Redfish Family Reunion: Hall Edition

My family was able to experience Redfish for the first time at the beginning of August.  It was the first time since Christmas that were all together.  It was very fun being able to spend a couple of days together in the Sawtooths with the Casperson clan.  I am so grateful that our families get a long and that we didn't have any "Meet the Fockers" moments.  Here are some pictures from our trip.

Church in Stanley

 Hot Pots on the Salmon River

 Loving the American outdoors

Troopers

 Hiking Trail

 Water break

Redfish Lake--Christmas card photo op

Hace Calor

In July we dusted off our passports and headed to Mexico for Pashley's wedding.  It was nice to be with our amigos where technology and time never mattered.

We spent the week:

- watching two love birds tie the knot

- eating fish tacos--which were heavenly

- playing a lot of Yahtzee 

- pool games--categories with Britney Spears songs, chicken fights, handstand contests, etc.

- catching some waves

- sharing a room with Jackson and Jill--where we witnessed the invention of the breathe right nose strip

- lighting lanterns

- scooter-ing around

- an attempted fishing trip

- being eaten by mosquitos--22 on just my left leg--are you impressed?

...and...

sweating.

{"Hace calor!" was frequently used.}

We stayed in a little beach town called Salyuita.  Ash and Pat got married in a gorgeous villa overlooking the ocean--we're talkin' Bachelor fantasy suites beautiful.  We are so happy for the Giles and are grateful for the invite.  

Thanks friends, for a great trip!  Let's do it again sometime...perhaps to Asia?

Weekend Getaway

A few weekends ago...

...5 couples...

packed up the cars and headed to Park City for a weekend getaway.

We ate a week's worth of food in 48 hours. We made sure that we took advantage of different restaurants and ate a lot of pizza, ice cream, hamburgers, hot dogs, cookies, chips...the list goes on and on.

Burned a hole in the wallet...

Note:  The buffet table was purchased at Pier 1 Imports for 80% off!!!

After a long, hard day of shopping and eating we played a game of "Would You Rather?" and soaked in the hot tub.

The next day we took a stroll downtown before we headed home.

Weekend getaways are always so nice!  Can't wait for our next one...

A Grand Weekend

We had a GRAND weekend!  I am one lucky girl to have the people I do in my life.  This weekend was a perfect one full of friends, favorite things, surprises, and spoiled-ness.

We kicked off the weekend in Brigham City to meet up with some of my favorite people, Chels and Em.  I miss those two, and many others, like crazy and wish we still lived on the same block!  We've come a long way since our days in Kampus Korner...ones that will never be forgotten.

The dates

The girls

Justin planned a little getaway to Salt Lake on Saturday.  I had no idea we were going anywhere until Friday night.  I was so surprised when he told me that we were going to the Grand America.  I have always wanted to stay there.  This hotel is overwhelmingly gorgeous!

On Saturday morning we woke up and headed down to Park City to start the day with a little shopping at the famous PC outlets.  He totally gets me.  I spent the majority of my time grabbing adorable spring clothes in the J Crew Outlet, while Justin opted for biking gear at Pearl Izumi.  You can guess who spent more. Hint: white bag.

After an afternoon of shopping we headed to Salt Lake and checked in to the Grand America Hotel.  So gorgeous!  We checked out the place then headed to Zupa's for dinner.  He scored points all weekend!  When we got back there was an amazing jazz band that was playing near the lobby which we enjoyed for a while.  I wanted to get up and slow dance but there was no chance of that with this guy.  

The Grand America pool was probably the most glamourous pool I've ever been to.  When have you ever seen chandeliers in the pool area?  I felt like I should have worn an elaborate bathing suit or something. 

We came back to our room with chocolate gifts and a turned down bed.  Royal treatment, I tell ya!

Sunday morning at the Grand America = Sunday Brunch

Sunday Brunch is SO delicious!  We filled ourselves with crepes, omelets, fruit tarts, crab legs, shrimp, sushi, french toast, croissants, cheesecake.  Let's just say we ate all the calories allowed for the day by 11:00 am.  SO worth it though.  I can't wait to go back!

The view from our balcony.  I didn't want to leave.  Our stay at the Grand America was so fun!

Grand America Lobby.  The perfect finish to a great weekend!  I have always wanted to stay at the Grand America, it reminds me of the New York Plaza.  A definite place to stay on my bucket list.  We had so much fun just hanging out together.  Thanks to my wonderful husband who filled this weekend with my favorite things!

Wait, is it really Monday tomorrow?

