That Little Sister of Mine, Wittle Wahwen

Yes. 

I just outed your nickname, Lauren. Or one of them at least.

And it's because this post is ALL ABOUT YOU! (Sorta.)

You and your habit forming ways that are way too easily passed off onto me. 

You see, I've become increasingly attached (we're gonna avoid the word "addicted") to certain things that YOU introduced me to.

Here is a list to name a few:

Revenge (TV Show)

Pretty Little Liars (TV Show)

Gossip Girl -or was that Kimberly? Eh, I'll just blame you. (TV Show)

The Selection Series (3 Books)

The Prophecy of the Sisters Series (3 Books)

Entwined (Book)

The Book Thief (Movie and Book)

That's not even a complete list, my dear sister. 

Let me just tell you two quick stories. Okay, maybe four. 

Story 1- Revenge

"You won't be able to stop watching it!" Well, by George, you were right. Only, I watch what there was on Netflix and became increasingly annoyed with the way TV producers/writers seem to think that a BAZILLION seasons with little to no plot progression is desirable (ABC, I'm looking at you! LOST? Once Upon a Time?? Revenge??? C'MON!!!) So, until the series is either cancelled or actually comes to an end. This one is on hold.

I like endings. I like them when they are well written, planned out before hand, make sense and don't throw random Polar Bears into the mix. My new catch phrase is "Don't worry because in the end, we'll find out they're all dead anyway." Stupid.

Story 2- Pretty Little Liars

Now, this. This is just mean. When you told me to watch this on Netflix, I naively believed that the four seasons on Netflix made up the entire series. Meaning, I'd see the story start to finish. But, no! No, they just happen to have another 3 seasons ahead of them! Just end it! "A" can't keep slipping through the cracks like this, Ali just makes me want to punch her in the face, the other girls must be REALLY naive if they think sticking by her is somehow going to help her or them, and I'm just tired of everyone being dumb. Just stop. Alas, I still watch it, every week, with the hope that the ABC Family writers will get their junk together...*sigh*

Story 3- The Selection Series

This series was good. Really, really good. What I didn't know and wasn't informed of, little Lauren, was that it was part of a SERIES and that series WASN'T EVEN DONE BEING WRITTEN! How could you do that to me? You're like a drug dealer but instead of illegal substances you "Fox Books"ed me! ("sell them cheap books and legal addictive stimulants"-You've Got Mail). Only you deal in books and tv shows! I loved it though. When the 3rd book came out, I was on my way home from a girl's trip, in the car and used my phone as a hotspot to buy and then download the book to my iPad. I don't think I've ever read a book faster. No, not "read", devoured. It was so good! Everyone should read it. The most bizarre mix of The Bachelor, Cinderella and The Hunger Games.

Last Story- The Prophecy of the Sisters

Now, this was more recent. You suggested it, I bought the book, but it sat on my shelf until just a couple weeks ago. I decided to take this book with me to Lake Powell so I had something to do when I wasn't in the water. Well,  you have a bad habit of not telling me when something is part of a series so I, yet again, flew through this book, this really interesting, really intriguing book just to come to the end and realize that it's a part of a trilogy! To make matters worse, of getting the next two books! Though I will say that I was happy to find that this trilogy was completed. When I got home, I downloaded the next two books. It's insane how I let you do this to me. 

In the end, however, I have enjoyed this roller coaster and will probably listen to you the next time you tell me to "read this" or "watch that". Only, I'm gonna get wise and ask you, "Is it a part of a series?" and "Is that series completed?" because, truly, you have great taste. So thanks!

We'll Have a Ball!

For most who know me or follow me on Instagram know that I like to work out. 

I've even given myself the name of "Bike Babe" because about a year ago I had tendonitis bad enough that I had to stop running and turned to biking. 

Lately, biking has only been one of the many workouts I've been doing. I really enjoy water aerobics or aqua zumba, weights, the eliptical and...

THIS.

A weighted stability ball. 

(It doesn't hurt that this Reebok ball is purple!! Love it.)

I think the reason I like this so much is because it's pretty easy to watch TV and workout, which I have done almost everyday since buying it at Target.

Not only that but it comes with a DVD with two workouts. An express 20 minute workout or a 40 minute workout for when you have the time. So, if you're me, you have no excuse to not do the 40 minute workout.

Let me just tell you that it is INTENSE!!

I thought, "Oh, it's just a ball and we're just going to be bouncing on it."

HA! HAHAHA! No.

