June was bustin' out all oooo-ver!

May was overshadowed by one big, gigantic, wonderful trip. June was dotted with many lovely activities and time spent with the people who matter the most. As always, I wish I'd taken more photos. I'm figuring out what people do when they aren't in a show during the summer ;)

My big brother celebrated another birthday, and requested Mom's famous cherry pie in lieu of cake.

Can't say I blame him. There's a reason why that pie is famous.

And this kid turned 10!

It's so rare to get an actual smile with Zonks.
Too bad, she has a pretty smile!

Broadway Live! at the Brigham Young Historic Park with darling date Julie.
(A free outdoor concert featuring some local favorites singing showtunes.)
Such a lovely way to spend a Tuesday evening. I should go to a couple
more before summer's end.

Celebrated Father's Day.
I'm grateful for any excuse to tell this dear man how grateful I am that he is in my corner.

Unexpectedly lost a sweet lady to cancer. She will be missed more than I can say.
Cancer sucks.

Carrie came to visit, so Liz organized a barbecue and we took a selfie ('cause that's what we do).
Thank goodness for Randall's long arms. This photo ain't half bad!

Whenever she comes home, I feel like she never left!

Muppets Most Wanted at the dollar theater -- and the
first snow cone of the season -- with Janae.
I ate mine with cream and ice cream. I couldn't resist.

In a strange reversal of roles, my dad came to me feeling terrible because he
had just hit my car with a Uhaul while I was parked at his house.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that I reacted the way my dad always did
when I told him I'd crashed his car: I hugged him, made sure he was ok,
 and assured him I loved him way more than I love the car.
I laughed when I saw the damage. The bumper was crunched!
Happily, although I'd already caused some damage myself (on the other side of the bumper),
he paid for quite a bit of the repairs, and now Evie Elantra is as good as new again! 

Mom and Heidi's mom threw Aaron and Heidi a Hawaiian-themed open house/reception to celebrate their marriage.
The guest list was small and enthusiastic :)

Anyone who knows Aaron well knows he loves eclairs.
It was a no-brainer to serve them at his reception.

Danny jokingly likens himself to Bob from the movie What About Bob?: trying to take Dave's place in the family. Dave won't be replaced
any time soon, but we are all thrilled whenever Danny
comes around. He is a doll.

My job at the party was to mix up virgin pina coladas.
Blend 4 oz pineapple juice with 4 oz coconut creme and 6 oz ice.
Delicious! 

There are few things Pete can't do well.

It takes a lot to impress baby PJ ;)

The happy and beautiful couple

Like father, like son
(Adam's face is for the benefit of the camera.)

Shilene and I supported Theresa in South Jordan Community Theatre's production of Annie.
I must say, every play I see there is better than the one before, and this lady sparkles on stage!

A mini Sound of Music reunion at CenterPoint's Children of Eden.
I have missed these ladies greatly!

It's a little freaky that one half of 2014 is over. Fortunately, we still have another half to look forward to, and two more months of summer!

Do you have anything fun planned for July?

May days

The main event in May were my epic New York City trip and first business trip, but I remembered to take photos of a few other notable things, too:

• I hung out with my friend Mattie June and her tiny baby girl on the same day I saw this article about drawing eyebrows on your baby. I mentioned the idea to her, and she LOVED it. For the record: the mustache and Sheriff costume were Mattie June's idea!

Face scrubbed and girly pajamas after the silliness was over.

• Mother's Day!

"Happy Mother's Day to the one women for whom I will do things I don't want to, just because I know it means a lot to her. Plus, heaven knows she sacrifices for me even now. Thank you for being my dear friend, cheerleader, interior decorator, and so much more. I love you, Mom! #mothersday"

My older brother framed this poem along with his handprint.
He is the reason I will never win "most creative" or "funniest" gift -- haha!

Three generations of gorgeous blondes.
I am grateful to have these women in my life.

• Pre-wedding-trip dinner at Stella Grill to celebrate Aaron and Heidi's elopement. It was the first time both families were together, and it won't be the last!

I'm sad that the sun was so bright, and that the photographer/server
didn't count to three to let Heidi know when to smile.

Missing: Jordyn and PJ
Hiding: Alex and Heidi's nephew

• Kristen's company's annual company picnic and rodeo. Kristen invited me along as her date! I had a blast eating yummy food, meeting her coworkers, and watching Kristen win at Bingo (I played, too, but wasn't nearly as successful). Thank you for inviting me, my friend!

• Dinner at Robintino's with some of my Kiss Me Katians. We always have so much fun together. We should do it more often. Thanks for getting us together, Mandie!

That's all folks. If you wanted more, please accept this compilation of television character catchphrases as consolation:


I'm a little nervous about June and the rest of the summer. It's been a long time since I wasn't cast in a summertime play, and I'm not sure I remember how to enjoy the warm months like a regular person. Pools? Movies? Seeing shows? Barbecues? Long evening walks? I guess I'll figure it out!

A new Mrs. Smyth!

This happened yesterday:

"We're happily married in paradise aka Kauai!" - Heidi

Surprise! My darling brother got married!

Before you ask: Yes, my family knew about it. Aaron and Heidi decided a while ago to "elope" rather than plan a traditional wedding (I put elope in quotations because, as I said, it wasn't a secret), and to go by themselves so that family and friends wouldn't feel pressured to take a trip they couldn't afford. They have been keeping us posted on their travel plans, and we even knew what time the ceremony would take place. I got a text with a photo before they posted it on Facebook. It pays to be the sister of the groom :)

You all know that Aaron has always been special to me. He has been my wingman, confidant, advisor, travel buddy, punching bag (I'm not proud of it, but it's true), and example. Heidi is strong, smart, informed, gorgeous, talented, fun, and kind. I am thrilled that Aaron found her; Heidi complements him so well! Neither are perfect, yet they support and love each other for who they are. They give me hope that there may be somebody as right for me. I love Heidi. I love the way she treats my brother, I love the way he treats her, and I am glad to have her as my newest sister!

I think it's very fitting they were married on a beach in Hawaii. Aaron and Heidi both love to travel and always seem to find the funnest ways to do it. Don't they look gorgeous? Aaron promised they arranged for a photographer and videographer (and even a guitar player); I can't wait to see all the photos and footage when they get home! Meanwhile, their parents are planning a party in June so we can celebrate with them. Happy occasions should ALWAYS be celebrated!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Smyth*! I love you!

*I don't know if Heidi will change her last name, and I don't know if she won't. We'll find out, won't we?