Just Five Hours Away

A common phrase that I have been using this month has been "It's just 5 hours away!" People are always surprised and it always makes me happy to tell someone about mine and Justin's latest adventures.

Why have I used that phrase so often? Well I've been to some pretty fantastic places in March that are only a 5 hour car ride away. Columbus is conveniently located within a day's drive of so many fun places. Justin and I decided to explore a couple of these this month.






















First, Justin is the best. He surprised me with a trip to Niagara Falls for my birthday. A lot of people have asked how he managed to keep it a surprise. Justin is a clever one. He had me convinced that he was going to take me on some factory tour. Once, he even told me he was afraid his surprise would be boring. So when he picked me up from work I was expecting to put on a show about how excited I was to go on a tour of the Wendy's corporate offices. Instead, I found my large adventure coat in the back seat and my bags packed ready for a weekend at Niagara Falls! SO AWESOME!

We had a blast seeing the falls and walking the streets of Niagara Falls (on the Canadian side). Niagara Falls is pretty spectacular in the winter. The trees are all crusted with ice from the freezing mist and there are amazing ice formations along the river.

Best birthday surprise ever

SO COLD!

Niagara Falls - American Side

Niagara Falls - Canadian Side

Canadian homes are upside-down.

Justin and I decided that we needed a little break so we went to Chicago for our second trip in March. We are political nerds and often listen to NPR. My favorite radio show is Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! It is a comedic political news quiz that will keep you laughing for the entire 40 minute show. The main goal of the trip was to see WWDTM and it was TOTALLY worth the 5 hour drive. It was absolutely hilarious and our favorite panelist, Paula Poundstone, was there. She was so funny. The show is even better live. You can try to hear our laughs and "woots" here: http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=35&prgDate=03-16-2013

While in Chicago we also went to Navy Pier and the Willis Tower. Both were a lot of fun. Standing on the little glass box that hangs out of the Willis Tower was much scarier than I thought. It was really dizzying to see how high up we really were, 103 stories I believe. 

We were also lucky enough to be there on St. Patricks Day weekend so we got to see them dye the Chicago River green! That was so fun. They even had a water-jet-packing leprechaun as part of our entertainment. 

Peter Sagal, host of WWDTM. SO FUNNY!

Paula Poundstone, isn't she a fabulous dresser?

It was foggy so the picture makes it hard to see how high up we really were.

View of the Chicago River

Dying the river green!

I hope that I can keep this tradition of traveling in March up. For the past 3 years, I've gone somewhere exciting around the world and I hope I can keep it up. In 2011 I was in the UK, and UAE, in 2012 I was in Mexcio, and this year I went to Canada and Chicago. Hooray for March!

The Best Worst Dog in the World

This is Henry. He's my 3 year old Pomeranian mix and he is the best, worst dog in the world. You might ask what the best worst dog could mean. Well he is the best of all of the worst dogs in the world. Did that lend you any clarity? 

Please, let me explain. My darling fox-faced pup is a terror. I'm afraid that you may have read that wrong, he is not a terrier, he is a TERROR.

• When we first adopted him he didn't quite understand the whole potty training thing. He'd just do his thing wherever he pleased which always resulted in us gasping loudly after stepping in it and then scrubbing for about 10 minutes.

• His nickname is Poopy.

• A good friend of ours was nice enough to take care of Henry while we were away for Christmas. When I was back I found out that he had wizzled all over their house. He even lifted his leg on my friend while she was wearing her new Christmas PJs. Devil dog.

• Once, he vomited all over Justin. That was fun.

• Henry freaks out over oranges. It's quite funny.

• Sometimes he will growl at you when you smile at him.

• Henry hates paper and somehow manages to find every little piece lying around that house. Just watch the video.

• Henry has temper problems. One minute he will be perfectly happy and content and then next he is violently shaking his head and growling.

• No plush toy can survive Henry's wrath. Here is a picture of the toy raccoon that I bought him for Christmas. He ruined it in a day. 

• That said, Henry will never abandon a beloved toy. One day I found Henry stuck behind the couch with his toy just out of reach. At least he looked happy to be there.

• Whenever I eat somewhere other than the kitchen table, I have to be aware of where Henry is at all times. Otherwise he drinks my milk. This cat cartoon about sums it up:

• Henry barks at everything. You might think I am kidding but you can just ask the poor missionaries and they will confirm.

• Oh and Henry hates the missionaries so he'll probably hate you too. Sorry.

Now you are probably asking yourself, "how could anyone love such a terrible dog?" Good question. But seriously, who could not love this face? Life is always better when you have a dog to welcome you home.

I love my little Henry!

Relevant Christmas Songs

Living in Columbus has been nothing short of a blessing but I will admit, I can't wait to be back in Utah for Christmas. Living so far from my family and from what Christmas is supposed to look like makes me think of a few Christmas songs that have more meaning to them this year than they did before.

