philippines.

in the late 1960s, my dad was called to serve an lds mission to South Asia, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines. while there, then Elder Gordon B. Hinckley--the prophet of my youth--came to the Philippines and made the country its own mission.

when I was 8, just around the time I was getting baptized, my oldest sister Melissa was called to serve in the Philippines Cabanatuan mission.

and 2 months ago, I opened a letter from the prophet now, President Thomas S. Monson, calling me to serve for 18 months for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines Iloilo mission. I am to leave in 1 month today!

on monday...

some rad photos of my dad in the Philippines.

thanks family.

thanks kate, mom + dad. not pictured: parker, jon + jenn, phoebe + megan, laura, lori. melissa, and emily. st. george lds temple.

backyard gathering.

megan threw me the cutest little gathering as a homecoming/farewell/birthday party. she is the best friend i could ask for. thanks so much to megan. for all the times i wished she was with me at byu/india/d.c., i'm so grateful she's here now. i couldn't survive the next 2 months without her.

many of these boys i hadn't seen for 2 years! i was so glad to see them, hug them, and talk to them like adults. i was so impressed with them.

this bag was the token souvenir from Obamatown. i knew no one would love it like meg did.

did you hear?

sAriel and Steve got married! it was an affair to remember and I'm so glad I was able to fly back tto Utah for the events and to be with my bffls Ariel and Steve.

the lovely array of pom-poms called for fanning +flaring + girl talk between the bride, Lene, and me. treasured time before her big day.

the three "semi=formal" boycotters. we got a little confused about what sort of dress the wedding dinner was to be.

Park City was beautiful and it was lovely to be back in Utah. wedding party + family sat round and told embarrassing stories about the bride and groom.

wedding quilt was amazing. if I want one thing at my wedding, it's a wedding quilt.

day two: waiting outside the temple. all of us roommates!

took pictures with Ariel's camera...which is why I have hardly any pictures myself.

bridesmaids.

was so good to see brooke + gordy. family to me.


between the temple and the pictures and reception, a lot of driving was in order to retrieve sign-in book pens, garter, ring pillow, getaway car supplies, and gifts.

bride + groom driving to take pictures.

Parker! Parker is one of our oldest friends from freshman year who just got home from his mission. it was so fun to see him and have him be a groomsman. Lene and I dragged him around in the backseat all day. he didn't seem to mind?

jess, me, lene, rylee.


getting ready in the bathroom. had a little struggle getting the shoes on but we made it. again, treasured minutes that we'll never have back again.

I've lived and slept and ate and breathed with this girl for the past two years. and I don't know that I've ever seen her more calm than she was on her wedding day. is she not the most beautiful bride? can't wait to see Keira's photos.

we danced the night away to Baby Bieber, Beyonce, and Phil Collins. what a wedding.

happy birthday chels.

still miss you girl.

ariel's bridals.

all photos by Keira Haddock of Peace and Pandemonium

look at these gorgeous photos of one of my best friends for the past 2 years. I sort of had to digest these slowly when I saw Ariel in that beautiful gown. isn't she majestic? I can't wait to go home sweet Utah in 3 days to see her and Steve. click above to see more.

olive and ivy.

another little Patten baby was born! Olive. how darling. i am so happy for Erica and Chris and all the Ludlows. i miss them right along with my own family. i can't wait to visit. i keep looking at Ivy's old baby pictures to compare. so cute. xo.

beautiful photos.

All photos by Kiera Haddock of Peace and Pandemonium





Ariel and Steve got their engagement photos taken, and they turned out so beautiful. the combination of Ariel's perfect taste, her gorgeous face and skinny little body with Steve's charm and good looks, make any photos of them look good. but I think the photographer did an outstanding job. oh I just can't wait for this wedding.

a pretty package.

i got a pretty little package from ariel yesterday. i was so excited about it.

i can't wait to see what the wedding will be!

hello spring.

it was anita's 21st birthday on sunday, so lene and i threw her a small party with egg rolls and rainbow cake. it was delightful. anita asked us to give her a small makeover--it was so fun! i love the friendships i have made here.

in other news, i have an interview with USAID tomorrow. please pray for me!