Oh, Twinkee

Our pup, Twinkee, is always good for at least one real hearty laugh a day.  She just does the most random things.  Well, this night Chris and I had gone to grab something to eat and brought it back to our apartment.  Anybody that knows our dog, knows that she is a huge beggar when she sees that you have food.  So, naturally the entire time Chris was eating, she could be found sitting by his feet staring at him, with those huge puppy dog eyes, just begging for a scrap of food.  After dinner Chris forgot to throw away some leftover cornbread that he had sitting in a bag on the floor.  Twinkee totally noticed this and took full advantage of it.  Next thing I know, I hear my mom trying to get our attention to look at Twinks and this is what we saw...

HAHAHA!!  That naughty dog, decided that she hadn't had enough for dinner and she would just help herself to the cornbread.  We were all laughing so hard.  I was just happy that I had my camera handy to capture just one of her funny moments out of hundreds.

Rafting Down the American River

Since Sunday is the only day that the guys have off in the summer, we are always looking for things to do that will 1) allow us to enjoy the summer months, 2) have some sort of water activity involved, and 3) provide a small amount of rest and relaxation because we are all pretty physically and emotionally drained from the weeks events.  Ryan and another sales rep, Jason, took it upon themselves and researched the river that we live very close to.  And hence came up with the idea that we should float the river.  What could be more perfect.  So with suits on and rafts in hand 11 of us headed off for an afternoon of leisurely drifting.   

Ryan, Jason, and Cameron.  They got the fun job of blowing up all the rafts.

Maren on her "Throne of Floats"

Walking the trail to the "American River."

Getting ready to push off.

There is always time to snap a quick family picture.

Float on.

After about an hour of nothing but floating we saw some people jumping off some cliffs and decided to join in the fun.  

Chris showed us all up with his mad flipping skills.  This is him coming out of a back flip.

Ryan just dove in.  I find it terrifying to hit the water head first.  How does it not hurt?

I have no flipping or diving skills.  So I just JUMPED!  

This is the only picture I took that shows how clear the water was.  It was beautiful. 

Besides the slight mishap of not knowing where to get out of the river to get back to our cars, which turned a 4 hour raft trip into a 7 hour one, we all had a great time.  

These smiles say it all.  Twinkee was a little unsure about the whole thing at first, but she quickly adapted.

We all loved it so much, some of us are planning on doing it all over again this weekend.   It was a perfect way to enjoy the weather and sunshine while also getting a little R and R. 

All GROWN Up

I got the privilege to represent Chris and I at our sister's high school graduation on Friday.  Somehow he has gotten out of going to both are brothers and now our sisters too.  Well, I was more than happy to step in for both of us.  I was never a big fan of these ceremonies, even when it was my own.  But there was no denying that these two ladies felt like they were on top of the world.  So I was thrilled to be there to experience their big day with them.  They were both absolutely glowing.

AMANDA

I could ramble on and on about my little sis, but I will try and keep this short and sweet.  We have six years between us and I remember us growing up and her always copying everything I did.  From the way I styled my hair to the shirts I would wear.  My mom would always tell me after I would get so angry, "Daneile, she just looks up to you and wants to be like you".  Well, know the tables have turned and I find myself looking up to her.  She is such an incredible person.  She is so talented and creative.  Something I totally envy about her.  And I think that she has already found her place in this world.  Something most people search for forever.  Amanda, you are so beautiful not only in appearance but mostly in heart and soul.  I know that you will reach any goal that you set your mind to and do it with style and grace.  I love that I can count on you to stand beside me in any battle or trial I may face and I hope that you know that I would do the same for you.  Because we are sisters and that is a bond that can never be broken.  Love you little sis.  And congrats on your big day.  

KELSIE

Aww, then there is my sweet sister in law.  She has so many qualities that so many people aspire to obtain... Beauty, charm, courage, smarts, and strength, just to name a few.  This girl can do anything she sets her mind to and she does it to perfection.  I don't worry about her too much because she has proven that she can handle any hardship that may come her way while staying true to herself and her beliefs.  Kelsie, I knew that we were going to be close from the moment we met.  I remember it because you were the first to accept me into your family with open arms and no questions asked.  I will forever love you for that.  Thank you for knowing that you can come to me with anything and I hope that you will always be that comfortable.  You are an amazing person and I am so excited to see the adventures that are in store for you.  Love ya lots.  Your brother and I are so proud of you.