Asian Christmas

This year we spent Christmas in Asia. I hadn't been back for 5 years so I was excited to go...plus this was Justin's first time there, which made me very excited to go. My family moved to Shenzhen, China...a 30 minute ferry ride from Hong Kong International Airport. They live right on the water and have a beautiful views. During our 15 hour plane ride...that's right 15 hours...I kept reminding Justin that China is nothing like Japan. Sure they are on the same continent...but so is America and Mexico. Our plane ride was VERY long, but I slept and we had tons of movies at our fingertips. Here is the breakdown of our Christmas vacation.

Day 1: Landed in Hong Kong International Airport--took a ferry ride over to Shekou--was greeted by the entire family--ate some dinner--hit the sack.


Day 2: Took the ferry to Hong Kong--walked up and down the streets--LOVED IT!--Hong Kong reminds me of Japan...clean, expensive stores, follows the laws (of the roads), new skyscrapers--after a long day of walking we got foot massages--watched the light show...the entire skyline of HK is BEAUTIFUL and every night the skyscrapers have a synchronized light show...it was cool!--returned to our hotel.

Day 3: Flew to Phuket, Thailand--checked in to the Kamala Bay Beach Resort--hit the beach...but it was so crowded with 3 rows of Euros in speedos and grandmas in string bikinis...opted for the pool.

Day 4: Pool day--lunch on the beach--shopping on the beach--water aerobics.

Day 5: Pool day--$10 massage on the beach...for an hour!--dinner on the beach.

 









Day 6: Christmas Eve--toured the island--rode an elephant--dinner on the beach.

Day 7: Christmas Day--breakfast in Phuket--lunch in Hong Kong--dinner in China.

Day 8: Went to church, their branch meets in a living room of a house--Christmas dinner with some of my dad's colleagues...their first Christmas. They decorated their own Christmas tree, learned the true meaning of Christmas, ate a traditional Christmas dinner...ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, salad...many of them had never had any of this before and it was kind of funny seeing them pick up one green bean and put it in their mouth. They opened their own stockings and decorated sugar cookies to end the night. I think they all loved it, I mean who wouldn't?!

Day 9: My mom, Dave, Justin and I went to visit my dad at work and on our way there stopped at an art village outside of Shenzhen called Buji. This is RIGHT up Justin's alley. He LOVED it! I did too. Buji has over 1 million paintings ranging from all sizes. We saw a 40 ft. painting and it was beautiful! We actually went back another day to get more paintings...we left that place with not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 paintings! All for a couple of dollars--now the pricey part, frames. Come on Michaels...give us your 60 % off sale!

This is all of us at Huaewi, where my dad works. The place is gorgeous and huge! This is outside of his building.









Day 10: Shopping in Luohu...amazingly HUGE market where everyone calls you "Missy." We were succored into many great deals--for cheap quality. No regrets except the FUggs (fake Uggs) that lasted a whole taxi ride. We also rode bikes to Brian's school---and were nearly killed by cars and fellow bike riders. My bike cost a whopping $10 and it sure rode like it. Walmart is next to his school so we decided to check that out too...5 minutes and we wanted out! We'll never take our new, beautiful Walmart here for granted again. After 10 days of eating rice...my un-Asian-ified husband was in need of some comfort food. There was nothing more heavenly than seeing those golden arches.

Day 11: Justin and I took the train to Guangzhou, China. Home of the largest fabric market in the world. Can't even begin to explain the size of this place. 8 x 8 streets across and 7 stories high. We were overwhelmed, but had fun looking for fabrics to start up Novembr. Men's clothing is online! Check it out.

Day 12: Pamper day! My mom and I went to a beautiful spa for 2-hour long facials ($25), then walked down the street to get our hair washed--1 hour scalp massage--lying on our backs on a massage table with the sink below our heads ($3)--ate some lunch--off to get pedicures ($5). LOVE those China prices!

Day 13: New Years Day--after a tearful good-bye, we flew home to America--where everyone, well most, speak English!

Kissing 2010 good-bye!

Another Decade Down

Good-bye 2010, you've been good to us!

**Here's what we were up to in 2010**

1. Skiing in Sun Valley

I am not the world's best skier, in fact, I hardly skied at all...if you don't consider being in the 5th and 6th grade ski club. Justin, on the other hand, is quite the skier and has been hitting the slopes since he was little. So skiing is slowly being adopted into my winter lifestyle. For President's Day weekend, in February, I was able to check out Sun Valley. I LOVE that town! As for my skiing experience, it was a good one...but one that needs a little more practicing before I post any pictures of me in the act.

