Happy one year mark to me! I've officially lived in Utah for an entire year. It's crazy how fast time has gone by and how much I've grown in that small time. I've learned to become more independent, but not so much so that I keep everything bottled up inside. It's good to have family and friends to share everything with, and I'm so grateful for those people in my life! I've learned to avoid drama, but also listen to others' problems with an open mind and ear. I've learned to choose my friends wisely, because ultimately, they will either build me up or bring me down. But most importantly, I've learned to trust in my Heavenly Father and in His plan for me. I'm grateful for my Savior and for the knowledge I have of His gospel. I'm grateful for the love I have felt from Him and for the constant companionship I have felt, especially when I have needed it the most.
So, in honor of this crazy monumental day, here's a year of my life in Utah in a nutshell!
July 1st
Moving Day! I got lucky and was able to drive up to Utah with my good friend Kelci since my parents had already been in Utah for a couple weeks. Of course, we had to cure some of the moving-blues with some amazing ice cream in Moab.
August
I made my school's varsity volleyball team!
I'm the shortest one (5'3" if we're rounding--- and still going strong!) in the dark blue.
September
I Turned 16! And got asked to homecoming the same day, by my good friend Mitchell from Arizona, who had moved to Utah also. So grateful for amazing friends!
Doesn't he look dashing? I had a fantastic time at Homecoming :)
October
Got to see another good friend from Arizona, who was entering the MTC and preparing to serve an LDS mission to the Philippines!
Next, we picked up my best friend from Arizona, Kayla, from the airport (yes I cried), and got to drop her off at the MTC! She's serving a mission in Idaho.
November
My mom and I visited temple square. It's one of my favorite spots in Utah (that I've seen so far). Huge thank you to the nice lady with the cool accent that took the picture of my mom and me :)
December
Went on a date with Kimball to see the lights at temple square for the first time! I don't think I've ever seen anything more gorgeous! I'm excited to go again this year :) While we were there, we ran into another good friend from Arizona that is serving her mission in the visitor's center.
Had our first Christmas in Utah and in our new home. I don't know where Levi got his height (or where I got my
lack of height).
Went to an organ performance in the old tabernacle with my grandparents and Kimball and his sister. It was great!
January
Went to the ugly sweater dance with Kimball.
February
Went to the Utah vs. Arizona basketball game with Kimball and his sister Alli. Of course, I still had to support U of A. And of course, they won ;) And thank you to the boy in the background for photobombing our picture....
March
Went with Kimball to support my cousin Ashlee at her BYU softball game!
April
Went to General Conference! SO great!
Went to the Jazz basketball game. Clearly, we were very happy :)
May
Got asked to prom by a new friend, Grayson. HUGE shoutout to my cousin Lynzi for letting me wear her dress. For the girl who hates shopping, it was a heaven send :)
Asked Kimball to Morp, and after about a month of waiting for an answer, he
finally said yes! We went and hiked Bridal Veil Falls, then danced our bootays off.
June
Hiked to Stuart Falls. The water was freezing (don't stick your whole head under the waterfall or you might die from hypothermia like I did), but it was a beautiful hike!
And last, but definitely not least, my VERY best friend from Arizona came to pay me a SURPRISE visit. There's nothing better than being woken up in the morning to your best friend laying on you :) I love you Kelci!
Alright, so it was a bit longer than a nutshell, but it's been one heck of a journey. I can't wait to meet more people, make even more memories, and have a great time living in Utah!
-Cort
