Birthday, Birthdays Coming to Earth Days

Introducing Enoch: Adventurous, Handsome, Smart, and now 27.  We were in Utah for Enoch's birthday this year.  In asking him what he wanted to do for his birthday, he quickly responded that he wanted to kayak down the Provo River, so kayaking we did.  Although I feel like Enoch is now officially old, he still is the best around.  To finish off the day, I invited some of E's roommates over for a BBQ and badminton. 

I myself have stayed quite young, I don't feel like 23 is threatening in the least bit. I have become quite the mastermind in double birthdays as of late, so while in Utah I naturally requested my birthday to be celebrated in advance.  Enoch informed me that kayaking would be a good idea to celebrate, so kayaking we went.  Naturally, the family is becoming much more proficient and outrageous in the kayaking arena- I feel like kayaking is becoming a new family tradition.   Being the indecisive person I am , I have great difficulty choosing anything.... so I have resolved to give full rein to my mom in choosing my birthday meal.   However, it sufficeth me to say that her cooking was a highlight of my birthday experience.   

Determined to make the most of my birthday I carefully planned my day, which ended up being quite the LA day.  A bike ride to the Marina to take pictures, a pesto panini for lunch, a makeover and new Mac makeup, temple time, dinner at Cha-Cha Chicken, a stroll along the Santa Monica Promenade, and finally ice cream at Downtown Culver City.  

Caribbean Enchilada's, who would have thought those two words would ever go together.    

 I have been dying to have this carrot cake since I first tried it at the Plewe's.  Enoch did a fabulous job making it, it did not disappoint.  

Santa Monica with the Serafines

This post in long, long overdue. I have let down my wonderful Aunt Lori, but here is the recap- better late then never I guess.  

Gary, Lori, and Riley made a trip down to LA to visit Enoch and I because they missed us so much, I am sure of it.  We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon and evening in Santa Monica visiting the beach, seeing the Promenade, and having dinner before they continued on their trip to Catalina Island and other Southern California Adventures.  Our visit reminded me how much I love my family and how lucky I am that I have so much of it (36 Aunts and Uncles total on my side alone)

Riley and Enoch after boogie boarding

Short and Sassy

Yes short and sassy is my new hair style.  It has been a fun change, however the downside is when I lay on Enoch's lap and he strokes my hair and I end having a dew much more reminiscent of this

Bieber hair, that is right Enoch gives me Bieber hair.  Embarrassing

The Halle Shoot

I have been asking Halle for a few months now if I could steal her away for a few hours and get some photography practice.  Well I finally followed through; here are some of the pictures taken at the Marina Del Rey Harbor .  Halle is the sweetest and kindest and prettiest girl ever- enjoy.

Last First Day of School

I am not sure if I can stomach the reality of today, my last "first day of school".  You mean I am supposed to grow up soon, do amazing things with my life, make real decisions, and know what I am doing.  I remember countless nights before my first day of school where I would delicately lay out my first day of school outfit.  I would hang it up to look like a real person, place the shoes and socks underneath, and draw a face on a paper plate to complete the ensemble.  Falling asleep was always a challenge as I would fall asleep with butterflies in my stomach as I anxiously anticipated the coming year. 

This year was a bit different however, I failed to make a paper plate face, I picked out my clothes this morning, I slept fine, and I had nothing new to wear. However, true to tradition here is my picture from this morning and a vow to never stop learning, to challenging myself in everything I do,  to give back and use the knowledge I have gained to bless others, and to forever to promote education.  And who knows maybe this isn't my last first day of school, perhaps a PhD will be in my future.

Mills Family Vacation 2011

When I think of the Mills Family Vacations I think of epic coordination, mass mayhem, lots of food, 25 independent thinkers, 2 babies under 6 months old, small amounts of sleep, large doses of time together, late night games with chatting and cookies, 14 nieces and nephews, a spacious 1,800 sq ft gathering place ha ha, and one classic vacation.

The Mills Family Reunion took place right her in Los Angeles this year.  The lineup of activities included family Olympics at the church, outdoor movie, LA temple visitor center, Redondo Beach, bonfire at Dockweiler Beach, Griffith Park Observatory and pony rides, Traveltown, a hike and swimming at Aunt Barbara's, dinner with the siblings, Great Park in Irvine and the Paige Reunion at Laguna Beach.

Here is a picture overload; however I promise it is actually only a few when compared to the hundred of pictures I took over the week.

Havasupi

This was one ultimate trip. It all began with a 10 hour car ride, 5 hours of sleep at a parking lot by a cliff, followed by a 20+ pound backpack, a 10 mile hike, 16 fun and fabulous people, 90+ degree heat, 3+ awesome waterfalls