Goodbye Carly, Goodbye Favorite Foods

Last weekend was a blast! It was full of good food, good company, and good fun.

We went down to Nathan's parents this weekend for his sister's Farewell. Carly is going to make such an incredible missionary, and we are so excited for her. Nathan and I helped with a couple of things around the house Saturday to get everything ready for the big Farewell on Sunday. Later we met up with our awesome friend Bryan for dinner.

Now this wasn't going to be just any dinner that night. It was my last meal with meat, cheese, or any form of dairy.... That's right... I'm becoming a Vegan. (Well, a Vegan for 21 days to help a friend out with a school research project.) Since this dinner was going to be my last non-vegan meal for a while I knew we had to go all out with my favorite things: pizza, cheese, and ice cream. (How I'm going to live without these for 3 weeks? I don't know...)

Nathan had the BRILLIANT idea to go to "The Pie". It is our all time favorite pizza place! For the last two years we have always gotten the same thing because it is just that good, "The Wise Guy" and the "Chedda Pull-A-Part". If you want to see what makes them so amazing check them out on the menu. We ate at a park downtown and were entertained by a super tan, skinny man in (way too short) red shorts doing Yoga. It was so funny and weird.

To end the perfect meal we went for some frozen yogurt. My cup always ends up costing twice as much as Nathan's, which makes me feel bad, but at the same time it doesn't make me feel too bad because I really really love ice cream.

We found out later that night was West Fest and went to go see the fireworks. It was great being there with family and friends. However, it was not so great getting ash in our eyes... There are definitely pros and cons to sitting practically right under the fireworks.

The Farewell on Sunday was perfect. Carly gave such a good talk and totally made me tear up. We are going to miss her these next 18 months, but she is so ready to go and will be the best missionary ever.

Sister Ballard

It was fun being with family, and not so fun being tempted by so many delicious foods. Day 1 of being a Vegan worked out ok because there were so many yummy fruits and veggies to choose from, but I really wanted cream cheese on my bagel and all the tasty treats.

On our way home we stopped at my family's house because my little brother, Karl, was being ordained a Priest. I can't believe he is already that old. We are so proud of him becoming a Priest, and for just being super cool!

How did I end up the shortest, when I'm the oldest?