"True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and choice."

I've been so blessed in my life to find a few true quality friendships. These friendships leave eternal impressions.. as though I've always known them and always will. I thank God, very literally, for the people he's put in my life to influence me for the better and allowed me to, in return, also influence. A couple months ago I was able to spend some time with Courtney doing what we love most to do. It was a great opportunity to reminisce and feel grateful for all we have! I miss you Courtney!!!

Hawaii!!!!

Family, isn't it about time?

This past weekend Grandma and Grandpa Simmonds came to visit. We had such a wonderful time! Their love, optimism, and faith taught us a lot, even in the short time we were with them. We spent a fun filled saturday driving all over the bay area. The day started with a funeral (Grandpa Simmond's sister) and was followed by a trip out to the bakery! We wandered the streets of cute little San Carlos, window shopping and looking through antique stores and shared a piece of chocolate mousse cake with my mom! After that we took them to the lighthouse hotel to have dinner overlooking the ocean!!! We finished the evening sitting on our back porch here at home watching the sunset and just chatting.

All in all we really enjoyed the visit and can't wait to spend time with them again!!!! The more people I meet in my new family the more excited I am to be a Carrick!!!!

Utah!

Our most recent trip to Utah was everything we hoped it would be!! We found so much joy in spending time with our family a couple states away. James happily soaked in every second he could with his siblings. He's really missed them. We can't wait to see everyone again!!!!


Here Tyler's pointing to the newest addition in the family: Baby Makayla! She is the sweetest little baby!!! We had so much fun taking turns holding her and playing with her.


One of the highlights of our trip was playing with Tyler. Wow he's so grown up!!!! Above are some pictures I took of him trying to be like the big boys. haha. It almost looks like he's really playing in some of them.

Me and Casey! Her and Mat were sweet enough to let us crash with them all weekend. We REALLY appreciated it! I love my new sisters!

Me and Lindsay!! I'm so grateful to know her! She's become such a true friend to me!










Dara and her little one!!! I don't know why I didn't get a picture of her and I together.. Definitely next trip!

All in all the weekend was AMAZING! If any Carricks are reading this now.. WE MISS YOU PEOPLE! and can't wait to see you again!!

p.s. Bryson-- when are you coming to visit?!? Te extranamos demasiado!!!!

Meet Beto!!!

He is our fish. We love him!

He has a sunken ship in his tank.

The proud parents of a new fishy! haha.

OLD SACRAMENTO!!!!

A couple weekends ago James and I went to Old Sacramento. We wandered the streets along the Sacramento River and enjoyed a beautiful sunny day! We enjoyed the old schoolhouse (pictured above) and other historic sites. The highlight of the day was our visit to the California State Railroad Museum. We spent more than an hour inside and are planning to definately return one day!

A tribute to my dear friend Desiree

Today my wonderful friend Desiree got married to an equally wonderful man named James.

To this day I believe that my moving to Utah had many purposes. The greatest, of course, was meeting my James and starting our eternity together. Another beautiful result of that summer was a very true and sincere friendship with Desiree Ryan.

She is one of the most beautiful people I know, inside and out. She knows how to take care of all the people the Lord puts in her path. She just kind of shines. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. I learned that summer how to put my inhibitions behind me and face life with optimism and a sense of adventure.

I'm so proud of her for this amazing step she's taken in her life!!! I wish her the very best of the best! She certainly deserves it!!

CONGRATULATIONS DESIREE AND JAMES JAMIESON!!!!!!!