End of July

On the 19th, I had the good fortune of traveling to Seattle with Shannon and Celeste. We went to a chocolate factory and learned all kinds of things about chocolate—all of it new to me! What fun! Although, I was reminded that I really do NOT like dark chocolate. They had us taste three or four different chocolates varying from 90% to 75% real cocoa. We then went to see the Troll under the Bridge and enjoyed lunch at Dick’s. We visited Pike Place Market and walked through the statue park. At the end of our trip, we stopped at Deception Pass and walked to the waterfall. It was breathtaking. Shannon and Celeste then taught me how to play Pooh sticks. I won. Of course I accidentally let go to early. We walked, talked, ate, shopped and enjoyed ourselves immensely. I look forward to next year’s trip!

We came home on the 21st and I headed back to Seattle on the 22nd to be moral support for my sister Cindi. She is going to college to get her Special Ed degree and has to take a few different tests. She is a lot like her big sister and test anxiety tends to get the better of her. She survived and we had the opportunity to spend some child-free moments just enjoying ourselves. We were back in our room by 7 and Cindi was asleep by 9! (Her boys still get up in the night) Oh how I remember those days when if I had the opportunity to get some sleep I did.
This past week has been a whirlwind. Casey had his senior pictures taken on Tuesday, and I on Wednesday had the opportunity to go up to Becky Fluegge’s house with the young women. They were having a sleep over and I was invited! (They needed a driver, but I know they really wanted me to come) On Friday, Kelly, Casey and I flew to Salt Lake City, picked up a rental car and drove to the outlet stores in Park City! We found a few great deals (Vans for $15) and enjoyed each other’s company. Andy stayed home to take care of George. He let me know that I really didn’t need to call him every four hours to make sure he was feeding him. So I am waiting until it’s been four hours and a minute.  On Saturday I swear we visited every pawn shop in Salt Lake. We then went over to the Peterson’s (Trevor was one of the first missionaries to actually teach Kelly the discussions.) and his wife prepared an awesome dinner. She made creamy pasta with homemade bread and brownies from scratch! I couldn’t resist, so I had half a brownie with ice cream and hot fudge. YUM!!! Kelly and I are going to meet Trevor and his wife at the Bountiful Temple on Tuesday. We take Casey to BYU tomorrow and then Kelly and I have five days to ourselves. Whatever will we do?

My computer connection is terrible and wont let me upload any pictures..so pictures to come.

Fun, Fireworks, and a Furry Critter

These past two weeks have been full of experiences. We were invited to a BBQ at the Thomas household and enjoyed good food, good friends, and lots of laughter! I love watching Casey interact with this great group of kids! My cheeks hurt from laughing.



While we were waiting for the fireworks to start, I tried to snap a photo of the kids. It didn't work out so well.



After the BBQ we went with the Toolson's to Wapato Point to enjoy more great friendship and awesome fireworks! I think this was the most relaxed Fourth of July I have had in years. I loved seeing the fireworks reflect on the lake and illuminate the boats.



This firework was pretty neat!



The Fourth of July also brought us this furry little critter. Casey and Kelly first noticed the kittens the week before and hoped that mom would come back and take care of them. When we returned home late on the fourth, this little one was in the middle of the driveway with its sibling nowhere in sight. Kelly stopped and moved the kitten back to where it had been earlier. The next day, I received a frantic phone call from Case. The kitty was not moving and desperately needed food. So, now three very allergic people had a kitten living with them.
Casey named 'her' George and was adamant that it wasn't Georgia it was George! Well after our visit with the vet, we discovered he was right!

Ahh Summer...

This week has definately been a week of accomplishments. Monday was a fairly uneventful day. I spent the day hanging out with my sister Cindi and her three boys. I had intended to stay home and get things done, but the pool was calling my name. On Tuesday, I did stay home and literally scoured my house! It felt so good to get things in order and organized! Cindi came up on Wednesday and shampooed my carpets while I worked hard weeding the bank in front of our house--no small job in itself.



Cindi and the boys spent the night so that they could celebrate my birthday (Thursday) with me. The best gift my sister could have given me was time with her and her boys! In the morning she did my hair and then we went shopping. We then spent the rest of the day hanging out at her house. Kelly came and picked me up and we enjoyed a burger and fries at Lakeveiw Drive-In---yummmmm!

Friday I had to return to reality and finish what I had started with the weeding. I litterally spent hours outside doing my best to finish. I am still not sure I accomplished what I set out to do, but I am trying to be happy with it.

I started my weekend, by going out to Cashmere to help my mom, Cindi, and my nephew's bride set up tables for their wedding that night! It was a pretty wedding and I am glad I was able to help out.

Last night, Kelly invited me to help him out with a couple of critters he had found living under the shop entryway.



Two cute teeny tiny kitty cats! I am deathly allergic to cats, but how could I not help feed them. We are not sure if the momma has abandoned them or not, and we didn't want to risk it. That was quite an experience. The kittens were so young they had no idea what to do when presented with milk in a bowl! We had milk everywhere.

That's my week! Unfortunately, I don't think next week will be any less busy.