#1 White Christmas

Who says it better than Bing Crosby? There is no snow in Columbus. It comes and goes within an hour. That is NOT Christmas! Snow during December, balmy happiness the rest of the year.

#2 I'll Be Home for Chirstmas

I get to go home for Christmas! Going home for Christmas makes the season even more exciting in my opinion.

#3 All I Want for Christmas

Um.. this might be weird but Henry our pooch can't come with us for Christmas. I want him to come with us but it would be too crazy of a schedule to bring him and this is the only song that sort of portrays my feelings. OK, really I just like this song. Can't survive the season without a little Mariah Carey.

#4 I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

No, I don't. It's just a funny song.

A job, a dog

A job, a dog, a noodle, a doodle... (name that movie!)


Anyway, I got a job!!! I have been searching for a job since June and finally got the perfect one.  I've been hoping and praying that I would get a job that I would enjoy and one that would help me apply what I am learning in class to my "real life."  This job does just that! I am thrilled and so blessed to have gotten such a great opportunity. I feel that the Lord has been really looking out for me.

Introducing Henry!

In other news, Justin and I got a dog! We have been thinking about getting a dog and decided to go look around at what kinds of dogs were out there. We didn't really expect to actually get a dog, just check out the scene.  But then we met Henry.  Henry is a six pound Pomeranian mix. He looks like a little fox but cuter and he won over our hearts (especially Justin's) right away.  He's sweet, playful, cuddly, and apartment sized all at the same time. Great dog, right?

A few little facts about Henry: First he is a jumper. It's a good thing his mad jumping skills are limited by his tiny six inch legs or he'd be dangerously close to soaring into space.

Henry is trying really hard to get the whole house training thing down. He's almost got it and we are remaining perfectly calm during this disturbance in our usually clean home. Except for that one time when I gasped so loudly when I discovered a mess that Henry hid in the corner.  That was sad.

Henry loves food and jumps for joy when he sees it. He's a gazelle in a tiny dog body.

Henry gets what Henry wants. When he want's his belly rubbed, he will nudge and paw at you until you finally cave and pet him.

Needless to say, he's a keeper. We are enjoying having a puppy to welcome us home.


Justin and I have been so blessed since moving to Ohio.  It gives me a lot of confidence that we are right where we need to be.

This picture is a good demonstration of his personality.

An update

The last time I wrote on this blog was when I got married. That was a pretty big deal. Now Justin and I will be celebrating 6 months of wedded bliss on Saturday.  As you can imagine, a whole lot has happened in such a short amount of time.  I'll give a brief overview of the last six months starting with the day after mine and Justin's big day.

We went to Mexico!! We loved it and have every intention of going back as soon as we can.  We did everything from snorkeling to buying off 2 cops. It was awesome

First time snorkeling for me. Justin's a pro.

Tulum

Chichen Itza

This is us being awesome in Mexico

We dressed up like disco people... obviously.

I hope you are impressed by Justin's suit. I know I sure am.

We went to 2 zoos... the latter being the more impressive.

Hogle Zoo Salt Lake City, UT

Manatees, the reason the Columbus Zoo is better

Zoo 2 Columbus Zoo

We became an aunt and uncle!

Baby Cohen

We went to Cedar Point, just the coolest amusement park in the world.

We moved to Columbus, Ohio and we have loved it!

And we had a grand adventure with the Nelson's on our way to Ohio

We found our way into some Indian Caverns.

We became The Ohio State University Buckeyes!  We're nuts!  

Script Ohio. The most amazing marching band!

Well that gives a pretty satisfactory summary of our first six months of marriage. It has been a blast! I've loved being married and having so many fun adventures! 

Becoming Kels Nels

It's official! I am off the market, I bit the dust, I've tied the not... whatever way you want to phrase it, I'm married!

 Justin and I were married March 29, 2012 in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple.  Little known fact to many, my 10-14 year old self always knew I'd marry a Justin. Just ask my sister, when we'd play house, my husband/boyfriend's name was always Justin.

What a glorious day... week it was! Our families lovingly dubbed ours a wedding festival rather than a wedding day. I feel like Justin and I planned our wedding perfectly. We had a dinner the night before and didn't have a luncheon so that we could have a later ceremony the day of our wedding. So to begin the thrilling saga that was our wedding festival...



Wednesday (3/27) was a fantastic day.   I had to go to work in the morning and that was lame and of little importance for this story. I picked up Emily at this point and we went off to get manicures and pedicures for the big day.  I had the bright idea to go to a school rather than a professional salon to save a few pennies.  Mistake made, lesson learned.  Emily was privileged to have a girl who spoke English. I did not receive such a nice perk. My salon lady, fashionista, stylist, beauty girl... (what are they called??) did not speak English and forgot my name within the first 3 seconds of meeting me. After Emily was greeted so warmly, my gal walked up to me and said, "oh, I forgot your name." Thanks, lady.

