The first trip together!

Over the weekend we went up to Bear Lake with some new friends! Thanks for a great time you guys, we had a lot of fun. We basically stayed in our pajamas all day while eating, watching movies, noshing, playing games, snacking, taking naps, and stuffing our faces. Can't wait for the next one!

Jake, Tara, Jon, Me, Cason, Karly, Jeromy, Stephanie, Wyatt, & Steve



White Chicken Chili

I got this recipe from a friend and it's just too good not to share! It's called white chicken chili soup. (it really does have more of a soup consistency)

You will need:
1 medium onion
2 cans chicken broth
2 small cans green chillis (mild & diced)
3 cans Great Northern Beans (drain, rinse)
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. black pepper
4 breasts of chicken
1 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream (liquid)
Lime flavored Tostito chips or any tortilla chips
Shredded Fiesta blend cheese

Instructions:
Boil chicken on medium heat for 20 min. Remove from heat and cube chicken or shred it.
While chicken is cooking saute the onion in a little butter for 10 min. In pan combine broth, chillis, beans, all spices, and onion then cook on medium heat for 15 minutes. Then add cooked chicken, sour cream, and whipping cream. Sprinkle cheese to your liking and serve with lime flavored Tostito chips (I ended up crinkling mine). Serves 8.

Ok, so the credit for this recipe goes to Karly Okey-her version was amazing. When I made it I altered a few things, instead of 3 cans of great northern beans, I added 1 can of black beans (I like a splash of color) and used 2 cans of great northern. Also, I sauteed the chicken rather than boiled it, boiled chicken sucks. Karly explained to me that she baked hers, so to each her own. If I were you I'd stick as closely to the recipe as you can because Karly's was much better than mine.

Enjoy!

p.s. Also make sure you drain AND rinse the beans-it makes a difference.

Vintage in Red

My Grandpa Arnell gave me this really great piece. I can't wait until we have a house where we can use it someplace. I love it, thanks Grandpa!

pOser Tula

Something to Think About

"It's been a good life, rich in learning and experience, and the best is yet to come. Every experience in life is a lesson in its own way. I wouldn't change a thing."

Would you?

Love always,

Jon & Hollie

Tony Grove-The White Pine Lake Trail

One trip we experienced this Fall was Bear Lake with Megan and Austen. We decided to head up and make the White Pine Lake hike and then spend a night at the condo in Bear Lake since it's so close. We arrived at Tony Grove around noon and finished the hike around 4:00. It's around 8 miles long and not the easiest hike in the books, but it was incredible. The leaves were just turning and a lot of the quakies seemed to be on fire with orange. Peeps of yellow, red, and orange amongst all the green was all the serenity we needed. The day was overcast, it had rained the night previous which made it so we didn't kick up any dust, so perfect weather for hiking. We were basically alone, there were only two other groups we passed on the way down to the lake and we had the time at the lake alone. It was nice to spend the time with our friends doing something healthy and experiencing what we all love. Afterwards we went up to the condo where it was cozy and warm, noshed on some Greek spaghetti, then went to the hot tub since all our joints creeked after the hike.

Standing at White Pine.

Jon, me, Megan, and Austen.



Thanks to Megan and Austen for the idea and Mom and Dad for owning and letting us use the condo whenever we want!

Happy Holidays :)
Love,
Jon and Hollie 

Fall Update

So I'm way behind schedule. The past few months have been trying ones for me and my little family so please do forgive my blog tardiness. Jon has had a busy fall with work and the deer hunt. Unfortunately this year no luck on the kill, the Southern Utah draw didn't happen this year and Northern Utah is way too packed to actually achieve anything; so another year without some venison for supper. Fall came and went so quickly, it's hard grasping the idea that we're already into November. To recap what I may have missed: In September we made a fun trip down to Lake Powell with members from both sides of our families and as always Powell never disappoints. It was a great vacation and much needed time away. Halloween was anticipated for me, but ended up sucking royally due to some other complications that I don't care to mention at this time. Due to some very important friendships we've acquired recently Jon and I were dragged out to a spooky halloween dinner with some friends on Friday and it ended up being just what we needed. (Thanks guys!) On the 30th we decided to spend a quiet evening at my sister's house where we had pizza and talked. On the 31st we celebrated with Jon's Dad's family and his step brothers/sisters. We wanna thank our family and friends for everything they do for us! We love you!

Here are some pictures to show you what we've been up to:

A leafy Attika.
She sat here while I strategically placed these leaves on her...silly girl but she's the best pup in the world!

Jon's and my pumpkin, my cyclops kicks ass.

This is a recent addition to a setting in our kitchen. (The clock used to stand alone) Because Jon is the most amazing hubby ever when I was sad he built and painted me that shelf (from scratch). He's so talented! The rest I had from when I went up to Swiss Days, I think it all goes together really well! Thanks baby.