Travel is part of us

We are home. In April we started the summer of travel! First we were off for our big Europe trip, then we had two California trips, a Utah trip, DC and New York trip, and finally our Phoenix trip! Holy moly, we've been busy! Our plan is to get at least our Europe trip blogged before we wrap up our summer travels at our annual Johnston family beach house trip!
With all this fun we've had, I've been thinking of what a blessing it is in our lives that we have been able to do this. Travel is a huge part of us. We love seeing new places, trying new things, experiencing new cultures, and doing all of this while spending time together. I understand that we are extremely blessed to be able to do this. Before we were married we had both been fortunate to travel.

 Rob has traveled this country north, south, east, and west. He is my go to source for all things U.S.A. and history! Love that dude. I have spent lots of time traveling in Europe, it is my comfort zone. Excuse me for a moment while I toot my own horn, here it goes...I know how to plan one rockin Europe trip!

We truly believe that travel is good for the soul. Travel has changed us. Travel has helped us grow. Travel has helped us appreciate all we have. Travel has made us more aware of the world. Travel has taught us. Travel is forever in us.

Berlin Wall, Berlin, Germany

Hobbies

I like guns and I like cameras. Now if I had a vacuum too it would be pure happiness 

Photo booth and pinata fun

30?!?!

Back in February I turned 30! How did that happen?!? Anyone who knows me knows I like any reason to throw a party, even if it is for my own birthday;) My sweet husband wanted to plan it but I was to much of a PP (party planner, Katie you know that) to allow it. We had a sequins and bow ties party with inspiration from this killer blog, mint love social club. I dream of hosting fab parties like this girl, for reals. My parents are amazing and drove out for my birthday and they brought with them a surprise visitor! It was such a fun night and so far 30 has turned out to be amaze. 

When my baby brother surprised me in the desert!

Surprising Rob! 

Decor for party

My Dad hanging lights for me

Rob dumpster diving for wood for the fire

Uncle B getting love from Bear boy

My parents got us some solar lights for our pathway up to our house

More Bear love

Food prep

I love these pictures(event he blurry one)because I have such fun memories cooking with my Mom

Living where we do we have access to AWESOME pinatas. They are a must at our parties

Birthday flowers.

Sad I don't have the best pictures but here is some party set-up 

This is our woof-em bar. I'll have to post about that because people love them! 

I love the lights. Anxious to get some permanent globe lights up in the backyard! 

No visit with my parents in complete with DELICIOUS food. This was a seafood pasta my Dad whipped up!

Dealing with trials

I called it in early tonight. Decided 8 PM was an acceptable time to go to bed. As many of you know, we really want to have children and for whatever reason it is not happening just yet. This has been a trial for us and most days we handle it quite well. Tonight though...not one of my better moments;) I was flat out a baby and you know what, I'm ok with that! Struggling with infertility is tricky. I have seen and truly believe that everyone that deals with it handles it differently. It is also something that you really have to experience to "understand" it. We are pretty open about it with people and don't mind talking about it. I think it helps us when we discuss it with people and also gives them a little insight to the struggles of infertility. That word can be so scary! I also enjoy writing and talking about it because I want to be able to help other couples dealing with it as well. Back to my experience tonight. While trying to work on our adoption paperwork tonight I was so overwhelmed. More so tonight than with any of our other attempts to start our family ( iui's, the good ol' fashion way, and ivf cycles). The paperwork for adoption is never ending. At some point between reading, filling out, signing, reading, filling out, signing, and on and on and on, I had to just stop and cry. Why is this so hard? Why can't we get pregnant on our own? Why did we have a miscarriage? Why did we spend so much money for one disappointment after another? Why? Why? Why? Then it came. Why is this so hard? Because it is worth it. There is a plan for us. We will have our children when the time is right. I also realized that this is work and I'm up for it! We have so much to be grateful for and we live such a wonderful life BUT it is ok to be sad sometimes and get a good cry out. Thanks for letting me express my feelings here, I feel better already! If you or someone you know is dealing with infertility please share my information with them and tell them I would love to chat! I find it is a great resource for me to talk with others dealing with that scary word, infertility!

"The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life."

 Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin 

                     

         and.....a blurry iPhone picture in Germany for fun!