BEWARE!!

This game is so addictive.  My mom bought this game for some good family fun, and I am obsessed with it.  Case in point...  Last night, Chris, my sister, and myself played this game for 4 hours straight!  On a Friday night people!  Lets just say it wasn't our proudest moment.  And to really top it off, just two days before that my brother, sister in law, Chris, and I, all played it for 3 hours in place of our weekly card games.  And lets be honest, I'm not even mentioning all the time I've spent alone playing this game (I know, that is embarrassing).  You would think with all those hours of play we would have beaten the game by now... so not the case.  We are only half way through.  So if you want a game that will make you laugh and cry (out of pure frustration) at the same time, play this game.  But beware!  It is extremely addictive and you lose all sense of time.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

Midnight Movie

Yay!! My mom, little sis, and I went and saw New Moon on Friday at midnight.  And it was so worth the wait.  We did the same thing last year with Twilight, only to leave the theatre disappointed.  Not the case this year though.  They did a fabulous job bringing my favorite book in the saga to life.

Taking It Easy

The most common question that Chris and I get asked, after we return from our summer of working is "What do you guys do now?"  To which I always reply, "Not much."  There is no better way to put it.  In the past, Chris' job has always allowed him to take the winters off and relax until the arrival of the next strenuous summer.  But with him owning his own company now, things have changed... a little.  He works, but nowhere near the amount of hours he did in the summer.  As for me, in the past I have always gotten some sort of temporary job, that was basically there to help keep me busy and bring in a little extra spending cash.  I didn't mind it.  But this winter I have opted to stay home and continue my duties that I did in the summer.  Right now, our focus is working on getting everything ready to possibly expand our company to another state.  So we are keeping our fingers crossed that all will work out with that goal of ours.  And between all of that we are just having the best time being with family and friends, catching up on all of our favorite TV shows, and I have made it a huge goal to finally conquer my little to do list.  

See.  Like I said.  We don't do much.  But this is the way we like it.  Our summers are always so crazy and hectic that the time just flies right past us.  But, when the fall/ winter seasons roll around it gives us the opportunity to slow time down... just a little.  

Home Sweet Home

One of the best parts of leaving for the summer is knowing that at the end we always get to come back HOME.  To a place that is ours and has only been ours and no one elses. To a place that is filled with such worldly things, but things none the less that spark memories of past adventures and experiences.  I love walking into our house for the first time after being gone all summer and smelling the stuffy air, knowing that it hasn't been lived in and has anxiously been awaiting our return just as much as we have been anticipating the return to it.  I love removing the covers from all the furniture and seeing the dust gather in the air, and with every new unveiling of what lies beneath it slowly brings our house back to life.  Now almost three weeks later, the sweet aromatic smell of my Scentsy enhances all the background smells of my cleaners and fresh laundry.  Smells that are so familiar and oh so welcoming.  With all the hard work done, it is so refreshing to just plop down on the couch and take that sigh of relief, and while looking around, just simply realize just how good it is to be HOME.

Goodbye California

WOW!! I cannot believe how fast time passes us by.  It seems like it was just yesterday when Chris and I pulled into California with big dreams and anticipated success.  But lets face it... this summer was hard... harder than Chris and I could have ever fathomed.  We have been in this industry for five years now and I don't think there was any way we could have prepared ourselves for the trials that laid ahead of us.  But I can truly say, without a shadow of a doubt, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

These last four months were filled with long (oh so long) work days, being on the phone and computer constantly (I don't think my eyes will ever fully recover), dealing with all the rules and regulations that California had to throw at us (believe me there were a lot), and having to share my time with my husband (the hardest thing to get used to).  But with any trial we go through in life, Chris and I walked away from this experience with our heads held high and with an extreme realization... That together we make an awesome team, both in marriage and professionally. 

So now as we say our goodbyes to California, we look ahead to our future, and know that together we can conquer any dream that we dare dream up (do I hear Louisiana calling?). 

Lazy Days of Summer

For the last week and a half we have taken advantage of every free moment we have had and have...

gone swimming at Folsom Lake, went and did some rope swinging, and jumped out of some trees into the water.

We couldn't ask for a better way to spend the last few days left of our Northern Cali Summer.

Lunch Date

About a week or so ago, Chris took the whole office out for a lunch date to say thanks for all their hard work.  The lunch was filled with many laughs and reminiscing of summer events, places, and activities, where the conversations were dominated with "Remember when ..." and "Wasn't it so funny when ..."  It was a perfect way to bring Axis Protection's first summer to a close.

