{{Cancun}}

I can't believe our vacation that we've been dreaming of for 7 months has already come and gone. It was so so so much fun and absolutely gorgeous. If you remember our honeymoon story (if you haven't read it...click here. It's a headache and a half) you're probably thinking, "No huge problems or setbacks?" or as >>James Rock<< so kindly said "No luggage issues or sickness this trip?...doesn't sound like and Anderson trip to me." Oh do not worry...we still have our traveling bad luck and definitely had out fair share of it on this trip too. (Just not as terrible...thank goodness.)

[Day 1]
Traveling and a flu bug. Nice combination.

I started the 10+ hours of traveling feeling good/anxious/giddy/excited...

::Notice the brand new, pretty, purple, paisley and brown leather suitcase that Nick is holding...it's mine and I got it the day we left. Remember it for later...::

but as soon as we boarded the plane from Charlotte to Mexico I started to get sick to my stomach. (I later found out that I, along with the rest of my family, caught a yucky flu bug from my nephew Lorenzo. Thanks bud.) I'll spare you the pretty details but let me just say, it went all down hill from there.

We finally landed in Mexico, I was feeling even worse, we totally got ripped of by the taxi driver, we could barely fit all 4 of us plus our luggage in the cab, but eventually pulled up to this gorgeous place...

Unfortunately, I was struggling just to even stay standing for more than 30 seconds so I couldn't really appreciate the beauty at the time. All I could think about was a big, comfy bed and a nap. Buuut our room wasn't going to be ready for another 4 hours. Of course. So we all changed into our swimsuits and went to the beach. I immediately passed out and woke up who knows how many hours later with a fever and feeling even worse than before. Our room was ready by now so we went straight up to the room where I conked out for another good amount of time.

I woke up feeling a little better but just about had a heart attack when I turned to my left and saw this...

A big, scary, bright, confusing, Mexican painting right next to my bed. Lovely.

The room was wonderful though. They even gave us a room with a balcony because we had to wait so long for our room.

[Day 2]

Recovered. The beach. Outback.

I woke up the next morning feeling a lot better, so we spent the day at the beach. {It. was. heavenly.} Clear blue water, white/soft sand, hot sun, cool breeze, best friends, and the man of my dreams. Absolutely perfect. :)

Then we rented this lovely thing...

And ventured out to find a grocery store. We got a little lost (which was scary) but the missionaries on the side of the road saved the day and gave us the right directions to get to the store and safely back to the hotel. Bless their hearts.

Later that night we were thinking burgers sounded good so we decided to go to Outback Steakhouse. Ummm, baaaad idea. Here's a tip -- if you're ever in Mexico eat Mexican food. Don't go for American food. ESPECIALLY if you're still trying to get over the flu.

We ended the night playing games, hanging out, laughing and eating treats in the Herman's room. (which was an every night occurance.) So, the night ended well. :)

[Day 3]

Adventure Day!

The next day we got on boat and headed to Isla Mujerles where we went snorkeling, zip lined over the clear blue water, and swam with dolphins! It was such a fun day and the most beautiful island I've ever seen. Paradise.

When we got back to the hotel we were worn out and didn't want to go out to eat anywhere so we thought ordering a pizza would be a good idea. Wrong again. They took forever to get to the hotel, it was WAY too over priced, they got out order wrong but didn't do anything to fix it, and it did not taste right. Let's just say we made the same, dumb mistake twice. >>The boys were not happy...

[Day 4]

Gringos in a flea market.

We were all burnt to a crisp from our long days in the sun so on Friday we tried to stay out of it as much as possible by going to the flea market. It was cRaZY but really fun and we all got some nice souvenirs. I bought some beautiful, hand-painted, Mexican dishes for chips and dip. (I'd show a picture but they're all wrapped up in newspapers ready for the move to Vegas) I absolutely love them.

We also found a delcious little restaurant called The Taco Factory. It was so good and had the best guacamole...my favorite. :)

When we got back to the hotel we were dying of heat so we finished the day swimming and making up games in our beautiful pool.

[Day 5]

Beach Day.

Exactly what it sounds like. Our burns were recovered enough so we slathered on the sun screen and hung out on the beach all day.

Then went out to dinner at La Destileria...another yummy Mexican restaurant.

[Day 6]

One year anniversary ♥

Nick was adorable and secretly set our alarm clock for 5:30 am so we could watch the sunrise on the beach. Very romantic. The only problem was that when we went out the sky was really cloudy and we couldn't see a thing, then it started raining. And eventually turned into a hurricane. No exaggeration...

So we spent the day inside- room service, walking around the hotel, watching tv/movies. It was a really nice and relaxing day. Oh and Nick gave me this....

Isn't it beautiful? I ♥ it. :)

We were planning on going out for dinner that night but Nick caught my flu bug and got pretty sick that night so we stayed in.

[Day 7]

Our last day.

It was still a hurricane--bummer--so we stayed inside again. We had fun though... hanging out with the Brent & Lauren, playing games, ordering room service, watching movies.. The weather even cleared up for a little bit and we got to walk to the gas station and get our new favorite chips! (Lays flavor that they only sell in Mexico).

