Four Year Anniversary Surprise trip to Vegas!

Brad and I have been married for four years now. (We got married on August 23, 2012) That's just crazy! For our anniversary this year, we had decided (or so I thought) that we would just go out to dinner and watch our wedding video.

But on the Sunday afternoon before our anniversary, Brad told me to go and pack a bag because we were leaving for Vegas the next morning. I was super confused at first because I had absolutely no clue he had planned this trip. I never once saw any confirmation emails or hotel receipts or anything. He had even set up his sisters Kendall & Kylie to babysit Owen while we were gone. 

When we got there, we ate at Shake Shack. I had even spilled my entire water cup all over my phone and pants and still left thinking the food was good, so that should tell you something. Don't worry, my phone was okay. But, I walked around for the next hour looking like I had peed myself. 

Our next stop was Live Game Escape because we're obsessed with escape rooms now. We have Brad's sister Kristy to thank for that. We got out in time, but I'm embarrassed to say we had to use quite a few clues for a room that, looking back, was really not that hard. On our way out, we stopped at the sketchiest 7 Eleven. I stayed in the car while Brad went in to get a sour patch slurpee. If he had been shot in there I would have been ticked because that slurpee was not that good.

Later that day, we saw Nathan Burton Comedy Magic. It was somewhat entertaining but nothing to write home about. It was pretty much the same tricks over and over again but with different girls dressed in skanky outfits with a few different props.

For dinner that night we went to a Thai restaurant called Lotus of Siam. It wasn't bad but my mouth was salivating for Cheesecake Factory the whole time.

Here's a picture Kendall & Kylie sent to me of Owen at Jump Street. They took good care of him while we were gone. Thanks guys!! 

The next day, we did another escape room at Xtreme Escape called Bugsy's Nightmare because we had to make up for our poor performance from the day before. This escape room was pretty awesome!! We definitely did a lot better and want to go back and try some more rooms at this place. 

Later the day, we made a stop at Serendipity for some dessert. We had gone to Serendipity on our very first trip to Vegas together so it holds a special place in my heart, even if the dessert really isn't that good. 

Brad had also gotten us tickets to Blue Man Group for that night. This show was entertaining but totally weird. At one point, there was a huge piece of jello flung directly at us so that should give you an idea of how random this show is. We were also close enough that we were some of the lucky few that had to wear ponchos during the whole show. 

Thanks for a great trip Brad!! Happy four years, I love you! 

How We Got Engaged

The Story How We Met Part III

You can read The Story How We Met Part I here and Part II here.

After returning home from Vegas, Brad and I continued to date. 

Bridal Veil Falls in the Winter

One night, I had the marvelous idea that we should take a walk at Bridal Veil Falls because it had been unusually warm those past few days. If you've ever been to Bridal Veil Falls, you'll know that it's a pretty trail with waterfalls. But if you've ever been there in March, you'll know that the snow isn't quite melted and the trail isn't very accessible.

So when we got there, to my horror, we found 2 feet of snow piled on the trail. But, we decided to be adventurous and trudge through. I had boots on, but Brad wasn't so lucky with his Nike shoes. 

We didn't even make it halfway to the falls (which were probably still frozen anyway), but we left laughing about my dumb idea. 

Hiking the Y

What kind of BYU relationship would ours be if we hadn't hiked the Y? Only thing was, Brad had told me that he had sworn as a freshman that he would never hike the Y. This was one of many zoobie activities I ended up talking him in to. 

Festival of Colors

But I have to say, by far, the biggest milestone in our relationship was going to the Festival of Colors. After hearing Brad repeatedly say that he would never be caught dead at that Festival again, I knew he was really in to me when he agreed to go for the second time.

Meet the Parents

April rolled around which resulted in two things: me graduating from BYU (Woohoo!) and Brad meeting my parents for the first time. Both events were a success.

Skydiving in Moab

That next weekend, Brad and I packed up and drove to Moab to skydive together. You can read about that experience here.

By that time, I knew that this one was a keeper because I can't think of any other guy who I would have thrown myself out of a plane for.

I love you

Shortly after that, the first I love you was said.

Only problem was, I was half asleep on my couch when he said it, so it took me a few moments to register what had happened. Once my senses came to, I was elated. When I woke up the next morning, I was worried that I had dreamt it, but was reassured once I saw a text from Brad letting me know that it really did happen :)

Here are a few more pictures of us while we were dating.

