Growin' Old 'Aint for Sissys!

That's what Grandpa Ryser always says.

'Tis the season for illness, accidents and surgeries. It seems like when it rains, it pours. I spent the past few days in Utah visiting broken relatives. Cub broke his jaw while surfing in Costa Rica (for his birthday) and Grandma Ryser fell and broke her hip. Two surgeries. I just had to visit while I had a break. Spirits were high and it was nice to be with family, what wonderful people. I feel lucky to have been able to make it and even more lucky to just barely make the flight home on Saturday. It was the last standby spot on the plane and the next flight wouldn't have left until Tuesday. What a blessing!

Mesa with Jodi

Tuesday morning I hopped on a plane super early 5:00 a.m. I arrived in Phoenix at about 10 and spent the day with my good friend Jodi Cantrell. We saw "Reflections of Christ" at the Mesa Temple visitor's center. It was a photo exhibit that represented typical paintings of Christ's life. It was very powerful and a must see.
All spirituality aside, we then had make-overs with the new Fafi line at the MAC store. It's a super-fun line and Jodi's understands my obsession. Scary when we both get together. We then got massages. What a great day. Thanks Jodi! It was amazing!

The Toy Fair

Monday we were extremely tired but had to get in just a little more fun. Tara and I enjoyed a little "Crumbs" cup cakes (you gotta try the Blackout, it's ecstasy) while Mark helped his dad at the Toy Fair. Anyone need a Polypong? I know a place you can get one. They're super fun.

Sunday in NYC.

So, Sunday we went to the singles ward in Union Square and then went to ground zero and crossed the Brooklyn Bridge. It was chilly but beautiful. We then went to Erin's house in Brooklyn.

New York

We came to New York last night on the Greyhound bus. Then we took the subway to Queens to the Bangerter's house. Oddly enough the connection was through Tara. The Bangerter's are her good friend's parents and coincidentally 2nd cousin's of Mark's. Saturday we spent the day shopping (yeah Forever 21), saw Legally Blonde on Broadway and then ate at Max Brenner's Chocolate by the Bald man. It was a super fun/exhausting day.

Valentine' s Day Cont..

I had squash ravioli for an appetizer, salad frisee, mahi mahi, and chocolate cake for dessert. Mark had carrot soup, roast beef (tenderloin?), and the airy chocolate heart for dessert (pictured). He also bought me a divine box of chocolates from Teuscher on Newbury Street. Every girl should be treated so well. Thank you, Love.

Valentine's Day

What an awsome boyfriend I have. Valentine's Day was a literal dream this year. Mark took me to dinner at Upstairs on the Square. It's located in Harvard Square and is all pink interior with zebra carpet. It was dreamy.