24th fireworkers..at home

Josh had a full day of fun today. The majority was spent on a play date with his best buddy Connor. They went bowling and played fort. After we went to pick up a few items for our camping trip this weekend and Josh is just beside himself with excitement. So he decided he wanted to lite fireworks at home...in the dark.

The wind was a bit much and I finally got smart enough to lite the sparklers to use as a lite for other fireworks.

It was just us, but we had fun!

summer softball

For the last few summers I have been lucky enough to play with my little brother on his work softball team. We play all through the summer and I have so much fun spending time with Jordan.

I get a bit serious in my face when I am up to bat!

The majority of us...there a few missing.

Spears, Rawson, Sarg, Glen

Joel, Gabe, Jordan, Heidi, and Me

fric 'n frac

Fric (Amy) 'n Frac (Rebecca) have birthdays a couple of weeks apart, so we threw a fric 'n frac party in Susan's backyard. We grilled food, had yummy drinks, music, and friends. The night air was perfect and we all had a great time.

family night

A girls night with families adventure was in store for us long time friends. In all the years, the 8 of us have been having get togethers we have not had all of our families invited. We realized that there are 19 kids amongst us! Nikki offered her home and all but one was able to enjoy each other company, food, and lots of laughs.

Nikki, Me, Buzz, Jenny, Rachel, Boyden, and Chi Chi
Buzz and her troops are moving to South Dakota. We were all glad to be able to get together before they move.

And a pic of the cousins with their babies was a must. We don't have one outside of this one I don't think.

I love my girlfriends!

I love that we can pick up right where we left off as if no time has past at all.

And our kids followed suit!

city of rocks 4th of july weekend

My 4th of July celebration was spent with my students at City of Rocks, Idaho. They were doing a climbing trip and I was able to tag along.

This is the weather we rolled into on Friday night. I was a bit worried.

However, we were lucky enough to miss most of the really bad weather and when we got up on Saturday to climb, my first attempt ever, the weather was gorgeous. We had a great day of climbing by the Twin Sisters. Another storm rolled in that afternoon and brought a great wind storm and then kept on moving.

Sunday we did a multi-pitch climb on Jackson's Thumb (the skinny rock next to the big mountain). We hiked up to the base and then started our climb. It was only my third climb ever and I am hooked!

These were the views from the top of the thumb and man were they amazing!

To finish out the "sick" experience as the weekend staff say, we had to free repel off the back side of the thumb. It was one of the most amazing wilderness experiences I have ever had. I can't wait to go again!

a birthday bash

My friend Amy had a birthday last weekend. Rebecca, April, Jenny, myself, and of course the birthday girl spent the day at East Lake enjoying the water and sun.

We had an amazing afternoon, then headed for some yummy food and birthday cake.

arts festival

I love the arts festival and look forward to it each year. Heidi and I were able to have some sis time while enjoying the art. This is the newest addition to my art collection.