REAL game

Stewart Falls 

Hiking to the hot springs

Bridal Veil Falls

A few short months later, to my surprise (as well as Peggy's), Brad proposed! 

And, where did he propose you ask? On a quaint bridge at the one and only, Bridal Veil Falls. Only this time, we didn't have to trudge through two feet of snow :)

*side note: Brad had tried getting a hold of my dad to ask his permission for hours that day (apparently my dad doesn't answer calls from unknown numbers). Luckily, he finally got a hold of my dad just before he came to pick me up. Phew! 

How We Became "Official"

The Story How We Met Part II

I noticed that I had about 10 drafts on my blog that I've never published, so I thought it might be nice to finish a few of them. This post is Part II of "Easy as Pie: The Story How We Met." You can read that here. 

In this post, you'll see what lead up to Brad and me having our first & last DTR (Defining the Relationship) and becoming "official."

Panda Express Fortune

The second time we went out, I met him during his lunch break at the Provo Towne Center food court. (Classy, I know) We ended up choosing Panda Express for lunch. The fortune that came with my meal said "you will obtain your goal if you maintain your course."

I really liked this fortune and I ended up tucking it away in my purse. Later that night, I glued it on to my "dream board" that hung over my bed. For anyone who doesn't think writing your goals down makes a difference, trust me, it does. 

First Hand Hold

After a few more dates, he held my hand for the first time while we were watching the movie Taken at his apartment.

It was a good thing I had seen Taken a few times before because I was too excited to focus on the movie. 

Our First Kiss

After a romantic night of dinner, ice skating and "What Happens in Vegas," Brad pulled the trigger and kissed me!

He was probably feeling pretty confident since earlier that night I had scheduled "take Jules out" on his phone calendar every Friday for those next two months. 

Spontaneous Bike Ride

Feeling adventurous one night, Brad and I decided to "borrow" some bikes we found at his apartment complex and take them for a stroll around campus. After finding a good spot to stop and talk, it started raining shortly after. This resulted in our first rain kiss!

It looked a little something like this:

Okay, maybe not quite like that.

Las Vegas

One night while hanging out at Brad's apartment, we made an impulse decision to drive to Vegas the next morning. I was starting my new job at Qualtrics that next week, so it was either now or never! (Did I mention Brad called his sister Kacey that morning to tell her we were leaving in a few hours? Sorry Kacey!)

Vegas was a success. I got to meet Kacey, Jon, Scarlet, Rhode and Asher and the kids made me feel right at home by calling me "Aunt Jules" the whole time. (You can read about this on Kacey's blog)

They were a little confused about where Brad and I stood and so was I.

We did the basics in Vegas: watched the Bellagio fountain show, the Mirage Fire Show and let's not forget the Sirens of TI. You take a little bit of sugar and a little bit of spice and you shake it, shake it!

Picture courtesy of Scarlet, age 4

In front of the Bellagio

There were a few instances that weekend that left me very confused. For example, Kacey told us when she was tucking Rhode in to bed the night before, he was listing off everyone that he loved. His list went like this: "I love mommy, I love daddy, I love Scarlet, Asher, Uncle Brad, and Uncle Brad's girlfriend...what's her name again?"

Kacey finished her story with, "Uncle Brad's girlfriend's name is Julianna, Rhode" to which he happily exclaimed, "Oh, yeah!"

Rhode

I distinctly remember looking over at Brad to see his reaction to Kacey's use of the word "girlfriend." He was just smiling and laughing.

At that moment, my thoughts were:

He didn't correct her, thank goodness! Did she refer to me as that because that's how he described me? Or, did she just assume? Oh my gosh, this is so confusing! 

Our DTR

The weekend flew by and before we knew it, it was time to head back to Provo.

During the drive back, Brad and I started up a conversation about past relationships. We had the safest conversation imaginable and would answer each others questions in the format, "well, when I'm dating someone, I like it when..."

After a while, we got on to the topic of things we didn't like when dating someone and Brad listed things like being too clingy and needy. Then, he threw me a curve ball and jokingly said, "if you do any of those things, I'm going to break up with you!"

Break up with me? Does that mean we're together??

I played it cool and just kept on talking (even though I was dying all weekend to know where we stood).

