Summer lovin'

It's been far, FAR too long since I've been able to take the time and sit down in front of this here comput-air screen. Steph and I moved into the basement at the beginning of July for our two month-in-limbo state. This is the only valid explanation I have for my absence... as the Internet connection has been temperamental to say the least. I'll try my best to be short and sweet here.... but the summer is busy with activity, therefore bringing many things to tell about.

Duane and I were in Lethbridge to celebrate my parents 25th wedding anniversary. This is taken in Henderson Lake park.... Duane's first visit.To celebrate my parents anniversary we had fire at Reuben and Tannia's house, where Michael proceeded to once again be the center of attention. This was his "thing" that weekend... playing dead. Seriously... who's kid is this? It's hilarious.
And the classic family picture had not been updated since the days I was sporting what resembled a hideous mushroom cut. It's very hard to get this group of people organized, let alone looking gorgeous all in one shot. This is my family and I love them to bits. It's very cool hanging out as adults. I'm sure Reuben appreciates not being told on every hour by his sisters...

Canada Day weekend... Josh hosted a pool party in his bEEEEautiful backyard. Little bit of b.b.q, pool and hot tub time, eating ridiculous amounts of spits, lame-o Lethbridge fire works, and some laughs to be sure. Emily and Josh... whom I have aptly named the model couple, probably one of the most sincere and fun couples I know.

That same weekend, Mom, Emily and I drove out to the Hat for Tannia's wedding shower. I love this girl and it's awesome that she's going to be my new sister. Tannia is a gift from God... oh and the shower was pretty sweet too. She looked priceless trying to whack down her pinata.

Duane and I at Josh (Duane's brother) and Sara's wedding in Edmonton. 07.07.07... Josh should definitely not have a good reason for forgetting his anniversary. This was a super casual wedding, where I was privileged (and sooo very nervous about) to meet the rest of Duane's family. They were an awesome group of people, and they welcomed me with open arms.

Dianna and I in Edmonton.. about to take the train to downtown. I spent half the weekend at Dianna and Steve's place, which worked out marvelous. It was great to see them again, and get some awesome girl time in with Dianna. We hit the shops on White ave in the afternoon after a couple games of squash. I'll let her tell you the outcome... That evening Marc and Tara joined us for dinner and then we all biked downtown to take in some street performers at the festival. I don't think Marc appreciated the Acrobats in their spandex attire, but there was some amazing performances there that night. Some had me laughing so hard, I swear I felt some tears welling up a couple times.

Last weekend in Waterton, we camped with Emily and Josh. It was so stinking hot, but swimming in the fresh water lakes and eating ice cream did the trick. This my proof to the world that Duane does in deed know how to make me laugh....

And I rest my case. Duane LOVES his ice cream.

Umm, I'll explain. Steph did a little photo shoot of me during Stampede week. I don't think I actually ever wore the hat out in public... I guess this is technically now in public. So, don't look.

I made it out to the Grandstand show at the Stampede this year, I tagged along once more with Duane's family.

Finally we are this weekend... almost there. This was the trial beer for the night: Richards White... served with an orange slice. I really enjoyed the beer, as did Rodd and Steph: the crew for the Seanachie Friday night patio.

Steph, my room mate, and more recently: dream interpreter. She's been hearing a lot of talking at night from me, sleeping in the same room. And we haven't killed each other yet!

Alise, Meaghan and I took a hike around Upper Kananaskis Lake on Saturday. It was absolutely beautiful out there, it was so great to be out enjoying God's amazing creation. The hike is great... following the edge of the lake most of the way.

Isabelle, is leaving me to go back to England this week. A mutual friend of ours from church hosted a b.b.q (my Strawberry spinach salad was a hit!) It was good food, and was so very good to see Isabelle before I don't get to see her again for a very long, long time. I see a trip to England in the future.

The ridiculously large carrot cake Dan dragged out for desert... this cake had disaster written all over it. Evidence could be found on Dan's icing decorated face, or the hand print right on top of the perfectly symmetrical cake.

Sunday.... today! The Young Adults from First CRC headed to Boston pizza for lunch. The poor restaurant, there was at least 25 of us.... but no one had to cook and worry about running out of food. Then it was off to Bowness park for an afternoon of SUN, multiple games of Frisbee, snaking and the best part of all: floating down the river. We'd jump in and the current takes you to a very shallow edge under the bridge, where we'd scrape our knees and other such body parts on the rocks trying to get back to land.

Duane, I'm sure he can get quite annoyed, what with me constantly taking pictures of us... more specifically him. But here he's being a good sport about it. This was the perfect day, hanging out with friends and enjoying the beautiful Calgary weather.

So, there it is.... the crash course of my life for the last little while. I know, overload.... but I wanted to assure you that life is still ticking, and that I even thought it's been busy, I am loving the many blessing that God has been granting to me. This week I am heading to New York for business, which I am very excited about. It will be a short trip, 3 days, but just enough to get my feet wet. As for the outcome of Neo Con, my last past... I can honestly not track down the pictures. In my attempt to get you to really see this... I'm directing you to the website.. and enjoy! http://www.haworth.com/Brix?pageID=862