Labor-Day Adventures

September 2 - 5, 2016

Unlike last year, I was able to go home this labor day weekend to attend my family's annual trip to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. It had been on the calendar for months and I was excited to not only see my family but avoid the 3.5 hour drive up north -- that's right I flew! 

Did you know you can fly to Salt Lake City from Cedar City? Yup. We have our own little airport that only flies twice a day to only SLC and it is very responsibly priced too - $118 for round trip. 

Friday evening I flew home; Saturday we left for Lava Hot Springs and then I felt back to Cedar on Monday evening. It was a short trip but a nice little get away..despite the rain and chilliness. 

Here are some Lava highlights: 

Traditional lunch at Denny's in Tremont before crossing the Idaho boarder. Macie didn't want her picture taken, like a typical 13 year old, so naturally I took one. 

Underneath this bridge, my tube capsized and I fell under the river rapids. I could not stand up straight or find a pocket of air to breathe for 40 seconds. I finally found a pocket of air with terrified parents on the other side. Luckily, I walked away with only a few cuts and bruises and a story that I wouldn't recommend experiencing. 

I would make some hot chocolate and enjoy the quietness and crispness of the mornings along the river. It was a very peaceful time. 

Our days were full of adventure and walking that the evenings began to turn into the vegg and movie time as one big family. We ended up watching Shrek, Independence Day, iRobot, and some Family Feud. 

A water war insured thanks to Brian, Dad, Macie, and Ryker. Nothing was off limits and the rain started to win but nevertheless it was a great time. 

Mom really wanted to do some karaoke so she started singing and dancing on the street...but not before she peered through this window unaware of the lady sitting on the other side weirded out. 

A hula hoop battle began with Ryke and Niki showing off their amazing skills. This turned into Ryker trying to swing all 5 hoops at one point. It was quite the show! 

Next year, our labor day adventures will be relocated, thanks to the closing of stores in Lava Hot Springs and my near-drowning scare. Lava Hot Springs has been good to us but I can't wait to see where we end up next! 

Take 2: Rush Week

September 6 - 9, 2016

Southern Utah's Greek life had their fall rush week this past week and once again, I decided to try my luck with a sorority. For those of you who don't know, 'rush week' is a processes of open and invited event for potential new members and the various groups to mutually select new members. Each event gives the PNM (potential new member) a glimpse of what that sorority or fraternity is about and get to know their potential 'brothers' or 'sisters' better.

Each sorority and fraternity does different things during their rush week but this is how it went for me. Alpha Phi's members have always stood out to me. Their kindness, loyalty, and community service is instantly recognizable. I know of members completely blossoming within this organization and then help other sisters' grow as well. They follow six core values that were established years ago which can be seen in everything that they do -- sorority related or not. This is why I chose to rush the Theta Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi.

My cute nautical themed invites!

Here's how rush week went: 

Tuesday: Greek BBQ and Values Night!
This rush was different than most because it was shortened from five to four days which meant that two activities were on the same day. Greek BBQ was fun. There was free food, lots of various games, and a lot of reconnecting and chatting among all the PNM and Greeks. I definitely enjoyed talking to some new faces and reconnecting with old Phi's from my previous rush.
Values night was awesome, as usual. I got a meet a few more PNM, Greeks, and gained a better appreciate of the values that Alpha Phi's uphold. As of today, one of my favorite values would probably be "Character Development" because it includes personal growth along with helping others grow. It was a great night!

Posing at Values Night! 

Wednesday: Philanthropy Night! 

This night was dedicated towards informing the PNM about the main non-profit agency that they focus on serving throughout the year but especially during the "philanthropy week." Alpha Phi works with American Heart Association to help raise money and awareness for women's heart disease. This was a great night to learn about how Alpha Phi works to inspire and help other women in and out of their organization. It was really eye-opening and touching -- I was so happy to attend. 

Thursday: Preference Night!

This was an amazing night and I'm not ashamed to say that I cried at one point. This night is show the PNM that you even one step closer to becoming an Alpha Phi but being able to witness a sacred ceremony. While the ceremony itself is so amazing; it was a great time to get to know the Phi's even better and understand the more serious side of being part of a sorority. I felt truly honored to have witness that and I'll never forget it.

Amy and I on Pref Night! 

Friday: Bid Day! 

This was the day! The day that will determine if I will be becoming an Alpha Phi. Bid day is all about a sorority or fraternity placing a bid on the PNMs they want to join their sisterhood or brotherhood and... I got a bid!!! It was a very nerve racking night but it's such an awesome feeling! The evening was celebrated by meeting up in the canyon with the rest of Alpha Phi, eating, taking lots of pictures, and getting to know each other as sisters! It was such a fun time and I'm so excited for my journey with Alpha Phi!

My adorable Bid bottle