Saturday in Oslob :)

Saturday morning we packed up and headed out on our motorbikes.  We drove them to a neighboring town, Sibulan and hopped on a barge that took us across a section of ocean to Cebu Island.  Our destination was Oslob where we were going to go swimming with the butanding, Cebuano for whale shark.  

I was warned of this outing before I even got to the Philippines, and I was pretty sure I was going to opt out of it.  There was NO way in heck I was going to get in the water with sharks.  They tried to reassure me that they wouldn't harm me, they could care less about humans, etc...  Well, I still wasn't convinced.  Then on Wednesday, Faith and I decided to research them for science.  So, we looked them up, and found out that whale sharks are actually a type of whale, not a type of shark.  Large whale sharks are about 40 feet long--the size of a bus.  While they are the largest fish, they only feed on fish eggs and shrimp.  (You'll notice in the video the fish swimming around--they know they are completely safe.)  Learning this about butanding helped ease my fears, and I decided to do it! 

I was still a little nervous to get in the water once we got there.  I accidentally left my GoPro on, but you can see me getting a little nervous as I put my goggles on and took the plunge!  Once I got in there, I was in heaven!  It was so cool!  My adrenaline was pumping and the whale sharks were so big and SO CLOSE!   I couldn't believe it!  We were instructed before to stay 4 meters away, but that didn't really happen.... One time I was trying to back away from it, and ran into the bottom of a boat.  It's tail fin grazed my leg--it felt a lot like wet fabric.  We had so much fun, and I was bummed when we had to get back in the boat.  It was hard to keep track, but I figure I saw 5 or 6 different whale sharks, and the largest 2 were definitely as long as a school bus!  

 Our time with the sharks was a little over 30 minutes, and I couldn't believe I had swam that long without a break?!  I'm not a swimmer, but give me some adrenaline and I guess I can last in the water for a while :)  

After our fun time with the whale sharks, we ate lunch and went to these cool ruins in a nearby town.  They were from when the Spanish first came to the Philippines. The structures, the ocean near, and the blue skies made for a beautiful setting.  

Me with the Ryskamps :)

After we had explored the ruins, we headed up to some water falls called Tumalog Falls.  

Sidenote: Thank heavens for the motor bikes!  We can go wherever we want, whenever we want, and it's just so convenient!  Leo, Angie, and I were the drivers and each of us had two passengers.  It just works great!  

The falls were unlike anything I'd ever seen!  I felt like I was in a scene from Lord of the Rings.  I truly thought that falls like these were probably animated when I saw them in movies.  There were just so many little trickles of water coming down!  

They also had a natural fish spa there that we enjoyed :)

After that we headed to the barge and made our way back home where Angie made us some delicious shrimp for dinner (I'm gonna miss that fresh shrimp!).  

The Ryskamps + Saturdays + The Philippines = a dang good time! 

Homecoming at BYU

This week was Homecoming at BYU.  So much fun!  There's a lot of fun stuff going on all week, and everyone just seems a little more excited about life.  The fun started on Tuesday when instead of devotional we had a Homecoming assembly.  It was really fun and exciting with a performance by Vocal Point (the acapella group here at BYU), and then David Archuleta.  So much talent!

Friday my parents came down and we went to the BYU Spectacular.  Here I was able to see some more amazing performances including some dance companies, choirs, the orchestra, and once again, David Archuleta.  My parents and I went together, and we were so impressed by all of the talented individuals and groups that performed.  Afterwards we went and got some blizzard's at the DQ :)

Saturday was so great!  Having my parents in town is always fun!  We started out the day with a fun bike ride on the Provo River Trail out to Utah Lake.  

The Y, the Temple, and three of my favorite people.  What a view!

After the bike ride Tess and I had our Saturday session of Stake Conference and then a kickball game.  My parents met back up with us at the kickball game (which we won!) and then we went and caught the end of the Homecoming parade.  That was fun!  Afterwards Mom, Tess, and I went to go and hit up my favorite antique store, Block 100.  It's the best you guys.  I'm pretty obsessed with almost all of the stuff in there.  We got some fun purchases, and then met my dad for lunch (he opted to go up to campus and watch some football games instead of come with us.  After lunch we headed to the Bean Museum and the Museum of Art.  Both have some pretty great exhibits up right now.  They're both free ALL year round, and if you're ever in Provo, you should go and visit one or the other.  If you have kids, definitely go to the Bean Museum.  It's full of taxidermified (is that even a word?!) animals from all over the world and is so cool!!! Finally, Tessa, Dad, and I headed to the football game.  The Cougs won, so that was good!  And the sunset was beautiful!  

