Just back from Europe

So here's a few pictures . . .

In front of a Czech castle.

In Telc--a charming Czech town.

With an 1,000-year old tree (we found a geo-cache here!). If you touch the tree, you're supposed to live for 1,000 years.

In front of the Prater Ferris Wheel in Vienna.

Enjoying some Apple Strudel and hot chocolate at the Schonbrunn palace cafe.


Getting sprayed at the Hellbrunn Palace table in Salzburg.

At the salt mines with Royce's mom and brother.

French kissing in France!


In front of Notre Dame.

Graduation festivities

Congratulations to Royce, who graduated last Friday! (If I were at home I would upload some nice photos of him, but unfortunately I haven't been at home much.)

Royce's family was in town the whole week so we had activities going on every night. The actual graduation ceremonies were less than thrilling, unfortunately. Someone needs to inform the Marriott school that 2 ceremonies are better than 1! Two and a half hours is just too long (actually, I think it was longer than that). Many people in the audience left after their graduate walked, but the real tell-tell sign was that many of the graduates got restless and stood up and left!

Royce and I didn't leave, but I suppose we were less than respectful. Here's some snippets from our text-messaging conversation:

H: They still said your name wrong. [We spelled it out sea-ver-son, but they pronounced it with a short "E" sound.] Did you hear me?
R: I didn't hear you. What did you say? I was so mad she didn't know how to read.
H: First I yelled "Yeah!!!!!" And then I yelled "It's actually pronounced Sea-ver-son."
R: Ha. That's good. I just want to leave now.
H: Me too!
R: Lets. Just kidding.
H: I dare you!
R: You.
R: I don.tv ink I can leave.
H: What is don.tv ink?
R: Don't think.
H: I know--it was just funny.
R: Gotcha. I keep smelling garlic every 5 minutes. It's really gross.
H: Are you smelling garlic on yourself or someone else?
R: I'm thinking someone else.
H: Whoever decided to do this in one ceremony was on crack. Nobody is even paying attention. This is way too long.
R: That person was on crack.
H: Your mom said to stand up and hold your diploma. She wants to take a picture.
[Royce did not stand up and hold his diploma. He did turn around, though, so his mom could take a picture.]

R: I wish I could leave.
H: So do your grandparents.
R: They can.
H: It's starting to smell like sewers in here.
R: Ha. That's gross
H: Yeah, tell me about it.

H: Your mom is bored. She says you should just walk out.
R: I don't think so

R: I'm Soooo bored I'm playing with my tassel.
H: You're like a small child that way.
R: Yes and I should walk out but don't know if it's rude.
H: Yes it is. But plenty of others have. Maybe it will teach them to plan a smaller graduation. Your mom and I are cheering for all the girls and people with leis.
R: That's fun.
H: You should join us.

Mature, I know. But when you're sitting in uncomfortable seats for that long it's one way to cope!

Game Time

We're going to have a quiz: It's called, "How well do you know Royce and Heather?" Whoever gives the most correct answers wins our love and respect (Amy and Ryan are not allowed to play until 5 pm on Wednesday--otherwise they will give away all of the answers). Ready, go!

1. When did Royce and Heather meet?
2. Where did Royce propose (this answer is 2-fold)?
3. What does Royce collect?
4. What is Heather's favorite color?
5. What will be the name of our first-born son (who is not conceived yet, in case you thought that was a hint)?
6. What exciting event is taking place this Friday?
7. Where did we live this summer (city too)?
8. How many other people have each of us kissed?
9. Name 3 places we have traveled in the last year.
10. How tall are we combined?

Ok, best of luck! I'm excited to see your responses.

Why I love Royce

1. I just do! I love him so much; words can't really describe it, but . . .
2. He makes me laugh
3. He is tall, somewhat dark, and very handsome
4. He has the best surprises--dates, gifts, etc.
5. He is so kind, gentle, forgiving, and full of love--not just to me, but to everyone
6. He loves to have fun--games, geocaching, Disneyland, vacations of any kind. We are never bored!
7. He gets me out of my comfort zone
8. He has a firm testimony of the gospel and loves our Heavenly Father and our Savior
9. He loves my friends and loves to hang out with them--how often does that happen? (but then again, my friends are pretty amazing)
10. He has green eyes--beautiful!
11. He is so honest--I never have to doubt what he is thinking
12. Speaking of honesty, he honestly views me as the most beautiful woman he knows
13. I've never seen anyone who is so good at getting their homework done--definitely not a procrastinator. Maybe I'll learn someday . . .
14. He's really bendy--I bet you didn't know that
15. He has an amazing smile
16. He's not afraid to remind me to be nicer--and sometimes I need a lot of help
17. He loves to tickle me--I freak out and he thinks it's absolutely hilarious
18. He has a great deal of common sense
19. He takes me to fancy restaurants
20. He comes up with great menu ideas so we don't have the same foods night-after-night
21. He opens my car door
22. He lets me win disagreements (even though I always feel bad after)
23. He loves to make a big deal out of holidays
24. He likes to play tricks on people on blogs
25. He'd rather spend time with me than be rich
26. He's going to be the best dad--he's quickly become the favorite of my nieces and nephews
27. He's determined to try every Jamba Juice drink (well, except the coffee and tea ones)
28. He makes up really great songs and jingles--I told him that's how we're going to make our fortune
29. He sometimes prays when it's my night because I don't feel like it
30. And there's a million more reasons, but 30 is a nice round number so we'll end with this: Because he loves me so much more than I will ever deserve!

Feeling better

Sorry for the vent post. I feel better now. So feel free to ignore it if you want, but I'm going to leave it up--this blog, after all, is the only journaling that I do and I think it's important to document my less-than-stellar moments as well as the nice ones.

Protecting my good name

I received an e-mail this morning that upset me greatly. Actually, it made me angry and defensive. It was a work e-mail, regarding a situation I have been mildly involved in. The e-mail I received included correspondence between several people. One of those messages implied that I had acted in a way that I shouldn't--but in fact, I didn't do what they said I did! And that makes me angry. Because one individual stated something a certain way, this other person decided to interpret it to mean that I'm not doing my job correctly. Well, I happen to think that I'm pretty darn good at my job. Sure, I make mistakes. I'm human, right?! But I don't do things to sabotage the program here (now I'm exaggerating--see what happens when you make me angry?).

So what did I do, you wonder? Did I, in the greatest humility, realize that in the grand scheme of things this person's opinion of me doesn't really matter and I know the truth and that should be good enough? No! In my response to the person who sent me the e-mail, I cleverly included my accuser in the cc: and defended my position in a way that they could not misunderstand my involvement. I went so far as to say (albeit nicely and diplomatically) that if they wanted me to do things differently then they should tell me so. So there!

EASTER PARTY RSVP

We're having an Easter party this weekend, and if you didn't get an invitation you are still invited (provided your not some creepy stalker blog person).

The party is this Saturday afternoon rain or shine (it will be indoors in case of rain). If you need details please ask (I won't post details here to avoid creepy stalker people from showing up-don't worry I don't think this is a problem, just a concern).

If you haven't RSVPed already I need you to do so by tomorrow (Weds.) April 8 by 2 p.m. This will enable us to ensure we have enough room and for other planning purposes. IT IS IMPORTANT even if you don't think it is. If something is holding you back from coming let us know so we can help you out with that concern. And if you don't RSVP you can still come, but it may not be as fun for you.

Hope to see you there!