2. Bear Lake Lookout

On February 26 I went up to Logan for the weekend. It had snowed the night before and I got to Justin's house he wanted to go take pictures up the canyon...nothing unusual. I threw on a coat (not my nice one) and almost forgot to bring shoes (because it was so cold and we've taken pictures from the sun roof before) and tagged along to Bear River Lookout. When we got there it was beautiful! I was so excited that we were going to get great pictures so wanting to contribute I asked to take a few. After taking a couple, Justin said, "Hey Ash.." I turned around with the lens still to my face and snapped one last quick shot.

This is what I took...

3. Jobs

We feel very blessed to both have jobs, we enjoy, in this economy.

I left my job at American Preparatory and the School for New Americans. I LOVED every second teaching at that school and being mentored by the best teachers. It was such a hard day saying good-bye to those precious refugee children who walked in the doors in September knowing maybe 50 English words and leaving at grade level. There was such amazing improvement in these kids who touched my heart and love for teaching forever.

I am now teaching fourth grade at Bear River Charter School! This is the first year of Bear River Charter school and I feel blessed to be apart of it. This is also my first year on my own and it's been fun...and difficult at times...having my own class, but I am enjoying it and am very grateful for a teaching job in "teacher county" Utah.

Justin works for Charmac Trailers and it's so convenient for him to work from home after his classes. He is planning to graduate in May 2012. If Justin isn't studying or working for Charmac, he is thinking of other companies he wants to start up. Seriously...as of today, he has 5 other business ideas he wants to start up! I woke up one morning and on his computer was a post-it note that said, "I can't do everything." Oh the mind of an Entrepreneur...

4. Trips

2010 has been the year of living out of suitcases. This year we've been able to take a couple trips together and made many memories from each one.

I have found my favorite travel partner!

Justin's role--holds the tickets, passports, itinerary...rolls the heavier suitcases and loads the car...lets me lean on him during the flight.

My role--holds the treats in my purse...takes the middle seat on flights...DJ's fairly...and fills Justin in on the latest celebrity gossip.

I think we travel well together!

5. Wedding

On June 23, 2010 single--Ashley Hall turned to married--Ashley Casperson. I LOVE my new last name and all the people I can now call "family." Our wedding day was perfect! We were married and sealed in the Bountiful Temple and had a gorgeous reception at the Eldridge Manor shortly after. A few days later we had another beautiful reception in Twin Falls at the Blue Lakes Country Club where we able to book the Hot Flash Girls and danced the night away.

6. Hawaii

Our first trip with just each other. We loved it! We did whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted all day long. It was great! We honeymoon'ed in paradise on the North Shore of Oahu. Hawaii is one of the most amazing places I've ever seen. I love it there and want to move there! We couldn't stuff ourselves more with pineapple pancakes!

7. Wakeboarding

If you haven't seen Justin wakeboard before, you need to get on the boat! He is so talented and so fun to watch! We were able to spend our summer on the Snake River wakeboarding at least four times a week. There is nothing better than waking up early to glass and spending the morning on the river, followed by the afternoon at Grandma Coats' pool.

8...LOTOJA

Justin, Lloyd, and Tara all participated in LOTOJA; a bike race from Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 206 miles...3 states...1 day...they are my heros. Justin was on a relay with Kristy (Tara's HS friend) and Greg (Kristy's husband) and represented team Novembr. Justin did one of the hardest legs--biking from Preston to Montpielier, Idaho where he climbed almost 3,000 feet for 40 miles. Lloyd and Tara did the whole 206 miles. I still can not comprehend sitting on a bike seat for 12 hours. I can't even stay in an airplane seat for 10 hours!

9. Moab

We had a Casperson Thanksgiving in Moab, Utah this year.

This was the first time I had:
been to Moab
been Jeeping--thought I would die.
mountain biked...for a period of 8 miles
seen Arches National Park
watched the entire season of Modern Family in 3 days
ate a buffalo and elk steak...the list goes on and on.

We had an amazing time with the Casperson clan and I feel so lucky to have married into one of the best families!!

10. Asian Christmas

We were able to spend Christmas (day) in...Thailand, Hong Kong and China this year with the Halls. Santa was a day late this year because he forgot that we moved to Asia. We had a great time in Asia and were pampered from the second we got off the plane to when we went back to the states.  Detailed post to come...

We had a wonderful year and hope you did as well!