Yes Rachel, I am alive!

I promised my friend Rachel that I would post an update. But then I realized that I haven't taken many pictures of me in Fresno, so I'll get on that. To tide her over though and to pay homage to me week at the Ramada I thought I'd post this picture of me in front of my second hotel room. Another picture taken a while ago....but at least it's new for you.

My Nephews

This was taken in late Aug. right before I moved to California. Me and my favorite little boys! Doesn't Colter look excited!

New York

Over the 24th of July, my friend Traci and I went to New York for the first time. Traci has a friend that is going to school there so we went to visit her. I love New York because every section of the city is just a little bit different but it's all still a short trip away.
While we were there we went to see three Broadway shows: The Lion King, Wicked, and Mamma Mia. They were each so different but all fantastic.
As you can see in this picture we had one day of rain, but the weather was beautiful the rest of the time. I hope you recognize this building. Hint: I met some friends there and talked about nothing.

We visited most of the New York touristy things! Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Met, and Central Park. I thought Central Park was so beautiful. I would hang out there if I lived in near it! As you can see we were walking around Central Park on the only rainy day - I must have offended the weather Gods that day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLTER!

July 4th was Colter's 1st Birthday! I sure miss this little guy. Love you Cole!

July 4th!

For the 4th of July, I had dinner at my Grandma and Grandpa's in Heber. Spencer rode his bike without his training wheels for the first time!! (Yea Spencer!!!) By the end of the night he was already riding like a pro. Then we went to Spencer's house in Midway to watch the fireworks. He has the best seats and the best caramel popcorn in town.

Here I am with almost all of my Horner cousins, Dalon, Tom, and Kissy after the fireworks. I can't believe how they've all grown up, but I still have as much fun as ever when I'm with them!

Lake Powell

Colter (my nephew)and Grandpa (my dad)

Amanda and Carson (my nephew)

Carson and Spencer (my cousin)

In the middle of June, my extended family and I spent a week in Lake Powell. It was a blast! (Thanks Nile and Ann!) The best part was that almost everyone was able to be there most of the time. (We missed you E and Steph!) We had good food, the best company, and tons of water-skiing!!

Disneyland

If in California, must go to Disneyland! Fresno is only about 4 hours away from LA, so we flew into LA (much cheaper) and then drove to Fresno and then drove back to LA. That way, we were able to spend Saturday in Disneyland.

Here we are in front of the Peter Pan ride. It was my favorite ride as a child. Now my favorite ride is Space Mountain...and here I am there!!

We had such a great day. The lines weren't too bad and I'd never been to California Adventure before. So now when you all plan your vacations to Disneyland, let me know and I'll come see you!!

Fresno

As you may or may not know I have been accepted to California State University Fresno, otherwise known as Fresno state, in their creative writing MFA program. So my friend Rachel and I went to check it out. According to Wikipedia, Fresno has an approximate population of 480,000 and is the 6th largest city in California. When I got there it was a lot different than I expected. I love the campus. It is very open and green and you enter each classroom from the outside. Here I am in front of the building that houses the English Department.
The campus is in the northeast corner of Fresno and borders on a farming community called Clovis. So the area around the campus is a little bit more rural, has a nice small town feel, and is close to everything I’ll need on a regular basis. (Except I don’t know where the Costco is yet, here’s hoping it’s close!) I’ve been told the Clovis farmer’s market is amazing. You’ll know where to find me on Friday nights!