[Day 8]

Traveling--we're cursed.

It was hard leave but we did. Got to the airport, had a little annoyance checking our bags in (nothing too big, just a super annoying empolyee), boarded a creepy mist filled plane headed for America, and sat on the runway and waited for an hour to take off. Apperantly, something was going on with the control tower and they delayed our take off for an hour while we just sat on the plane.

[[[Lauren and I found a way to ocupy ourselves during the long wait. We stared at the creepy mist pouring from the air vents and took pictures and laughed our heads off like little girls while everyone else pretended like it wasn't there.]]] Could you ignore this??...

Uhh, yeah. You can't tell but Nick is sitting across the aisle from me...that's how thick. Scary huh? Brent said it had something to do with the humidity outside the plane or somthing. Either way, I still can't get over it.

The plane eventually took off and we landed in North Carolina about 8pm, and because of the delay we missed our connecting flight to Las Vegas. The next one was leaving at 7:30 the next morning. --So we stayed the night in the airport.-- That's right, we laid out some stuff, ordered a couple pizzas and slept right there on the disgusting, hard, germy, airport floor. ew. NOT fun.

We FINALLY got to Vegas the next day and I was so ready to be home. We grabbed my super cute, super nice, super new suitcase from the conveyer belt and look what we find...

A huge gaping hole in my brand new bag. I was pretty livid. I tried to stay calm when my mom and I talked to the baggage claim guy... but when he said that they won't cover the damage because it's big enough that anything has fallen out I may have gotten an attitude and said some things I shouldn't have. Sorry about that, worker man. But they are ridiculous.

Over all it was a dream vacation...even with the tough stuff. We LOVED being with Brent & Lauren and miss them already. Cancun beaches are heavenly...can't wait to go back some day. :)

Blog catch up

I wasn't able to blog about 2 very important events while I was in Mexico so now I'm playing catch up. Enjoy...

((Cancun post coming soon!))

June 26th

On Sunday June 26th we celebrated our 1st anniversary ♥

I can't believe it's already been a year since I had my dream wedding and made the best decision of my life...{married Nicholas Ross Anderson} I've never been happier and feel so blessed that I get to be with him forever and ever.

Nick + Paige = ♥

June 19th

Nick's 24th Birthday!

The lucky boy got 2 birthday parties. One with his family a week early...which included grilled steak, a yummy homemade birthday cheesecake, fun family time and presents.

The DELICIOUS cheesecake, made by Nick's mom. mmmm.

Nick's sweet Grandparents got him a book he's been wanting and a Jimmer shirt. We love them.

And one with my family... which included nieces & nephews, swimming, Brent & Lauren, BBQ, and more presents.

4 of my most favorite people

The cake my mom had made for Nick. He was embarrassed about it but I LOVE that picture.

Nick's presents...a gift card, 'The Last Airbender', and a Nook. He's a happy boy.

{Happy Birthday Nicholas!}

"She works hard for the money, so hard for it honey"

Sometimes at work I have to come up with ways to occupy myself so I don't go crazy and pull my hair out. So, I took up painting and now I'm professional. My inspiration comes from whatever I'm day-dreaming about that day...mostly {sunny days, Cancun, and my hubby}. Here are a few of my masterpieces...

So there you have it. Just a little peek at what I do at work. Everyday. >>Clearly, I got skills aaand I can't get my mind off of Cancun.<< Remember this post? When I announced that we're going on a trip with our good friends Brent & Lauren? Well, it's been a very long 7 months but it's finally here! We're leaving today for a weekend in Vegas and then getting on a plane for Mexico on Monday!! Yay! Get ready for a super fun update in a couple weeks!

All grown up

Nick on his last day at BYU. He was really embarrased about this picture, but I just had to. He looked really handsome and I'm just so proud of him for working so hard. His graduation is in August and we can't wait. Hooray for Nick!

I promise we're still alive

...here's the proof

[Nick looks real excited about this picture]

Um...I haven't blogged in over a month. Whoops,sorry about that. Update coming soon!

hide yo' kids...

You are creepy, Easter Bunny. I have never ever liked you or the idea of you sneaking into my house at night and it's looking like Lily isn't the biggest fan of you either...



Happy Easter!

missin' sis...

Today I'm missing beautiful my sister, Brooke. She made it to Kentucky this week and she's so excited to go out and start teaching. {{I didn't think it would be this hard for me, but I miss her a lot and think about her everyday.}} I'm beyond happy that she's serving a mission and wouldn't want her to be doing anything else but, geeze, I hope this next year and a half goes by quick!

I'm no fool.

{Nick proposed to me exactly one year ago today.} Yes, on April Fool's Day. Was that planned? Doubt it. But it definitely threw people for a loop.

Here's the short version of the story...

After just hanging out for a few days, Nick and I went on our first real date to the BYU Art Museum. I had to go for a project plus I just love art so Nick, being the sweet boy he is, said he would take me. We had so much fun together...being super flirty and cuddle-y and trying to impress each other with our knowledge and insight on the paintings. We loved it. While we were there I fell in love with a certain painting. I'm not sure what it's called but it is a beautiful picture of a woman in a white dress with a red sash. I mentioned that it was my favorite painting to Nick and obviously he was taking good notes. :)

Fast forward a few months...