This weekend I decided that I think Homecoming week would be a good time to try and come and visit my Provo.  Although I know that I don't want to live my whole life down here, this place definitely has a piece of my heart.  When I leave here, I definitely don't want to leave here for good.  I want to be able to share some of the magic of BYU and Provo with my future family.  

Cuscotopia!

Well folks, the time is almost here!  I fly out for my next big adventure (well, my biggest adventure probably EVER) on Saturday!  

So here's a little Q and A about what I'm about to do!

Q: Where are you going?

A: I'm going to Cusco, Peru.

Q: Is this for school?

A: No. It's not through BYU or any university and I will not be receiving any credits.  I'm going with a group called International Volunteers HQ.  

Q: What will you be doing?

A: I will be doing service with children in a setting like an elementary school, orphanage, day care, etc.   

Q: Where will you be living?

A: I will be living with a host family where I will be immersed in Peruvian culture and the Spanish language :)

Q: How long will you be there?

A: My volunteer time is 12 weeks, but I'm going to stay an extra week to make sure I do all the things I want while I'm living among Incan ruins.

Q: Are you nervous?

A: Yes and no.  I'm nervous of the unknowns (which is just about EVERYTHING!), but I'm not nervous about loving it.

Q: Are your parents nervous about it?

A: I think they are more nervous than they let on.  They are excited that I am excited to go. They're the best!

Q: Do you know Spanish?

A: A little bit.  I've taken Spanish in high school and 5 semesters of it in college, so hopefully I can conversate.

Q: Is it close to Machu Picchu? 

A: Yes!  And I'm definitely going to hike it!

(Isn't it beautiful?!)

Q: What made you decide to do this?

A: My sister Tami and cousin Camille went to Ecuador and worked in an orphanage when they were about this age, and ever since them I've dreamed of doing this!  Now is just the perfect time to do it.

Hopefully this answers some of your questions about my trip!  Most of you probably already know about it cause I'm so excited I have to tell everybody!  I feel so blessed to have the opportunity and ability to go and do this.  I can't wait to see how it all goes!  

Sisters

I have THE best sisters.  Thanks to a recent wedding I now have seven of them.  That's quite a few.   Luckily enough, we all get along so great!  I'm second to the youngest of all of us, and I love it.  I learn so much from them every time I'm with them.  I get to watch them be wives, mothers, friends, daughters, and sisters.  They are all involved in a wide variety of things, and they all rock at life.  So, here's the line up of sisters, starting from my first sister, to my most recent.

This here's the lovely Taffy.  

She's the oldest and most likely wisest of us all.  She is an amazing mom of four (soon to be five) kids.  She juggles all of their schedules and still manages to do the things she loves--coaching volleyball and having a beautiful lawn and garden.  She's a very talented piano player and is now going to try her hand at the "wife of a rancher" life.  She's gonna be bomb.  I'm so thankful for her example of looking on the bright side of the situation and trying to take advantage of all the opportunities life offers.  

Next is Tami in all her natural beauty.   

She's probably the most competitive of all of us, but likes playing games the least. (try and figure that one out…)  I envy her ability to look gorgeous with no make-up on and her ability to wrangle four wild boys all day, every day.  She actually tries her pins on Pinterest and is one of the handiest ladies I know when it comes to building things.  She always stays up late chatting it up with us young ones and gives us some of the best laughs.  I'm so thankful for her example of putting her family first and getting along with everyone.

Now for the beautiful Violet Rose.    

Everyone just knows when Vi walks into a room.  She always looks so put together and is always full of life.  She's a people person, and she has the ability to carry a conversation with everyone.  She's always up on the latest fashions and she tries her best to help me out in that department… I'm so proud of her for living the college student life for going on about 10 years now.  She's a champ!  She always makes time to come to Cokeville and visit with us.  I always love going on walks with Vi.  I'm so thankful for her example of patience and her love for the Lord.  

The last blood sista--Tess the mess.

I love this girl.  We have been best friends since we were babies.  She's so fun to be around and can make anybody smile.  She comes up with the best questions to ask people--questions that make them feel a little uncomfortable, but end up making them feel like they're best friends. her personality is infectious.  She is always trying to do what is right and makes me want to be a better person.  She's a hard worker and she's beautiful to boot!  I'm so thankful for her example of always doing what's right, no matter what the circumstances are.  

"Married-in" Michelle comes next.