Taco Tuesdays

Something that has remained constant and reliable in our fast- paced and hectic lives, has quickly bumped Tuesday up to my favorite day of the week.  Since Chris and I don't really have a lot of time for just the two of us, we specifically set aside this day... every week... to have a little lunch date.  But we don't go just anywhere.  We go to our favorite fresh Mexican restaurant, RUBIO'S, and we order the exact same thing, every time.  Over the last couple months of doing this, we have started to be recognized by the staff.  I think that officially makes us "regulars."  How cool is that!  

They have the most unbelievable fish tacos (the reason for us going).  So every Tuesday, we just order a tray full of these and nothing else. Es Muy Bueno!

 I know... what an attractive picture of me stuffing my face.  But it was so good, I just couldn't resist.  Delicioso!

We only have a couple weeks left to carry out our summer tradition.  

We are sure going to miss our Taco Tuesdays.

Adventures At Lake Tahoe

This past weekend I did something huge... something that took me completely out of my comfort zone...  I went camping!  

Chris' little brother, Ryan, and another sales rep. , Jason, invited Chris and I to the south shore of Lake Tahoe to rough it with them for a night.  I was extremely hesitant to do this because I can count on one hand how many times in my lifetime that I have been camping, and to top it off, none of us were equipped with the items that I deemed necessary for this sort of expedition (i.e. tent, propane lanterns, clothing).  But after I saw how excited Chris was to have the opportunity to take this adventure, there was no way I could say no.  So after gathering what items we had, we all jumped in our cars to head up into the mountains.  

Our campsite was a little patch of dirt, nestled up into a mountainside, in a RV park called Zephyr Cove.  It was extremely crowded with campers that came prepared for such an activity.  So I felt a little silly when we got out our beds (a couple rafts and one queen sized air mattress) :).  That night after a delicious dinner of salmon (one of my favorites) we all headed to the lake so the guys could go catch some crawfish.  I forgot my camera at the campsite, but it was fun watching the guys wade around and catch these things with their hands.  After about an hour or so of that, we headed back to camp so that they could cook them up.  I didn't wait up to taste the fruits of their labor (I unfortunately came down with a horrible headache), but I did wake up to see them hunched over the picnic table laughing and enjoying their hard work.  

For the rest of our outdoorsy adventure I will let the pictures do the talking.

Our sleeping quarters.  

As you can see, it was an extremely rugged experience.  I was very impressed with myself that I made it through the night, and didn't resort to sleeping in the car.  

This is the view I woke up to.  It was completely serene.

These were our surroundings.  

After we cleaned up our campsite.  We packed up and headed to the other campground.  My brother and his family came down to spend the day with everyone so it was fun having us all together.

Everybody helping to prepare lunch at the new campground.

Mya was quite the little explorer.  Ashley had a heck of time keeping up with her.

Twinkee lounging.

After lunch, we all suited up and headed to the closest public beach.  

Three shades of blue.

The first beach we went to was a little too much of a public beach.  It just wasn't something that got you excited to swim in it.  So we then went in search of another beach that was a little bit more up to our standards.  After some help from a local, we found a beautiful beach.  The disadvantage of this beach was that no dogs were allowed.  So much to my disapproval, Chris and the guys snuck in Twinkee.  I was a nervous wreck the whole time.  I was for sure we were going to get busted.  But, as soon as we walked upon the beach, all worries disappeared.  It was perfect.  

Baldwin Beach

Me taking in the scenery.  It was overwhelmingly beautiful.

While Chris relaxed, I took the opportunity to build him a new pair of legs :).

Chris and I frolicking in the water.
Twinkee even got the chance to play Frisbee with the guys.

Love this man.

Well, finally it was time to go back.  But Chris just wasn't ready so he decided to stay over one more night with Ryan and Jason while I went back with my brother.  The day was long (just like this post :)), but filled with so much fun stuff.  I couldn't have asked for a better place for my first experience of truly sleeping under the stars.

I Finally Did It!

I just wanted everybody to know that I DID IT!!

What did I do, you ask?

Well,  I finally swam from one side of the swimming pool to the other in one breath.  Now it isn't exactly the longest swimming pool, but that is beside the point.  I have been working on this goal since my sister in law and I started working out in the pool.  I love swimming, but I am not a very strong swimmer.  So this little accomplishment means a lot to me.  I couldn't be more proud of myself.  Sad thing is I failed my attempt at this so many times that when I finally did make it, I wasn't paying attention and ran head first into the pool wall going as fast as my legs would let me go.  OUCH!!  But no worries, it didn't stop me from rejoicing in the fact that I DID IT!!!  

