Tents on slopes, broken showers, and a lot of girls

I think I gave the wrong impression when I moved into this ward of being adventures and even slightly outdoorsy.  Maybe it's Mike's fault because he does happen to be outdoorsy.  I'm really not sure what part of me didn't convey to the world how much I love showers and sleep but it didn't come across because they called me to go to girls camp.  I teach a lot of these girls at high school and I get to be with the Mia Maids in church so I have grown to really love these girls; nevertheless, camp was not top of my list.  That said, it really was a delightful week.  Not an all out blast, but nice.  The girls were charming and pleasant, but showers did break and sleeping bags did slide.   

Several of the camp directors from other wards were people I knew from the singles ward, before we all got married.  It was nice catching up and just chatting with great people at the same stage of life. 

 

Sliced from Service and Sore from Summiting

Our ward service project involved pulling ivy and berry bushes with thorns out of a yard.  It was a painful experience for our legs.  We both had slices all down our legs (and Mike's arms), but somehow it still always feels good to serve. 

We hiked Dog Mountain last Saturday and, while the trail was painfully steep, the end view and feeling of accomplishment were fabulous.   

New Mexico

Short and delightful

Mike and I got to celebrate the 4th in Utah, splitting the time between my family and his best friends.  In three short days we rode 4-wheelers, watched fireworks, sat on the beach, waterskied, watched movies, planned our backpacking trip, ate great food, and best of all we got to be there when Will and Kristin blessed their new baby. 

Picnicing with Britt on campus at USU.

Mike, Britt, and Meg

Mike, Tyce, and Kadence

Hanging out at the lake

This is why I love the drive to Utah - magazines and books for hours (and talking to my fascinating husband)

A Week in Photos

Celebrating 26

. . . with cupcakes, pizza, and hot wings!

A Photo A Day

I have been fielding questions all week about what a person does when one doesn't have any job to go to, no kids, and an entire summer to do it.   I know some of them want to hear that I am contributing to society in some meaningful way but the truth is that I am simply and yet significantly using the summer to just be.  Even the word rejuvenation sounds too lofty for what I am doing.  I am reading books and sitting by the pool.  I am trying to dote on my husband and even develop a few talents.

One of the talents I want to explore is photography and to hold myself accountable for progression I am taking a picture a day.  I have a fairly simple camera and not a lot of technical skill but I want to start "seeing" more things in day to day life.  

Tuesday: Walk in Cook Park with a teaching friend

Wednesday: Made summer calendar and set all my goals officially down on paper.

Thursday: Decided I should set a new goal about improving culinary creativity. 

Friday: A day of shopping and swimming with Katie. 

Saturday:  Playing Mafia with the youth during a ward camp out. 

Sunday: We both read ferociously today. 

Photos that just didn't make the cut but had to be included: 

 

Katie's Here

My new brown hair!

Sandcastle contest at Cannon Beach

My sister, Katie, just moved out here to start her new therapist job.  I am so excited to have her here!  Mom came out too and it was fabulous taking a mini holiday before my real summer vacation starts.  

Camping in Cascadia

The threat of rain was a great perk to our weekend because it scared off all the camping crowds that tend to dominate the Memorial Day holiday.  We met up with some friends from Medford and had a perfectly classic time eating good campfire food, freezing during the night, talking around the fire, hiking, and feeling triumphant for sleeping all night on the ground.  

Logan Lovin'

Megan came home from her mission recently and for the first time in over 18 months my family was all together.  It was wonderful, even with so many passionate personalities finding their new spots in the family dynamics again. It was especially fun as this was the first time Megan met her brother-in-law.  Family can be so fun!  

Jen, Katie, Megan, and Britt back together

And on the gold course

Practicing what we thought were pretty good swings until Mike showed us all up and quickly becoming dad's favorite! 

We got to spend some time with fantastic relatives and enjoyed their new additions.  I think Mike was a little scared that we both enjoyed the babies so much. 

Proof that Mike is now dad's favorite - he let him ride his motorcycle!