During the manicure I had my nails painted and look jealously over at Emily who was receiving a luxury hand massage. My girl decided it would be a great idea to put lotion on my just painted finger and smudged the paint a little. Thanks again, lady.

Sexy thing

Regardless of the not-so-great service, Emily and I had a good time. I love being with her. She's the best friend I've ever had.


Dinner was great! We held our dinner at a church and all of our closest friends and family came to support us and eat delicious Cafe Rio.

Justin and I also learned what would happen to us in the next 1,5,10,20,30,40, and 50 years. Sounds like we've got a lot of kids coming our way and very diverse careers including thespian endeavors, public speaking engagements, and law. We've got an exciting life in front of us, Justin!

Amazing friends!

Really High 40 - Because we are that cool

The next day was the big day!!  It looked beautiful outside. The sun was shining, it was warm and there was no wind. It was everything we could have asked for.

On our way to the temple!

Our sealer, the man who married us, was Craig Zwick of the Quorum of the Seventy. When he spoke, the entire room went quiet to listen to his beautiful, powerful and heart felt message. It was a beautiful ceremony!   There wasn't a dry eye in the entire room.  What a beautiful and powerful experience it was to be sealed to my love for all of eternity and to have my family there supporting me. I'm a pretty lucky girl.

My mom promised me that I would never forget the look on Justin's face when he saw me in my dress for the first time. I can tell you, I never will. The look on his face was so sweet and made me feel like I was the most beautiful woman who ever lived.

Photo courtesy of the amazing Emily Burt

We took our grand exit outside to a totally different day. It was blustery, rainy and cold. You know what, I didn't mind a bit. As long as I can remember, it has rained on most important days in my life so it was only appropriate for mother nature to get a little choked up at this blessed event. Everyone I love was outside waiting to see our smiling faces.  I got a kiss from my groom... hehe.. and a few hugs from family and friends. We smiled a whole lot, not just because we took boat loads of pictures (that will come soon I hope) but because we were completely happy.

Here are more pictures for your viewing pleasure:

Naturally we had to make a quick stop by Wendy's to celebrate with the friendly staff and to feed our very hungry stomachs.  We were still wearing our full wedding ensemble so the kind Wendy's people got a good laugh and gave a hearty "Congratulations!" 

                                                   

We took oodles of pictures once we were at the reception hall. That was fun. Our photographer, Chris Wood was amazing. You should consider him for any of your photography needs. 

PARTY! 

Our line was simple, just Justin, our parents and me.  It was a lot of fun greeting old friends and meeting new ones. I'll tell you what, Justin is one loved man. Every person that came through that line raved about the amazing man I was getting. I had to agree. We had some great friends come all the way from Cedar City and California to our wedding. It was so great to see them!! 

Nobody can resist giving Justin a good game... pinch.

Sorry for any of you who came right at the end of the formal line. We were supposed to be cutting the cake and all that jazz so I may have tried to get the line to move a little faster by spending about 1 second talking to each person. That probably wasn't the best for PR. I'm sorry!

Naturally we had Cold Stone cater. Because we're just that awesome.

Then we cut the cake! It was truly a piece of art.  Justin's aunt, Tya, spent hours on this stunning 40 pound cake. Not only was it visually stunning, but it tasted amazing too! 

I wasn't really sure if my handsome groom would smoosh cake in my face. We'd discussed it before, but never came to a decision. He squished cake in my face. The squished cake then made a little trek all the way down my dress.  I feel I got the worse end of the deal. I hardly got Justin at all.

Then I threw the bouquet. All of the girls lined up about a mile away so it was unfortunate that I was not blessed with a wicked throwing arm.  However, it did make it to the bottom of the stairs and my cousin Becca caught it. Wohoo! 

I got to have my daddy daughter dance. I loved that. I remember dancing on his feet as a little girl and I will always remember my dance with my dad at my wedding.

My Dad and I and Justin and his mom

Then we partied it up! We had all sorts of dancing going on afterward. Christopher even led us in some Zumba. I have the coolest family ever.

Justin and I may or may not have forgotten to plan a get away... so our sweet friends and family threw rose petals from their corsages/boutonnieres and the pebbles from our centerpieces. That was pretty sweet. Loved it! 

To sum it all up, we had a blast. We're living happily in Salt Lake in our cosy new apartment. I sure do love Justin.  

We know how to have some fun

I'm so happy to be married to the man of my dreams!

(As of now I only have the pictures from friends and family and just a few from our photographer. I'll probably post more later!)