Jerm

A few weeks ago, I found old drawings and school assignments from when I was really young. It seems like every chance I got, I was drawing or telling a story about this little guy. He was my pride and joy. I loved showing him off to my friends. Today, Jeremy turns 16. I am nervous, excited, and in awe of how time works and how life changes.

Jerm, I know you must never tire when we tell the story of how you were afraid of my goldfish.. It makes me giggle to remember the times you would scream when you saw him. Or when I got my new little puppy and you were so scared that I had to carry you around the house.. :)

You are so sweet, generous, and funny. I love you to the moon and back. Happy 16th birthday.

I love us.

Who says I'm too old for a sleepover?

We had the best 24 hours together. Taking, eating, laughing, crying, food storage, giant marshmellows, starting a fire without the essentials (lighter & lighter fluid), killing bugs that got into the house, Utah Lake, chocolate-chip muffins, waterfalls, getting soaked, pina colada slurpees.. :)

"Chels, you can let go, you know.."
"Oh, yes! That does feel nice!"

:)

Basically, I was in awe for the following week, thinking about just how blessed I am to have friends like these.. who have held my hand through everything, the good and the bad, and will continue to do so.

Oregon Happy List

-driving to Oregon
-watching the sunrise in Idaho
-finally seeing my Oregon trees
-Jared letting me drive for 130 miles. Haha.
-showing up at my grandma’s & Jo’s early
-eating my favorite chicken taco salad at the Logger
-being recognized by the waitress at the Logger (is that sad or not?)
-talking with Grandma & Jo Jo
-surprising my Mom & Dad. We told them we were going to leave at 6 AM but instead, we left at 1:00 AM and beat them to my Grandma’s! They were so shocked!
-our gorgeous condo! It was amazing..
-sandcastle competition on Cannon Beach
-shopping in Seaside
-the best chicken strips I’ve ever tasted
-a new beautiful painting of Astoria
-almost starting a fire in the bathroom
-going to church in Seaside
-racing dad on the dock

-going on top of the Space Needle
-an amazing view of Seattle while eating lunch
-seeing Pike’s Place Market
-taking a Ferry on the Puget Sound
-meeting Kristie and Devin for dinner
-playing tag in slippery socks with my dad around the condo
-listening to Grandma’s stories
-a character drawing at the Seaside Mall
-talking about our religion with the artist who drew our picture
-swinging on the beach
-walking on the Promenade
-Deanne arriving in Seaside
-seeing movies with Jared
-going to Ecola with Mom, Deanne, and Joleen
-taking a little hike with Deanne
-ECOLA State Park! It’s my favorite thing about Oregon
-laughing and talking with the girls
-playing games
-winning Upwords
-shaved ice with Deanne
-the beach
-laughing hysterically with Deanne
-surprising Jared and taking him on a breakfast picnic in Ecola
-taking jumping pictures on Indian Beach
-driving through the trees in Ecola while listening to Kelly Sweet
-having the whole family together on the last night (minus Aust & Jerm)
-a comforting hug
-Pign’ Pancake before leaving town
-goodbye hugs
-one last look at the ocean
-reading "The Last Song"

Oh, how I miss Oregon. I'm still trying to recruit friends and family to move there with us! ;) I've gotten two couples so far. Any other takers?? ;)

Seattle Aquarium

I love Ecola

Lake Powell

I remember going to Lake Powell with my family when I was younger and thinking, "this is my favorite place in the world". I remember running down the sandy hills with my cousins and sleeping on the boat with Austin. Tubing for hours.. cruising around the lake as fast as we could. Ice cream cones on the dock.. Ah, I have always loved Lake Powell.

We went with the Tobler's in June and it was just as wonderful as I remember. Here is my happy list from our trip, and pictures, of course.

-Cafe Rio before we left for our trip
-getting to Kanab much faster than we thought!
-waking up giggling.. Sometimes I am so hyper in the mornings
-boating on beautiful Lake Powell!
-wakeboarding & getting up on my first try! (it has been a few years..)
-tubing with Meagan
-sandwiches on the beach
-dinner & Safeway's ice cream
-the most delicious french toast I've ever had
-a very friendly waiter from the Philippines
-relaxing
-swimming at the pool with Kaden, Meagan, PJ, & Jared
-pina colada by the pool
-Kaden and his water gun
-a dinner cruise on the Lake. It was so beautiful and a wonderful time.
-swimming under the stars
-talking with Meagan in the hot tub
-Kaden "swimming" back & forth
-showing Kaden the stars and him saying, "I just can't believe it!"
-going to the Antelope Slot Canyons. It was so breathtaking..
-an indian tour guide who said he use to play in the slot canyons when he was little. He helped me out a lot and took many pictures of me and Jared.
-a french woman's very hairy legs
-touring Bryce Canyon
-pizza & coke for dinner
-a very adorable candy store with very yummy FUDGE!
-Willis Creek.. so pretty.
-Mossy Waterfall

Nearly a month later..

I can't believe a month has gone by since my last post.. We are so blessed. In June, we were on vacation for literally, half the month. The rest of the month was spent catching up and then July was here and now where is it?

Here's July:

-rafting in Riggins, Idaho (pictures to come)
-found out one of my photos is being published into a book (on my life list)
-oh so much editing
-barbeques
-fireworks
-disney movies
-seven peaks
-games
-birthday parties
-family dinners
-ShayLee coming home to visit

It's been a fantastic month. Did you know the 4th of July is my third favorite holiday? Someday, I am going to throw a beautiful backyard barbeque on the 4th and invite all of my family and friends. Someday.