Flowers, flowers everywhere...

At least, that was the case at Red Butte Gardens today.

I have to admit, this adventure was solely for me. This time of year the gardens aren't as kid-oriented as later when there is a mini water park gurgling through various ports, but I needed some beauty in my life. I found it.

Regardless, Topie did manage to find her own forms of entertainment. I hadn't seen this statue on my last visit almost 2 years ago, so it was pretty cool to discover how much the University has added in that time.

I must say, it made for an excellent photo op.

And this little nymph/goddess statue in the background would've also been nice to capture, but it's never easy to include EVERYTHING when all you have going for you is an outstretched arm.

Once I'd gotten my fill of fragrant herbs and aesthetic design, the two of us meandered to the kid area.

It's pretty interesting, but more so I like the fact that it hopefully engrains an appreciation for creation. By that, I'm referring to works that people design with an eye-pleasing yet functional effect---A.R.T.

Topie personally enjoys any form of enclosure.

And I enjoy them when they contain a gecko sunroof.

This photo just kills me because I have an almost exact copy of it when Topie was half the size, with pigtails and chubby little cheeks. Tear...

And there you have it, a fun-filled day at Red Butte Gardens on another Sunday afternoon.

And I definitely got my fix of gorgeous thought-provoking scenery, while Topaz embarked on a journey with fixtures you don't see everyday at the zoo or park. The garden awakes and it's always worth the trip.

Easter---a holiday that correlates perfectly with the birth of baby animals, just like the human one Julie is holding there in her arms. That's Zachie-poo, my wild, energetic nephew. The two of them accompanied Topaz and I to the Baby Animal Day Easter Celebration at Heritage Park in Northern Utah.

An overcast sky didn't prevent us from enjoying the festivities. For Topaz, pony rides are a must. I was just jealous it was limited to children. Stupid age limits!

Adulthood doesn't hinder the cuddling/mauling of the farm's furriest of friends. As the animal-lover I am, it was extremely difficult for me to not kidnap this oh-so-cute baby bunny.

The calf, on the other hand, wanted to kidnap ME. I think it sensed a vegetarian presence and was like, "Take me with you!" 

If only it were that simple to live in harmony with our fellow creatures. Even the goat wanted to be adopted into the barnyard Utopia in my head.

But the fun couldn't last forever. I'd say the next best thing to holding chicks and ducklings on Easter weekend was decorating hard-boiled eggs with the fam. There's Kevin and his gorgeous girlfriend Sydney functioning as Topie's personal assistants.

I, of course, was too busy developing the perfect fusion of colors; I call it "Earthy Spackle."

As for Topaz, she made out like a bandit. Aside from the fun-filled day at Heritage Park, she totaled three Easter Egg Hunts---one of which was orchestrated by my wonderful boss, who invited us over to discover stuffed animals hiding in tree branches and more plastic eggs than two baskets could hold. Talk about over-stimulation! Topie eventually crashed on Dr. Ponce's couch while we ate dinner. And I must say it was such a nice surprise to find that this amazing Veterinarian had no qualms whatsoever with making an entirely vegetarian meal, just for me, that her family had to "suffer" through. I guess that little calf will live another day after all...

Nothing kicks off Spring like a wedding amid fragrant blossoms and outdoor stone monuments. My nearest and dearest friend from high school, Yvonda, finally found the man of her dreams and asked me to be there when she tied the knot. 

So, armed with a camera and creativity, I was determined to entertain myself throughout the chaotic and disgustingly lovely day.

Deceiving though it may be, Vonda looks calm and relaxed in this photo with another of her best buds from Clearfield High---Jocelyn. In truth, Vonda was the epitome of a bridezilla. While I was busy making my little sister cry at her own wedding, Vonda reduced HER baby sister to tears with the blink of an eye immediately after leaving the temple. Let's hope she doesn't read my blog so she can remember April 10th with the sweet bliss of denial. 

Flowers seem to make everything better, do they not?

So, you know the old expression, "Always a bridesmaid...."? I wonder if it still applies?

I didn't waste too much energy on that murkily superstitious thought. I took the opportunity to traipse like a maiden through the leafy, rain-threatened pathways in my satin pink dress, barefoot, while the world below me celebrated the vows of matrimony.

And I definitely got the better end of the stick, because there was so much scenery to take in on my solo adventure!

Ok, really I was just on a mini-hike in search of my sister. When you're the only blonde in a group of dark-skinned patrons, one must call for reinforcements. Upon arrival, you're then required to walk them to the party.

And together, take pictures of the bride's bouquet.

And harass the bride with additional photo shoots 

before treating ourselves, "romantically," to a chocolate-dipped buffet! Hey, we were in the spirit!

While masticating that delicious ambrosia of a fondue marshmallow, I freed a hand long enough to capture some of the INDOOR scenery. I don't know why I thought this was so pretty...

For the second wedding I've attended this year (first was Julie's---not blogged because it occurred prior to my blog's creation) the evening was quite delightful. Julie pulled through that weekend and helped out with more than just my makeup for Vonda's big day. As you can see, marriage looks good on her.

We'll see how refreshed and happy Yvonda looks in a few months. I'm sure she'll be stunning! Congrats to the newlyweds!