After a while, I asked him another question. Before he answered, he started laughing. I didn't know what he was laughing about, so after a few minutes of interrogation, he finally cracked and told me what he thought was so funny. 

He asked if I had noticed that any time we would answer each other's questions, we would start with, "when I'm dating someone.."

Of course I had noticed

Playing dumb, I responded..."Oh, really? Yeah, I guess we have."

Brad went on to say that he thought it was funny because he considered us dating and asked if I did too.

I answered saying, "yeah, I consider us dating. Like, boyfriend/girlfriend dating?"

And Brad so romantically responded with, "yeah, sure!"

And that's when we became "official."

Easy as pie

The Story How We Met 

When people ask us how we met, we usually just say that Brad was my home teacher. But, that's the short version. This is how it really went down.

Three things brought Brad and me together.

Home teaching

Pecan Pie

And Facebook. 

In that order.

We've been married for a little over 9 months now and started talking about the beginning of our relationship the other night. Let me give you a quick recap.

I moved in to the same BYU ward as Brad in August, 2011. A few months after moving in, Brad was assigned as one of my home teachers. (hallelujah!) I distinctly remember the first time he and his companion came to teach my roommate and me. He was wearing a suit and was looking finnne.

You would feel the same way if this walked in to your living room.

This sounds creepy now, but since we're married, I'm allowed to say that I was smitten from the beginning. When he first walked in to our apartment, I knew that he was someone I wanted to get to know. After they left that first night, I remember telling my roommate, Christie, that I was excited about my hot, new home teacher.

So, a few months went by and it finally happened. His companion (who happens to be a great cook) brought Pecan Pie to a lesson. Only problem is, I hate pie, and I soon found out that Brad felt the same way. After struggling to force my piece down, I looked over and saw that Brad was struggling too. In a brief moment, our eyes met and we connected.

Later that night after they left, I ran up the stairs and in to my room. My roommates Christie and Hilary were in there so we started talking and I explained that I had to do something. I needed to let him know that I was interested (especially since my roommate had mentioned in an earlier lesson that I was dating multiple guys at the time.) So, messaging him on Facebook was the best we could come up with. After 20 minutes of me changing the message (yes, it took me that long), THIS is what we came up with.

• Conversation started December 13, 2011
• 

  1:01am
  

  Julianna Earl
  

  
  

  We should go get pie some time. Because I know how much you love it, haha
  

  

  
  
  

That was sent after Christie had to push me away from the key board and push "send" since I was too chicken. Super clever, huh? I even included that exact picture of pie in the message. What. Was. I. Thinking?

And that's where it all started.

This life changing Facebook conversation continued over that entire Christmas break. You would be surprised how long it took us to get off the topic of pie and start talking about more exciting things. No joke, the next four messages were all about that stupid pie.

Eventually, we changed the subject and the flirting began.

• December 17, 2011
• 

  1:49am
  

  Bradley Earl
  

  
  

  That's always weird when the roommates leave and you have the place to yourself. Kinda fun though for a little bit. Yeah I haven't done much yet since I've been here maybe I should have stayed and chilled with you. We can hang out when we get back though

Is it necessary to describe how excited I was after seeing that message? No, you're right. It's not.

A few days later, we started to get to know each other better and he told me that his Senior Trip was a three week cross country "Church History Tour." Wait, what?

But, I thought you were cool?

Don't worry, he redeemed himself by saying that it wasn't his idea. Phew. 

A few messages later, I got the first taste of the Brad that I know and love today. After explaining that my family moved while I was in high school and I ended up graduating early to start BYU right away, Brad's response was:

• December 20, 2011
• 

  11:37pm
  

  Bradley Earl
  

  
  

  Well that's too bad. Senior trips are way sweet or inspiring and spiritual and kinda boring like mine haha. That's cool you graduated early though. People probably hear that and think you're smart huh? Just so you know I think that's cool but I don't automatically think that makes you smart. You seem smart though. Anyways, how much longer in Florida until you go to the steel city? Do they call it that?

Excuse me? Is this kid for real?

I let that one slide. 

As Christmas Eve approached, we started talking about each of our families' Christmas traditions. Brad went on to tell me that every Christmas, he and all of his siblings got to "hide from Santa" and watch him put out all of their presents. I told him that that tradition was a great idea and that maybe I'd do something like that for when I had kids. Only problem is, it resulted in Brad believing in Santa Claus until he was 14 years old.

