him.  But, we had fun riding it together.

We headed back to the cabin for some lunch after our ride.  Howie was kind enough to grill us up some beef patties.

Howie wanted to take a nap so, I took a 4-wheeler off-roading.

When I got back he was ready to try one out himself!  Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes upon this blessed photo because I did NOT think I would ever see the day...

He had fun on it.  He told me it was not as bad as he thought it would be.  I'm so glad!  I really enjoy them so, I'm glad he does, too.

Back at the cabin, we enjoyed a delicious chicken caesar salad over a game of Mancala.

And then the activity I looked forward to the most...S'mores!

Howie built us a lovely fire.

It was fun sitting, chatting and star gazing by the fire.  Perfect evening.

The last morning we were there we enjoyed some french toast and juice for breakfast.

We had an awesome time at our home away from home.  I hope they'll let us use it again!

On our actual anniversary (June 28th) we went to eat at The Melting Pot!

Happy Anniversary, babe!