They are both college bound, and as one heads off to BSU and the other to ISU, I just want to say... Good Luck on your first true adventures as adults!!  Love you girls! XOXOXOX

Road Trip

At 8:00 in the morning last Thursday Ashley, Mya, Twinkee, and I got in the car and headed out for our next adventure... An 11 hour, all girl, road trip. The destination being Pocatello, for a graduation and a quick family visit. I couldn't have been in better company.  Ashley was a blast and kept the conversation continuously flowing.  Mya was a wonderful little traveler, and besides the occasional crying spell, she was all smiles.  And Twinkee, well she used the time very wisely and saw it as time to catch up on her beauty sleep.  The time passed by so quickly going there, but on the way back it dragged a little.  We were just a little anxious to be back to our men.  It is nice going to see family, but it just isn't home unless the one you love is there with you.  In the words of Joe Dirt, "Home Is Where You Make It".  That couldn't be more true.

Sunday Night Football

On Sunday, Chris and I had the entire office over for Sunday Dinner.  We had 12 people crammed into our tiny apartment, but miraculously we managed to squeeze everyone in and actually enjoy the dinner of stuffed shells.  The majority of the time the guys ate and sat around and watched the latest basketball game, but soon nobody could resist the perfect weather outside and we all decided to walk down to the park and play football.  Definitely not my sort of thing, but I did enjoy sitting in the grass with the girls and watching the guys come together as an office.  They are such hard workers and it is nice to see them have a little fun.

I would commentate, but honestly I have no idea what they are doing :).

All smiles.

Twinkee wanted to play with the guys so bad.

Us girls on the side lines.  I love Mya's crazy hair.  

Here Comes the Sun

For the two weeks that we have been here we have experienced such extreme weather changes.  When we first arrived we were in the normal May showers.  I personally love rain, but it was a little weird, since the first time we lived here it was 4 months of straight sunshine.  Well, after a few straight days of rain we were embraced in the most beautiful 80 to 85 degree weather for about a week and a half.  It was perfect and I couldn't soak up enough of that Vitamin D.  And then out of nowhere, the weather sky rocketed to over 100 degrees!  Talk about HOT HOT HOT!  It weighed on you so heavily that you didn't even want to leave the comfort of your air conditioned apartment.  Honestly, I would expect this in July, but mid May!  Luckily, the weather forecast for the next week shows us back down to the high 80s/ low 90s.  I better stock up on that sunscreen because I am anticipating a sizzling summer!

Great Times with Extraordinary People

This summer, Chris and I aren't only surrounded by beautiful weather but we will also be surrounded by some pretty amazing people.  Each summer that we leave it usually means saying our goodbyes to family and friends and us going off to experience the summer, and all the fun things that come with it, on our own.  But not this summer!  Not only has my brother and his family decided to come out, but so has Chris' little brother, Ryan, and our good friends, Taylor and Vanessa.  Talk about spoiled!!!!  I am so excited to go off and experience all the things that Northern Cali has to offer with our family and friends.  It should make for some pretty unforgettable memories and experiences.

This past Sunday, my sister-in-law Ashley invited Chris and I over for Sunday Dinner at her apartment.  We had been living off of take out and fast food for the last few days, so naturally neither of us could wait for some good home cooking.  And to make it even more appealing and mouth watering, she made one of my favorite meals.  Yummy lasagna and home made bread sticks.  Totally delicious!!!  Thanks Ashley!!!

Ashley showing off her hard work.

It wouldn't quite be a Sunday for Chris and I unless there was some sort of card game to play after dinner.  We were at the store, the night before, and came across the Monopoly card game, called DEAL.  So we decided to give it a try.  So worth it!!!  It is so much more fun than the regular Monopoly and it is so addictive!  

The game in progress.  If you look closely I'm winning :)!

Chris and I enjoy this game so much that we have played a couple rounds almost every night since we have gotten it. 

My niece, Mya, and I playing with the camera.  Too Cute!  

This Sunday it is my turn to cook.  I am so excited because Ryan and his friend will be here to join us.  Talk about a "Full House"!  You gotta love it!