MG get-togethers are absolute highlights in my life and I have a BLAST at every one. I am so excited we got to spend some time together last Friday. For those of you who are unfamiliar, MG stands for missionary girls. Our story begins about 4-5 years ago (depending on the girl) when we were all waiting for missionaries. We were brought together by this common aspect in our lives but we built strong friendships that grew throughout the time waiting for our missionaries and have continued to get stronger since. Most of the girls married their missionaries, some of us didn't but it hasn't changed how close we are. Now we get together every couple months and each time it's like we were just hanging out yesterday. Mostly we just sit around talking and laughing. The MG's hold an especially important place in my heart because they are really my first group of girl friends I have ever had. I have had an occasional girl friend here and there but never a group of girls like this. The first time I ever met them (on my birthday) they surprised me with a birthday cake and sang to me! Seriously when I went home that night I cried because I was so happy. No girls had ever done something like that for me! I had been praying so hard for even just one girl friend for such a long time and finally my prayers were answered :). As cheesy as it may sound, I see each of these girls as a sort of angel sent into my life and I am sooo grateful for them. (Introduced below the photo)
Unfortunately, not all of the girls were able to make it Friday night but I will introduce the ones in the photo from left to right starting at the top:
Leanna: Classy, Honest and Organized. Leanna is a red on the color scale. She knows exactly what she wants, she makes plans far in advance and works out every detail. She is extremely well-organized. I have never seen Leanna with a hair out of place or a wrinkle in her clothes. She generally says exactly what she is thinking which is one thing I love about her because I'm quite similar. Leanna has the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. She is an expert in so many things I could call her with just about any problem and she would have a solution. One Leanna quality I hope to acquire: her organizational skills, my life would be so much less stressful if I could plan like Leanna.
Adrianne: Down-to-Earth, Selfless and Confident. Adrianne does not get worked up about little things, she really has her priorities straight and she has such a mature perspective on life. I'm always blown away by her insight into how to handle what I would think could be a disasterous situation in just the right way. She is very crafty and creative. She knows what is most important in life and she doesn't get distracted from her goals. She is kind of goofy and is not afraid to laugh at herself. She is very stead-fast in her beliefs and she really lives those beliefs fully. One Adrianne quality I hope to acquire: I want to be as good of a wife as Adrianne. She naturally always puts her husband first and thinks about how every decision in her life will affect him.
Lindsay: Kind, Level-headed and Selfless. Lindsay is one of the most Christ-like people I know. It's hard to describe her in any other way. She is so caring and service-oriented. She always thinks of others. She gives the best advice. I know it's a weird word to use today but Lindsay is wise. She thinks and communicates with such clarity. I feel like she has a unique grasp on human relations and how to relate to people in ways that will bring about the best results. One Lindsay quality I hope to acquire: her kindness, especially in the way she speaks to people.
Natalie: Fun, Energetic and Helpful. Natalie is a lot of fun. She makes people around her happy because she is very positive. She is a really great listener. People feel great talking with Natalie because she genuinely cares about what they have to say. She is always eager to help her friends in any way she can. Natalie is a loyal and supportive friend. If you need someone to laugh with, cry with, scream with etc Natalie is the type of friend who will be by your side. One Natalie quality I hope to acquire: Her eagerness to help. I want to be like her because she is not just willing to help, as many people are, but she actually makes you feel like she would love to help or be there for you for whatever you need.
Britt: Happy, Genuine and Caring. If I have ever seen Britt frown, I can't remember. She is so positive about life and her smile is contagious. There are few people I know that it would be impossible not to like and Britt is one of them. You can't help but want to be Britt's friend. Britt is an extremely genuine person. I have not known her for as long as I have the other girls but I still feel like I know her very well because she is so sincere. It is refreshing to know someone who never seems to be withholding anything or pretending to be someone she is not. She knows who she is and she is confident. One Britt quality I hope to acquire: Her ability to make everyone around her feel comfortable and important.
Bonnie: Funny, Quirky and Honest. Oh I love Bonnie. She is hilarious. Seriously sometimes I think all of us just love waiting to hear what Bonnie is going to say next because she is SO witty. Bonnie is kinda quirky (ie: she doesn't like elbows) but it just makes her all the more lovable. She doesn't take offense easily, she loves life and she is a great storyteller. Bonnie is delightfully unpredictable. She is full of energy and she sees the world from a completely unique perspective. One Bonnie quality I hope to acquire: I have to say her wit. Sometimes I try to pretend I am as funny as Bonnie.
Jamilyn: Stylish, Dedicated and Brilliant. I have known Jamilyn for the shortest amount of time but am more and more impressed with everything I learn about her. Jamilyn is an extremely accomplished musician. She works hard and is determined. Jamilyn has an awesome fashion sense. Jamilyn is ladylike and classy. She is fun and extremely creative. One Jamilyn quality I hope to acquire: I want Jamilyn's dedication. Jamilyn is an accomplished woman in every sense because she never does anything half-way.
Stephanie: Cute, Happy and Friendly. Stephanie has the cutest giggle you will ever hear. She is so energetic, fun and upbeat. And she is passionate. When she loves something she REALLY loves it. She doesn't do things half-heartedly, she really follows through when she sets her mind to things. Stephanie is adventurous and very creative. I love to steal her date ideas. She loves to do things for other people and is always one of the first to volunteer to help out with things. I think she has at least helped (if not done it herself) to plan almost every MG bridal shower, get-together etc. She is very thoughtful and tries hard to let people around her know that she cares. One Stephanie quality I hope to acquire: Her creativity.
Annika: Beautiful, Smart and Talented. Annika is pretty much wonderwoman. She can do anything. She is not one of those people talented in just one area, she is artsy, scholarly AND athletic. Annika is very intelligent and focused. She is outgoing, passionate and loves to have fun. Annika does not live inside of any type of box or comfort zone. She is adventurous and up for new things and new experiences. Annika exudes confidence, strength and independence. I'm not sure if Annika is scared of anything but if she is I have no idea what it would be. One Annika quality I hope to acquire: Her willingness and desire to experience new things (without being scared of change like I am).
We started at the top, hiked down through the canyons and then hiked (or rather dragged because we were so tired) ourselves back up the canyon on the other side.
We took a long fourwheeling ride out to some lava tube caves. The fourwheeling was very fun. However, you'll notice there are no pictures of me in the cave. That's not because I wasn't there but because nobody would have dared to take my picture in that moment due to the mood I was in while crawling around like a reptile in a wet/dirty/disgusting cave. However you can see by the picture taken with Reed right after the cave, it was a very unpleasant experience.
They REALLY got excited/nervous when my dad brought out the big artillery...This was actually my first time shooting this type of a gun as well (obviously since I'm pretty sure I'm holding it wrong)
