Book Review: Catching Fire

It's September 4th. What does that mean? That means that "Catching Fire" (Hunger Games 2) by Suzanne Collins came out 3 days ago. Just enough time for me to buy, read and finish "Catching Fire" by last night.

I have been anticipating the release date of this book ever since I finished "Hunger Games" this summer. "Hunger Games" was by far my favorite read of the summer and "Catching Fire" was the perfect sequel.

For those of you who have not read "Hunger Games," I will not ruin it for you by telling you the plot of "Catching Fire," but you must go out and get "Hunger Games" and read it today. I am convinced you will be hooked.

"Catching Fire" is the second book in this trilogy, so of course I am left hanging wanting more. However, besides the disappointing fact that I am left having to wait yet another year (I really don't know how long) until the final book comes out, "Catching Fire," yet again, had me in suspense not knowing how events would pan out.

So, all in all, go out and READ!

Home is where the <3 is.

This past weekend Pat and I were able to feel at home when we stayed at my sister's house in Syracuse, Ut. It was so nice to be able to sleep in the same bed 3 nights in a row. In the few days we were there we had a lot of fun and took a lot of pictures of my adorable nephews: Luke, Dylan and Mason.


A big thanks to the Rowell's for making us feel at home.

Bear Lake, Utah

This past weekend Pat and I took a day trip to Bear Lake, Utah. Since we might be leaving Utah soon we had to take advantage of the "Caribbean of the Rockies."


We drove up with Pat's motorcycle through Logan Canyon, which is a gorgeous.

Pat looking like a real biker with his facial hair.

I have been to Logan a few times as a child, but for some reason have never seen the temple until now.


Prior to arriving at Bear Lake we heard of their "Famous Raspberry Shakes." So, naturally the moment we got their, after a long ride, we bought one. And let me tell you...THEY WERE ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!! I know what you are thinking "How can a raspberry shake be so good?" Well, I don't know how they do it but it was the perfect in every way. I can't wait to have another one.



We found a public beach that we walked to. Once we were there we really were not sure what to do. We didn't want to get in the water because we knew we would have to get on the motorcycle for a 2 hour ride back to homebase. So, sadly with no other alternative we left only after a few minutes.

We stumbled upon this beautiful natural spring on the road back home.

We {heart} Village Inn

Due to our current "Nomad" status we have to eat out every meal. Sound appealing? Well, it's not. All I want to do it snack on food from a kitchen whenever I want—sigh. But until then Pat and I are enjoying our regular visit to the restaurant down the block—Village Inn.



It was only this year that I experienced Village Inn for the first time. It was a day that I will never forget, as it changed my life forever. The food it is good, the meals are huge, the prices can't be beat, the service is always friendly, the booths are comfortable, there is never a wait, and it is never crowded so you are a VIP with every visit. Oh! And I cannot forget to mention the "FREE PIE WEDNESDAYS!"



Pat and I love village in so much we want to take all our friends there. We feel it is Provo's best kept hidden secret. This past week we took our friend Johnny and Joanna for Free Pie Wednesday, and of course it was great.

I love Village Inn.

Back Down to Sac-Town

After spending some time in my hometown of Moraga, we were able to visit my sister, Kim, and her family in Sacramento. We had a great time just hanging out in the pool and playing games.




I don't get to spend very much time with her kids: Eli, Julianna, and Lyla, so it was so nice to be with them. They are absolutely adorable.