Nick and I had talked about getting married and I knew he was going to propose sometime soon but he said it was looking like he couldn't afford the ring until May. Sneaky sneaky boy. So on April 1st, 2010 I went to school like any other normal day and came home to take a nap. During my nap I had a dream that Nick took me out to a nice dinner, got down on one knee, pulled a ring box out of his pocket and when he opened up the box a sign popped out that said "APRIL FOOLS!". I started crying in the dream and woke up mad at Nick for what he had done (or hadn't done).

Nick called me that night and said "Hey I gotta go to the museum for one of my classes, want to come with me?" I told him not really...I had just gotten out of my dance class and wanted to shower and get ready before we hung out that night. He didn't take no for an answer so we went to the museum. I was clueless as to what was going on that night. So clueless that I even told Nick all about my dream that I had had that day and that I would kill him if he ever really did that to me. So, we strolled around the museum reminicing about the last time we had been there. Eventually got to my favorite painting where I saw a bouquet of roses on the ground. Nick bent down to picked them up and I yelled, "Nick don't touch those! They're not ours!." Once again...clueless. {{He just smiled, got on one knee, pulled the ring out, told me how much he loved me and ask me to be his wife. ♥}} Oh man, I'm getting butterflies all over again.




Then he said we should go back to his apartment to show everyone the ring. I agreed and was ready for a big warm greeting when we walked into the apartment...instead, the room was dark and candles were every where, there was music playing and a homemade Italian dinner with Martinelli's waiting for us in the kitchen. It was so romantic and completely unexpected. (shout out to Annie and Wes for setting it up :) We ended the night with chcolate covered strawberries, dancing, and calling our friends and family. It was such an amazing night...I'll never forget it. I'm just a lucky lucky girl. :)

sister nelson

I've been dreading/anticipating this post for a while now. There's so much I want to say about my beautiful sister but to save myself from tears, I think I'll just keep that all for my journal and make this short and sweet...


After years of trying and fighting medical issues, Brooke left for her mission last Wednesday (March 23) and it's such a bitter-sweet feeling. [We had 2 goodbyes.] A very tearful one (mostly on my part) at 5:30 in the morning when I was leaving for work (I thought that was going to be my final goodbye but when my manager saw me walk in with mascara streaming down my face a big puffy eyes she told me to go home and be with my sis :) and a really happy and exciting goodbye dropping her off at the MTC with Nick and Hayley. It was really fun. I'm so so so proud of her and I'm so excited for her to have this new amazing experience for the next 18 months but I know I'm going to miss her too much...I already miss her!

{Good luck Sister Nelson...we ♥ you}

top notch.

It's clear that I married the most perfect man on this planet. duh. Way out of my league. duh.

too gorgeous...i have butterflies.

I know I brag about him all the time and I'm about to brag again, so brace yourself. I'll try not to get too mushy. Here are just a couple examples that have happened within the past month to prove that my man is the dreamy-est...

ex 1)
nick: "Babe, you've been working so hard. Getting up so early every morning and going to work all day...thank you. I think you deserve to go buy a new pair of shoes."

I promise I'm not making this up, ladies. This sentence really came out of my husband's mouth and it left me speechless.
So we went out the next weekend and bought these beauties...

(this picture just doesn't do them justice.)

ex 2)
March 8th. My half birthday. I celebrate it. so what? Just another excuse to get attention, gifts, chocolate, treats, etc. I never expect anything big for my half birthday...just a night out for Panda Express, or a new chapstick, or even a medium bag of PB m&m's (as opposed to the little bag that I scarf down in 5.3 seconds), or even just recognition that I'm 21 and a half...but Nick doesn't just leave me with those measly little gifts. Look what I came home to...

Flowers, the sweetest card, and a yummy new perfume. **Please notice what he did with the bag**... he covered up the "csun" for PACSUN and wrote on it so it would say "I ♥ U PA" (Paige Anderson). How adroable. I'm keeping it forever. Then he told me that he wanted to get me a new skirt but he didn't know my size (thank you for not just guessing) and that he could only handle being at a girl's store for so long...so I can go pick one out myself. He also said that since he had to go to work that night I could go out to eat with Hayley and Lauren to Chili's and get my Cajun pasta and molten cake! what. a. treat.

He spoils me too much..but I just love it. :)

i ♥ you nicky boy

valentines day ♥

Our first valentine's day as a married couple...it was a blast. :)

This is how our date night went...

♥ Dinner at Texas Roadhouse with our good friends Brent & Lauren Herman. (their rolls. I'm in heaven with every bite)

♥ Making chocolate covered strawberries. (while the boys played their games)

♥ Putting niNjA TuRtLe masks on. (what's more romantic than that? nothing.)

♥ Popping open some {Martinelli's, lighting some candles, making cheesy toasts, and eating our yummy treat.}

♥ and finishing the night off with lots of x's & o's. :)

...I'm so glad he's my forever valentine. ♥

Superbowl XLV

Who am I cheering for?...



Why?? For some reason I just really like their quaterback...