Because Michelle is from Cokeville, we've known each other for forever.  She's always been so nice to me.  I was the libero on the volleyball team my sophomore year, she was a senior and the setter, and she never gave up on me.  Even if I shanked 3 passes in a row, she still made me feel like she believed in me.  It meant so much to me.  She's an awesome photographer, I covet her skin, my brother is SO in love with her, and she's now the proud mom to a precious little girl.  I'm so thankful for her example of doing what she loves and being flexible.  

Finally, our newest sister, Candace.  

Candace just joined our family on Thursday, and we are pumped about it!  We love her!  She's so spunky and full of life and is game to try anything.  She's an artist and a dental hygienist.  She puts up with Tyson and is one rare person who has the ability to give it right back to him.  Her laugh is contagious.  Everybody loves her--kids to adults.  She's the lone soccer player of the family, but I'm sure she'll get a few converts soon.  I'm so thankful for her example of making the most of your life, even if it doesn't go as planned.  

I think it's pretty easy to see that I am the winner of the best sisters award.  We are all so different, but one thing we all have in common is our love for our family and our love for the Savior.  All of these ladies are trying their best to do what is right.  They all have strong testimonies and are great examples to me of living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am so thankful for them in my life and so thankful that we get to be together for ETERNITY.  

21!!!

It was my birthday yesterday, and it was the best birthday of my life!  The whole weekend was so great!  Definitely better than I could have asked for.  

I'll just start with Saturday, the day leading up to my birthday.  I had Insanity and work nice and early, but I got to go and work on some of my personal skiing before the lift was open (another nice perk of being an instructor--instructor clinics). Then I had a fun lesson in the morning with two cute little 4-year olds who had never skied before.  They did great!  Then after I signed them out to their parents I turned around and my parents were there!  I was expecting them, but I was still so surprised to see them!  We visited outside in the warm sun while I ate my lunch.  They were able to meet some of my co-workers and bosses and it was just so fun to have them there and have them meet some of the people who are having such a huge impact for good on me.  Then my lovely boss let me off early to go with Mom and Dad.  So, we came back and went to the BYU Women's basketball game and then out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse!  It was my first time ever, and of course I got the ribs :)  Ribs are one of my favorite things, and these ones were especially delicious!  Then we went to Target where Mom and Dad "gave me" two super cute sweaters for my birthday.  Then we went to the Creamery and got some good ol' ice cream :)  I'm so blessed to have such a great family.  I love them so much and I'm so glad they chose to spend their day off down here with Tessa and I.  Thanks again Mom and Dad!  I love you guys!

My real birthday was Sunday, and boy was I spoiled!  I woke up to texts full of birthday wishes and they kept coming all day long!  My roommates cooked me breakfast.  French Toast even!  My favorite!  I seriously live with the best girls!  

Then church was great, and after two guy friends from my ward came over and sang 3 different renditions of Happy Birthday accompanied by an accordion.  It was so fun!  

Celinda and Jesse had Mary, Tess, and I over for birthday dinner, lasagna!  Once again, one of my favorite things! Then when we came back to the house the side door was locked!  I was trying to get in with my key, I pounded on the door, I even cussed a little (I think I said stupid…) and then Mary convinced me to just go through the front door.  When I went through the door the living room was FULL of my friends and they all yelled, Surprise!  I really was so surprised!  I had no idea that they had been planning this?!  I still don't know how they kept it so hush-hush… Then we had cake and candles, and played a game and it was so great!  Mary even made a chocolate roll?!  When we sat down to play the game I looked around and said, "Wow, I'm so lucky to have such awesome friends."  But really you guys, there were so many good people in one room, and I considered ALL of them my friends.  I love every one of them.  One of my friends took video of blowing the candles out.  I can't figure out how to upload it, but it was good!  

I don't know if awesome birthdays are precursors for an awesome year, but I think we're off to a pretty great start :)  I can't wait to see what the next 364 days have in store for me :)  Thanks everyone for making my day so great!  Thanks for all the phone calls, texts, voicemails, Facebook posts, and wishes in person.  You guys are great!  

A New Adventure!!

No, I'm not leaving the country (yet), but I am a ski instructor for Sundance!  

You guys, I LOVE it!  A lot of you already know, but I figured since I picked up my second pay check today it's getting pretty official.  I've been super busy doing trainings and everything for it, but now I'm going to start getting busy teaching lessons! I'm so excited!  I've taught 5 lessons so far, and they were all so fun!  Yes, some of them were challenging, both mentally and physically, but fun nonetheless.  The people I work for and with are great!  It's just so refreshing to be around them.  My favorite part about the job though is probably being outside.  I don't care if it's cold as long as I'm up on the mountain.  I love it so much!  So, if you're ever down in the Provo area, come hit up Sundance :)

Holly G. ("G" now stands for girl)

So, one of my best friends of my entire life got married today!!  She got married in the San Diego,  CA temple.  I mean, look at this place:

Who wouldn't want to get married there?!?!

