Mt. Bierstadt-

The view from the hike.

 For the 4th of July I went on a little hike up Mt. Bierstadt.  It's one of more than fifty 14,000 ft elevation peaks in Colorado.  It's a relatively "easy" hike- since you start at around 11,000 ft and it's about  6-7 miles round trip.  As most anybody would tell you though, there are no "easy" 14-ers.  There were lots and lots of people on the trail and I only almost slid down three or four times.  I even saw a mountain goat right at the summit- it was pretty cool.  I'm glad I did it, but I was sure sore the next day.  

Mt. Bierstadt is the peak on the right.

Denver Days

I was in Denver for about 6 weeks working as a nanny for the Preece family.  They are so great and it was a delight to live with them again.  The only thing that would have made it better would have been to have my fiance less than 500 miles away.  We spent a LOT of time at the pool, playing, and running around town.

Homeless? Not these guys!

Behold the future home of Jared and Sara Ridges.... at least the basement portion.

For those concerned with details- this is what I know:

It is in Mapleton, UT.

It is a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom wonder with a small kitchen and living room.

There will be plenty of room for parking.

They have a dog in the backyard.

It was built in 1996.

It is unfurnished.

Rent is $600/month.

I would love to tell you more, but that's really all I know. 

Updates from the last month of my life will be posted soon.... ish.  

Hiking to the grotto

Jared took Me, Emily, Jeffrey, and Caitlyn up Payson canyon to The Grotto.  It was a perfect hike for kids

I couldn't help myself. 

It's my party!

My birthday was pretty low key this year since I flew from Provo to Denver on the morning of my birthday.
The evening before I went on a double date with Jared, Emily, and Dan to Red Robin.  It was certainly yummy!
Emily also made me some delicious Nutella Mousse cupcakes and it was swell time.

When I got to Denver the Preece's had a little cake and gift for me.  Ironically, I was also watching them last year for my birthday.  It was a good birthday.

Photo Shoot

A very very small sampling:

The stars aligned.

Tuesday, May 8th, started out like most any day.  Went to work.  Came home late.  My fella had scouts and I had a ward temple night so I hadn't seen him ALL DAY LONG.  I was sad.  

My ward went to a late late session that didn't start until 8:20 and I was TIRED and also developing a sinus headache.  I left the temple hoping to have a message or missed call from Jared, but was sad to see that there was nothing.  It was about 10:20 at this point and any hope I'd had of seeing him was dashed.  Surely he was already asleep.  My foolishly optimistic side was concocting ways that I would see him and he could just hold me and make me feel better.  

"Maybe he would just be waiting at home for me?"  I hoped

"Nah.... it's too late... he's been working hard today... "  I reminded myself.

"Well, where could he park his truck if he wanted to surprise me? Would he drive his brother's car?" The foolishly optimistic side continued.

"Give it up! He's already snoozin'!"  

"Okay, fine.  You're probably right."

So I continued home and saw to my slight consolation  that this was on my doorstep:

I would have rather seen him, but I it was better than nothing.  

I leaned my tired and achy head against the door and knocked the secret knock so Emily and Dan would know it was me.

Surprise of surprises,  when the door opened I was shocked to see Jared on one knee holding a beautiful ring.  "Sara Sophia Leckie, will you marry me?"  

I was beyond stunned and couldn't even think straight so I gave the only appropriate response.  I kissed him.  

"So... is that a yes?"  he asked.

"Yes, it's a yes."  I said.  

Not the actual day of, but I was much more awake in this picture.