A Day Of Rest

This last Sunday, was one of the most relaxing ones that we have had since we have been out here.  It was utterly perfect.  We did absolutely nothing that pertained to work.  It was filled with only things that we fully enjoyed.  He napped...  I read... He lounged on the couch... I cooked.  That night, we had my brother and his family over for dinner.  On the menu was pot roast and homemade peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream.  I was so excited for this because it has been so long since I was able to cook a full dinner.  I haven't seen Chris so excited for a meal in a long time.  After dinner, we all gathered around and played a friendly game of Hearts, where Ashley walked away the victor.  Our Sunday just wouldn't be complete without some sort of card game.  

The cutest part of the whole day, was when everybody left. Chris couldn't stop thanking me for such a delicious dinner and dessert.  It was so flattering.  

After such a refreshing and relaxing day, that night when we laid our heads down, I couldn't help but truly think that this was a good day. 

Bear Lake Reunion

Last weekend Chris and I attended the Gummersall Family Reunion!  Since Chris and I are gone in the summer months, I have never had the opportunity to attend.  So this year was my first and it just happened to be his Grandma's turn to host it. 

I was so excited for this trip.  It was my very first time to Bear Lake, and Chris had talked it up so much I just couldn't wait to get there.  That night after a delicious dinner of barbecued hot dogs and burgers and some quick catching up, we snuggled into bed to be refreshed for the festivities that awaited us the next morning.  It was probably one of the longest nights ever.  I felt like a kid trying to fall asleep Christmas Eve night.  I just wanted the next day to come so fast, so that I could go to the lake. Finally, it arrived.  Chris couldn't have driven me to the lake fast enough.  We got there and the first thing I did was run to dip my toes in the water.  It was love from there.  I remember looking up at Chris, with big, surprised eyes, and saying "It's warm!" I just couldn't believe it.  I don't think I got out of the water that day for more than 15 minutes.  I couldn't get enough of it.   

Saturday, was the big day...  games, lunch, an auction, and of course more swimming.  

Chris and I participating in Water Balloon Volleyball.  I don't know how he does it, but he always gets me to participate in things I normally wouldn't.

Getting ready to do some damage in the sack race.  Chris is in the middle.

It was hilarious!  Chris biffed it hard right at the end.

Another balloon game.  It took a while to get this one started.  The grass kept popping every ones balloons before the game even began.

Later that evening a group of us went back to the lake.  It was so much fun.

I even played my first game of horse shoes.

Chris and I after a nice, refreshing swim.

Sadly, like all good things, this too had to come to an end.  But before we left Chris made sure that I experienced the famous raspberry shake that I had been hearing about all weekend.  I don't think it lived up to the hype, but it was pretty good.  

We had such a wonderful weekend filled with swimming, water balloon fights, games, bad sun burns, and of course just hanging out with family.  I loved watching Chris talk to family members that he had never met and rekindle his relationships with his cousins that he hasn't seen in a while.  He is such an amazing guy.  Plus, I just love hearing him introducing me as his wife over and over again ;).  I don't think I will ever get sick of it. 

Chris all tuckered out.  Too cute.

We were so exhausted, when we got back to Cali.  I still don't think poor Chris has been able to fully recover.

P.S.  I didn't take a single picture while I was there.  So I wanted to say thanks to my mother- in-law, Linda, for allowing me to use all of her many great pics.  THANK YOU!

Rope Swing

So about 2 1/2 weeks ago (I know... I know, I have been slacking) a group of us got together to check out this rope swing that the guys found out about and wanted to bring us girls to.  Well, at first I didn't think much of it.  I mean it is a swing above water...  Nothing too scary.  But as soon as we walked upon it, I immediately told myself, "I am not going to do this."  It just did not look appealing to me at all.  It wasn't so much the height of the swing, but more of the thought of dropping into freezing water (not fun) and not wanting to embarrass myself by not knowing how to properly swing out (I was scared I was going to drag my butt on the dirt the whole way down).  And the guys totally didn't help.  They instantly went into extreme mode and started doing flips off this thing and then swinging out from high points off the cliff.  Why don't they ever show fear?  Then all of a sudden, sweet, quiet, Vanessa came out of nowhere and did it!  I couldn't believe it!  As soon as I saw it, I knew I was in trouble.  There was no way that Chris would let me walk away without doing it.  So after a while of coaxing from Chris and another demonstration on the technique from Vanessa, I closed my eyes and let the swing take me out.  The swinging part was great and easier than I thought, but the water part was exactly what I expected.  It was freezing!!  I came up screaming... it was that cold!!

Soon the swing wasn't enough to satisfy the guys.  Especially Chris.  I think he just likes to see me nervous and on the verge of a heart attack.  Next thing I know he is climbing this tree on top of a cliff and preparing himself to jump.  The first time, I couldn't even watch.  So I simply looked away and waited for the screaming to start, signaling me that something went terribly wrong.  The splash came unaccompanied by screaming, so I looked and what I see is him bobbing in the water with a huge smile on his face.  Whew!!!  I could start breathing again!  So the next time he did it, I willed myself to watch.  