The only downer is that I couldn't make it.  I'm in the midst of finals…

Even though I couldn't make it, I was thinking about her and Ryan ALL day!  So, for those of you who don't know what a great person Holly is, I figured I'd enlighten you.  

Holly is the most loyal friend.  I know I can always count on her. 

Holly is a super hard worker.  We have worked together the past 2 summers at the cemetery and it has been SO great!!

Holly is so easy to get along with.  We have spent tons of time together and she just has this great personality that makes it so easy to be around her.  

Holly is so happy!  She knows how to see the bright side of every situation.

Holly is so much fun! Every time we are together we laugh our heads off!  Seriously though, those Grandy's are funny people!

Holly is so thoughtful.  She always texts me at just the right time and it always brightens my day.

Holly has a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We have had so many good talks about the church and gospel topics, and I always come away feeling refreshed from her insights.  

Holly is so beautiful, inside and out!  I mean, just look at her!?  She is one of the most gorgeous people I know, and from the list above, it's obvious that her beauty isn't just on the outside.  

Thanks for being such a great friend Holly!!  Ryan is a lucky guy!!  I can't wait to see you and hug the now Mrs. Ryan Voges.  Love ya girl!!

Oh, and here is a screen shot of the text she sent me moments after she met Ryan for the first time.  It's a precious story.  Love at first sight :)

(I know, my response is super shallow, but I thought she was kidding?! haha)

First Class--Last Class

We went to our first class this semester together

And our last class this semester together

Having a sister here is the best!!!  Happy studying all :)

Winners!

We won!  And we were pretty dang dedicated fans if I do say so myself.  

Let me let ya know what happened.

So, Mary and I set out to the Levell Edwards Stadium around 3:30-3:45 so we could get decent seats (at least 3 rows from the top!) for the 5:00 football game.  When we left our house it was sunny, we were sweating.  Then about 3 blocks from the stadium Mary told me to look behind me.  What I saw was a huge, dark, menacing cloud.  Before we finished walking those 3 blocks, the wind was blowing like crazy, rain was flying around along with sticks and leaves.  It was crazy!  So we hurried to get inside, and I missed catching Tess who was supposed to meet us there.  We sat there under the stadium staying pretty dry.  It was great.  Tess eventually found us (I still feel kinda bad) and we stayed there until about 10 minutes before kick-off.  Kick-off didn't end up happening until 7:00!  But, we had decent seats and a great game!  What more could some college students ask for?!  Well, maybe a win, which we got!  It was especially exciting because it was against Texas.  Texas Longhorns everybody!  Now I'm not saying we're the best team ever or anything, but I thought we played pretty darn good, if I do say so myself.  It was great!  We got back to our place around 11:00.  Do the math.  That's 7.5 hours on our feet people!  And you know what?  It was worth it :)

What a view!

No, I'm Not a Mom...

...but I'm still super excited about these!

That's right, freezer meals.  I know I don't have a new baby, or a bunch of little kids running around, but as a busy college student I don't know how I'd survive without quick dinners!  When I was heading to school my freshman year I was super poor and I didn't know how in the world I was going to feed myself.  So, my mom, being the smart, thrifty lady that she is, suggested we just make a bunch of freezer meals, and then I wouldn't have to buy near as many groceries.  Boy was she right!  I get delicious food that I don't have to spend time making or spend money on.  I think it's a pretty great deal!    So, last night Tess, Mom, and I made a bunch of freezer meals for us to take to school with us.  We already have some down in the freezer.  This year Tess and I will save time and money because of these, and I'm almost as excited as a mom about it :)

The 3 Little Kids

Sulli, Tess, and I have been "the 3 little kids" for as long as I can remember and probably will be for forever.  We were living together just us and my parents for 5 years, and we have this special bond.  We haven't been able to do a ton together since Sulli got home from his mission because of the different stages of life that we're all in.  Then Monday Sulli asked us if we wanted to go to Ironman 3 with him.  Of course I wanted to!  I hadn't even seen Ironman 1 or 2, but I'd go see three if I could go with him and Tess.  So, last night we went up to Star Valley and watched Ironman 3, and I loved it! Not only was the movie great, but the drive up and back was great, us 3 talking about good times and  current events in our lives.  It was so great to have an evening together again.  I sure love these two!

3 little kids for LIFE!!

Look Out Provo!

This girl got accepted to BYU!!

That means that we

(I just couldn't pick one favorite...)

Will be reunited!!  Happy, happy day :)