Christmas break continued on and we messaged back and forth every day. Once we both got back to Provo, Brad made his move and asked for my number! He ended up asking me out the next day. 

I was so freakin' excited!!

Did I mention our first "date" was to a BYU Basketball game? With his friend Kale? (Don't worry, we ended up going out to dinner and a movie, just the two of us, after the game. But, I still like to tease him about it.) 

We've come a long way. 

Snowboarding for my first (kind of) time

I just need to start this post off by saying that Qualtrics is a pretty cool place to work for. We get tons of perks and one of them includes corporate Sundance passes. Brad and I took advantage of these on Wednesday night for my second first time Snowboarding. (Okay, I had gone once before a few years ago, but it doesn't really count since my time was spent mostly on the bunny hill without any real instruction). 

So, Wednesday was my first official night snowboarding and I had a very good instructor, I might add. The one and only Bradley David Earl. 

We drove up to Sundance after work and geared up for some night snowboarding. (Sorry for taking all of your snowboarding gear at Thanksgiving, Kristy). 

This picture was taken while Brad was tightening up my boots!

All geared up and ready to go. 

That's right folks, I made it on to the ski lift. I think getting on and off the ski lift was harder than actually snowboarding. 

Here's a little gem for all of you. I actually really enjoyed "snowboarding" and Brad said that I picked up on it really fast! And, no, that's not just because we're married. 

Taking a break from practicing "toe side."

Nothing like snow blowing all in your face. 

One last picture before heading home.

Don't worry, we'll be back next Wednesday for my next lesson. Stay tuned!

Skydiving through MY eyes

Well, here it is. My first blog post. I don't even know how to write a blog...

I was trying to think of a good first topic to write about and remembered Brad had written a post a while back about our skydiving adventure before we got married. Let's turn back the tables of time and see how that day really went down.

For Brad's account, click here

April 28th, 2012

8:30am We are on our way to Canyonlands airport and I already feel like I'm going to be sick. This is going to be a long, long day. I mask my fear by making small talk with Brad because, let's be real, I'm supposed to be the "cool girlfriend."

9:00am We finally arrive and Paul, the owner, walks in and hands us our release forms. My hand shakes as I sign my life away. This seemed like a much better idea a month ago when we were discussing this safely on the ground.

9:23am Paul comes back to fetch us and leads us to the hangar. I am pretty much a mute by now because my nerves block me from talking. As Paul tries to make conversation, I give nervous laughs and leave the talking up to Brad.

Their conversation goes something like this:

Paul- “So how did you hear about us?”

Brad- “We bought the deal on Groupon.”

Paul-“Oh you saw us online? Did you see our reviews?  They are TERRIBLE! Everyone seems to hate us! I don’t know why.”

This doesn't make me feel the least bit better.

9:25am While this conversation is going on, I'm looking around for escape routes. Unfortunately for me, it seems that the only way out of this place is up. 

9:27am We finally reach the hangar and see a group of people standing there waiting to jump. I have two thoughts: 1) I hope they've already jumped because I'd really like to get this over with and 2) If those few girls can do it, I CAN DO IT!

9:28am Brad and I sit tight for our "sky diving training" video. I'm all eyes and ears because paying attention to this video could potentially save my life! But, it's really weird because after about 5 minutes of the video, it looks a lot like people just jumping out of planes. With no instruction at all. Oh wait, that's because that's exactly what this video is.  Brad and I exchange confused looks and I suddenly feel more sick than I did a half hour ago. 

10:00am We're just waiting around in the hangar for our turn. We sense some commotion and quickly walk outside to see what's going on. At first I think my eyes are failing me, but quickly realize that no, my eyes are just fine and that really is a parachute falling to the ground with no one attached to it. The staff who are in the hangar explain to all of us that the jumpers had to do a "cutaway" which, naturally, is when the first parachute doesn't deploy properly and you have to use the reserve chute. 

10:20am The jeep finally arrives with the jumpers who had to do the cutaway because they landed a few miles from where they were supposed to. Now, we get the full story. Alec, the instructor, explained that their first chute didn't deploy correctly, so they started spinning and he had to release the chute and deploy the backup. 

10:25am About this time, I'm thinking to myself. "You've got to be kidding me. THIS is the very first jump I witness?"