The picture doesn't really do the height justice.  But believe me, it was high.

Chris peeking at me through the branches.

July 4th, 2009

Last year for the 4th of July, we were able to experience the big celebration NYC style.  It was a hectic, crowded, long, hot/rainy day.  It was an amazing show and one we were glad to experience.   

But this year, with living so close to San Francisco and having the opportunity to watch the fireworks over the Golden Gate Bridge we were very quick to say... PASS!  We did not have the energy to fight the traffic and the crowds.  And decided this year, that we would just stick close to home and keep the celebration small. 

We met up with Taylor, Vanessa, Vince, Ashley, and Mya and ate a simple dinner of pizza.  After that we headed to the closest fireworks stand and stocked up on the stuff we would need for our personal show.  But before that could take place, we headed over to the local malls parking lot and staked our claim on a couple spots so we could kick back and be entertained by the patriotic music and the sights and sounds of the fireworks (the BOOM is always the best part). 

Happy Fourth!!

After that, we headed back to our apartment to have our own little celebration in the parking lot.  

I heart SPARKLERS!

This is Chris jumping over a fire cracker.  Yeah... I know... not very safe, but there was no stopping him.  His face is a mixture of happiness and pain.  All was good, he just walked away with some singed leg hair.   

We had a great, very low key celebration.  I love this holiday and what it stands for.  On a more cliche note, I just want to say that I am very proud to be a citizen of this Great Country, and I am so proud to be an American. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!

Time Well Spent

A couple weeks ago, my mom, sister, and my sister's friend all came down to Cali for a 3 day, mini vacay.  There wasn't too much on the agenda for the weekend, because the main event was going to be Saturday.  My sweet, little niece, Mya, was turning one.  I, sadly had to work the majority of Saturday so while I was busy slaving away, they went down to the pool and soaked up some of the extremely hot weather we were experiencing here in Sacramento.  But then finally the night rolled around, and we all gathered for a picnic in celebration of Mya.  She was so cute opening her presents and attacking her cake.  Then the party took a turn and after Chris convinced my sister to throw a cake in my brother's face the war was on.  Luckily, the only casualties were Mya's birthday cake and a couple cupcakes.
(A video of a cake fight between Amanda and Vince was posted here)  This is after my brother dodged a cake in the face from my sister and he decided that he wanted to get his revenge.  All the commotion scared little Mya and you can hear her crying in the background, but I think the most disturbing part, is the evil little laughs you can hear coming from my husband (he is working the camera).  He was so proud that his little plan worked.  They do all the dirty work, while he sits back, and enjoys the show.  HAHAHA!! Genius!

Sunday, we all decided to jump in our cars and drive to Santa Cruz.  It was well over 100 degrees in Sacramento, but once we hit Santa Cruz the temperature dropped.  It was very chilly there.  Needless to say there was no ocean swimming, but I totally didn't mind lounging on the sand and enjoyed just listening to the waves crash while watching Chris do some skim boarding (he is pretty dang good at it for being from Idaho).  He was anxious to try out the new board that he had purchased on the Boardwalk.  After the girls did some shopping on the Pier we went to dinner at a local diner and then headed back home.  We were stuck in traffic FOREVER!, but eventually we did make it back. 

On Monday, Chris decided to let him and I have the day off so that we could all drive to San Francisco and enjoy that beautiful city.  It was going to be a very fast trip, but my sister's friend had never been there and we wanted to make sure that she saw it.  So my mom showed us Ghirardelli Square where we totally ate dessert before our dinner.  This is where I stumbled upon a delectable, all organic, gourmet cupcake from a little place called, "Kara's Cupcakes".  OH MY GOODNESS!  It was completely sinful... a little pricey... but totally worth it! Loved it!  We then all walked down to Fisherman's Wharf to do a little shopping.  After a while, as the girls went their separate way to continue their shopping, Chris, my mom, and I stopped at Boudin Bakery to warm up (it was chilly there too) with a clam chowder sourdough bowl.  As we ate, we sat around an outside fire place and enjoyed the views and sounds that San Francisco had to offer. Before we left, my mom helped us find an amazingly beautiful scenic overlook of the entire city.  It was breathtaking. Thanks Mom.

Sadly, this trip came to an end way too fast.  But before saying our goodbyes, my mom treated us all to a huge breakfast at a local diner.  Yummy.  We all had a great weekend where we experienced a party, site seeing of some of my favorite places, had fun with late night dips in the pool, and enjoyed the time that we had to just be together.