 This ball is weighted. There is sand in the ball and, by George, if that doesn't up the ante I don't know what will. It's like doing Jillian Michaels with five pound weights strapped to your arms!! My body hurts SO GOOD after finishing a workout which mean two things: 1. Clearly I need to workout like that more because there are muscles that hurt that haven't hurt for ages and 2. It's a good workout.

I think my favorite part about this stability ball is the fact that crunches don't hurt my back. As for my favorite part of the workout? THE INSTRUCTOR!! She's pretty funny and seems really sweet. Encouraging but not forceful. It's basically an awesome 40 minutes of my day. You should try it out!

Olsen Family Reunion, Year Two

The Olsen family is a boat and lake family.

I am also a boat and lake person, so I guess it's a good thing that I am now a part of the Olsen Family!

Every year, we have a small family reunion down at Lake Powell here on the Utah side.

Basically, it's just a really great time playing in the water, hiking, learning (for me at least) water sports and
getting some much needed vitamin D.

Though I didn't get up and STAY up on the wake board, I did try my best and made a lot of progress. I now have a lovely tan and can't wait to go back next year.
I love my family!

A Cousin Vacation

So, sometimes I have lofty goals. 

For example: An Olsen cousin "vacation".

It started out being a trip to  Lake Powell over Pioneer Day weekend. 

But then we didn't have access to a boat. 

So we decided we could rent one for one of the days we'd all be there. 

But then we only had 4 cousins who could actually make it. 

So the four of us decided we could go by ourselves. 

But boat rental is expensive split two ways (two couples, you see.)

Then we decided camping up north would be just as fun. 

But then there were other hiccups. 

 But Neil and I were up for the challenge. 

You see, Jaiden and Beckah,(the other cousins) needed emergency assistance in regards to their town home, so Neil and I rolled up our sleeves and went to work.  But, we also rolled up our sleeves and went to play.

Work hard, play hard. 

There is no try. 

Yoda said that. I promise.

Anyway, it was quite the adventure and packed with FUN every step of the way. (Even though I was low on sleep and somewhat grouchy at times...Sorry, guys!)

Bear Lake back to Logan back to Bear Lake back to Provo. 

Two Year Anniversary

We still need to take our family pictures (like the ones we took last year) but aside from that, Neil and I recently celebrated our first two years of marriage.

We wanted something low key, not too expensive but FUN so we decided to spend a day at Lagoon!

When I was a kid, I got scared on roller coasters, as a teen, I couldn't get enough of them and now that I'm a little older, I'm having a hard time enjoying the adrenaline of roller coasters (and even bouncy boats! See the Lake Powell post coming soon!)

That being said, we did have a great time! We played in the water park, we ate deliciously fattening park foods, we rode a LOT of roller coasters and I even convinced Neil to go on the twirly swings. (He's not a fan of things that go around in circles. He prefers up and down rides.)

My Old Kentucky Home Vacation: Day 6, 7 and 8 Heading Home

Sunday we started heading home. 

On our way we passed through Indiana and I asked if we could take a detour to visit my Grandaddy's grave site.

Before we arrived there though, we found ourselves in the town of Santa Claus, IN. It has a massive amusement park and is THE place to go to find any and all Christmas decorations you may be looking for. Kristen was in HEAVEN.

We found ornaments, Christmas paintings and....SANTA!!

He was really there! But he was, of course, on vacation. It was so cool.

After we'd had our fill of Christmas in Springtime, we headed for Evansville. 

After some looking, we found the family grave site. My grandaddy and his family were buried  by one another and it was an emotional but happy happenstance.

It meant a lot to me to spend time there and tell some stories about him. 

We finished with a picnic and hopped back in the car with our sights set on Kansas City, MO but wanted to make one last pit stop to see the Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

We thought we'd get there before closing but we we just a few minutes too late so we gazed at them through the gate. They were still beautiful.

  After dinner, we made our stop for the night at a cousin's house. It was so nice to stretch out and get some sleep knowing we still had a ways to go.

Monday we woke up early and visited the Independence Visitor's Center and Liberty Jail. I'd never been to either location before (that I can remember) but it was such a beautiful spiritual experience that I was grateful we decided to go.

Day 7
We made it all the way to Denver, ate some Chinese food to "celebrate" Cinco de Mayo" and found a place for the night.

Day 8- Home Again, Home Again!
Though it was a most splendid vacation with just us girls, it was really nice to finish that last leg of the trip. We all returned to our homes, families, pets and BEDS. Hopefully next year brings about another fun adventure.

Maine, anyone?