10:26am However, my fears are quickly worsened by the comforting words of another staff member to all of us awaiting jumpers. "Don't worry about that. This is sky diving. S*** happens." (Looking back, this seems a lot funnier than it did at the time.)

10:35am The "plane" finally returns from this first jump. Actually, I'm not even sure I'd call it a plane. This thing looks more like a few metal pieces held together by duct tape. Now, I'm really starting to question my sanity and that of my "then" boyfriend's. 

If you can't tell from my facial expression, my thoughts were somewhere along the lines of "you've. got. to. be. kidding. me."

10:35am-1:45pm During this time, I've probably said about 10 words total to Brad because I am so nervous. I knew I would be scared jumping out of a plane, but waiting in anticipation for 4 1/2 hours makes it SO MUCH WORSE. 

1:45pm It's finally our turn to get ready. The time has come! I feel like a robot just going through the motions and am pretty much numb to the core now. But, this is it. I'm all suited up and ready to go. I have never been more scared in my entire life. 

1:55pm We take some pictures and Paul films us for the video I ordered. I try to look cool and relaxed for the camera but my body is feeling the exact opposite.

2:02pm It's time. My entire body is shaking right about now. And, each step I take closer to the plane makes me sort of want to cry. Before we get in, Alec, Brad's instructor, gives us the most instruction we've received all day. "Put your feet over the edge and hold on to your harness." Umm....that's it?!

2:03pm Paul (the crazy owner) walks over and it looks like I'll be jumping with him. I'm desperately wanting more instruction by this point. I mean, I AM about to throw myself out of a plane, so something more than just "hold on" would be helpful. But, the only other word of advice I get from Paul is "hold on and arch your back." Then he instructs Alec and Brad to get in first. Now, I really want to cry because that means I'M jumping out first. I look over my shoulder again for a place to run to.

2:05pm The next thing I know, I'm squeezing in next to Brad who has the biggest smile on his face. For a split second I almost get excited by the fact that I'm about to skydive, but that irrational thought quickly gets swiped away as I come back to the reality of the situation. 

2:06-2:20pm We're climbing higher and higher in the sky and Paul can tell I am petrified. He tries to calm my nerves by pointing out landmarks, and I reluctantly look out the window and just notice how high we are and fail to see any landmarks. The plane ride up is really jerky and I have never felt so nauseated before. The only thing comforting me is Brad holding my hand while I squeeze the life out of his. (foreshadowing?)

2:20pm It's getting really close to my turn to jump. Paul is filming me and I'm trying to look less scared than I am. Then, he starts attaching the harness while I'm saying about my 15th prayer of the day. 

2:21pm The plane door opens and I feel a huge gust of wind blow in to the plane. The first thing I do is grab on to the driver's seat, but then I feel Paul's hand yanking mine off the seat. Even though they told me just a second before to not hold on to anything, that was my first instinct as soon as the door opened. 

2:22pm I'm told to hang my feet over the edge of the plane, and that's exactly what I do. All I feel is the wind coming at me from every angle and I have no idea how I got to this point. I can honestly say I have never been so scared in my life.

2:23pm I hear Paul counting down from 3 and BOOM we're gone and I'm suddenly flying. It is the biggest adrenaline rush I have ever experienced in my life; I'm waiting for the butterflies to come, but they never do. There really aren't any words to describe the feeling other than surreal. Before I know it, the chute is deployed and we're safely coasting over Moab. I can finally enjoy the scenery Paul was referring to earlier. Paul whips out the camera again and films me steering the parachute. The only thing I keep saying is "This is so surreal!"

2:26pm We're getting near our landing spot and I suddenly get nervous again. I turn back to Paul and yell "What do I do?!" His response is, "Lift up your legs!" So, I immediately obey and before I know it, we're zeroing in on the ground. All seems to go well until Paul yells, "start running." He didn't give me enough warning apparently, because my run was more like a tiny trot and he ended up falling over me once we landed on the ground. But, I have never been so happy to be safely on the ground in my life. I almost want to kiss the dirt. 

2:29pm We get ourselves untangled and I remember Brad was right behind me and should be landing soon. I turn and look up towards the sky and see he and Alec floating through the air on their way down. I feel total relief. After I see them safely land on the ground, I am the happiest girl alive.

We did it!!!