Today

One Down

I took the last test for Individual Taxation today.

One class down, three to go.

Canyoneering

Last weekend we took a trip to Hanksville, Utah for a little canyoneering trip. Nate's brother-in-law said it was the final test I needed to pass before entering the family. The trip was fondly named "Lauren's induction into the Quinn Family." Thanks guys.

Shannon was a sweetheart and decided to brave the canyons with the Quinn men and me. Look at us in our tent! Which, we set up (and took down) by ourselves, by the way. Nate was so impressed- really. He didn't know I possessed that skill.

The canyons we went through were SUPER narrow. Did I mention that? In case you can't visualize "SUPER narrow" I've included the picture below:

The group (top to bottom): Aaron, McKay, Dallin, Nathan, and Shannon

Now, normally, in canyoneering, one would go down the canyon, using harnesses and ropes, repelling down. Well, not with the Quinn men. They've done this canyon numerous times, and decided to try going up it this time. Here's a picture of one pass we had to cross. This maneuver is called a "chimney" and I think it's one of the scariest things I've ever done.

Above: Shan, so happy to be canyoneering for the first time.

Below: another gaping crevasse we had to find a way to cross. Keep in mind that most people do this while roped in to a rope and anchor. Shan traversed it by counterbalancing her weight on the canyon walls with her shoulders and feet. You can see Nate's hand spotting her below.

Maybe this gives a little better perspective of how high up she was and how brave she consequently had to be:

After watching her cross that way, I elected this method instead:

Thanks Nate :)

All in all it was a fantastic trip! So... if it's alright with you, Aaron, I'll go ahead with plans to join the family! ... with hopes of many more canyoneering trips in the future!

Groomals

Last weekend we took our groomals at the Garden Park Ward (bridals, but with the groom there too). Thanks to our fantastic photographer for some amazing photos (and he didn't even post some of my personal favorites!) We had a ton of fun during this shoot. Getting all dressed up made the wedding feel so much closer!

Click here to see a few of them!

Shout out for VITA

Looking back, I've realized my blog has somewhat misrepresented my life recently. Yes, I do spend a fair amount planning, thinking about, and looking forward to our wedding, but I also am in school full time and am managing the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Lab on campus- both of which I love.

Right now I'm taking the final two tax classes for my Master's emphasis (Individual Tax and Partnership Taxation) as well as my final General University Education class (Humanities) and my last General Business Education class (Business Law). ... ok I'm realizing after listing that last class that I need to qualify my statement above. I love preparing taxes without reservation. I love classes at school with reservations... Business Law has kinda been the bain of my existence in the Marriott School of Business. I'm counting down the days for that one to be over. My other classes, however, especially Individual Tax, I am truly enjoying.

VITA is truly a highlight of my experience in school. It has influenced my chosen career path! I have been a volunteer in the lab for the past four years- all throughout my accounting education- and have managed the lab for the past two years. Through it I've come to love preparing taxes for individuals. Preparing someone's taxes is such a personal experience- so many aspects of their life are reflected in an individual's taxes. I appreciate the trust both friends and strangers place in me to prepare their taxes. I love helping people do something that they otherwise wouldn't be able to do for themselves.

One month!!

We get married in one month from today! Wahoo! It can't come fast enough!

Park City Photo Shoot

Last weekend when Nate was in town we took our official engagement pictures with our wedding photographer. Here's the link to his blog so you can check them out!

PC Engagements (click here)

Completed Family

My future brother in law returned home from his mission in Finland this past week... meaning I finally got to meet the last member of Nate's family! Welcome home Dallin!

Elder Dallin Quinn, McKay (younger brother), Paul (dad)

Nate wasn't arriving until the next day, so I met up with the Quinn family and rode with them to the airport. Upon arrival Dallin greeted each family member in turn with a hug. Once he got to me, however, he stuck out his hand. No hugs for this young lady, he said! Not part of the family yet ;) Thanks to Grandpa Arave for taking care of the introductions for us... introducing me as an investigator!