What you get.

What happens when you decide to make a fancy Cheesecake Factory copycat recipe?

You get an amazingly delicious Father's Day German Chocolate Cheesecake that is probably 5 million calories per slice.

What happens when you don't check the springform pan to ensure the bottom is securely attached to the sides?

You get some burned chocolate on the bottom of your brand-clean oven. And you are sad. But then you eat some of the cheesecake and you forget about the oven.

Summer, Summer, Summer Books!

I have been planning my summer book list! Did you think I'd forgotten? I was a little late on the uptake. Mainly because I was finishing some other reads.

Such as, Einstein by Walter Isaacson, which I wrapped up the night before we left for Tropic. I was so proud of myself for finishing because it was a big book to schlep around on the bus everyday. And I loved the book. And I recommend it to all. It was an easy-to-read bio, but it wasn't dumbed down, nor was it above my level of understanding, which is saying a lot because science and I don't mix. Really though, you should read this book. Super interesting. I, for one, will be buying a new copy of the book. Why? Because I was reading my father's copy and there may have been an unfortunate accident with a Ziploc container that had some remaining strawberry juice in the bottom, and said juice may have leaked out and made a nice design on the cover of the book. I'm guessing he will still love me. He also would probably tell you to read the book.

Before I could really focus on summer book lists, and really because there wasn't time before heading to Tropic for Memorial Day, I needed a quick pick from the bookshelf. I ended up choosing Forever, which I bought for $1 two years ago on a Strand shopping trip. When I began reading I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book was essentially the inspiration for the short-lived show New Amsterdam that aired on Fox last season. I really liked the show. And I loved the beginning of the book. But then the book got weird. And lame. LAME. And then I was just happy for it to end so I could focus on REAL summer reading fare. My dad would probably tell you to not read this book.

But now I'm officially on full summer-reading time! My first book is American Gospel by Jon Meacham. It's pretty good so far. Very interesting and thought-provoking. Plus my dad underlined things, which makes him adorable and makes me enjoy the book more. This will count as a non-fiction pick.

After finishing the non-fiction requirement, I think I'll read a fiction book.

And the winner is. . . I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. This is a book that Kalie recommended; I loved The Book Thief a lot, and I'm hoping I'll enjoy this read just as much! And really, if Kalie recommended it then it has to be good. Because she has great taste. So first you should all read The Book Thief and then I'll tell you the outcome Kalie's recommendation, so you can then read I Am the Messenger. (Kalie, there is a lot of pressure on you:) )

Following the fiction read, I'll follow my summer reading tradition and change genre gears to an inspirational/spiritual read. I've already picked out The Infinite Antonement by Tad Callister. I feel like this is a book I've been planning on reading for years, but just never got around to. I'm excited to learn more about the Atonement and what it means to me personally. Plus, when I was searching through possible titles, this book had all sorts of sticky notes and highlighted passages courtesy of my dad. (He really is adorable, no?) So I figured this must be a book that I needed to discover on my own. I went to Deseret Book last week and got my very own copy. I'm planning on carrying around a highlighter to personalize my very own copy. Also, Annalisa said we could revive our old e-mail book group and read it together! So that's a summer pick with an added bonus.

So, the final summer reading goal will be a classic! (I really must discipline myself in reading books from different genres; otherwise I would end up reading the entire Anne of Green Gables series and never explore anything else!)

I haven't made a final decision on this pick yet. I feel it's a tragedy that I've never read Catcher in the Rye, but then for some odd reason I've been feeling a need to read at least some of Leaves of Grass (I'm guessing this would be read in parts, rather than cover to cover). But then both of those picks makes me sad because I wouldn't get to read something set during Victorian times, which I honestly love. Admittedly, I'm not very well-versed in modern American literature (or really American literature as a whole. SAD), so perhaps I should venture in this direction. Thoughts? Suggestions?

I know this was a riveting post, and one that has been highly anticipated. I mena, really, who doesn't get excited about summer reading lists!?

Memorializing Tropic

Going to Tropic for Memorial Day has pretty much been a Millett family tradition my whole life. When my parents decided to be all mission president-y, the tradition faltered a bit; then they decided to be all Philippines-y, and the siblings started hanging out with the in-laws. But this year Rich and I decided we needed to get away, and really, Tropic is the best place for getting away.

We made our decision to runaway to southern Utah for the long weekend at the last minute. Which meant some crazy packing, but everything turned out well. We were feeling extra adventurous and loaded up the bike rack on the Jetta. Rich felt very cool with this attachment on his car.

It ended up raining a lot on Saturday, so we decided to drive further south to discover the wonders of Zion National Park, which I had never been to. How is this possible? Apparently the Millett family are Bryce Canyon snobs:) Rich and I enjoyed Zion though, and it was fun to see some new scenery. But really, Bryce is better. We'll probably stick to the wonders of Bryce from now on.

We were able to do most of the short hikes around Zion, but we didn't have time for Angel's Landing, which is a trail we both want to go back and hike. (I know, I just said I would be sticking with Bryce. But, meh, I'm fickle.) The weather was really nice, though there were 5 MILLION PEOPLE THERE, and the experience was still really nice. We also got the bikes going and went for a great ride along the Virgin River. (I love this picture because we look so nerdy and cute.)

We put flowers on my grandparents' graves on Sunday, and on Monday we stopped in Red Canyon and did some mountain biking. (Honestly, I went like .01 miles down the trail and then wussed out. Rich continued on by himself for a bit. I did crossword puzzles in the car.)

It was great to have a weekend to ourselves and to just explore some new places together. Yay for being married to Rich!

Southern Utah really is the best ever.