Memorial Weekend Adventure (part 1)

Dan and I weren't sure how we were going to spend our long weekend. We debated just hanging around here, but when Grandpa Cy and Grandma Janet invited us to the cabin for the opening of fishing on Henry's Lake, we decided that sounded way better than the non-plans we had. Bright and early Friday morning we took off and drove the 500 miles to the cabin. All the other times I had made the trip, so had my cousins and other family members and it was really nice this time to have a low-key adventure with just my grandparents, parents and us.
Saturday morning we were up and on the water with the rest of the Henry's fishermen and we were not disappointed. Dan hadn't ever been boat fishing, but he was certainly a fast learner. He brought in the first fish of the day and then proceeded to bring in another and another and so on. I got one and Grandpa Cy got one and my Dad caught two, one of which was a 5-pound monster.
Day two on the lake wasn't as productive (two fish caught, two got away) but Henry's Lake can be fickle and after such a great first day, we couldn't complain.
Props out to my Mum and Grandma Janet for sending us out with ample provisions and welcoming us mighty fishermen home with fresh cookies and amazing meals. Fishing is hard work (especially in the rain and wind) and it was nice to have a warm cabin and a great meal to come back to.



Here we are with all the fish of Day One.












Should we use this as our Christmas card picture?























Oh yes....the couple that guts and cleans fish together, stays together.

Memorial Weekend Adventure (part 2)

After a full day-and-a-half fishing on Henry's Lake, the six of us piled in the pick-up and headed into Yellowstone National Park. Dan had never been and I was excited for him to see all the neat things Yellowstone had to offer. First up were the Buffalo. Yes, they really are that big. They're so used to to tourists that they just sit there and as long as you don't bother them, they'll leave you alone. It was cool to get so close to such large animals.















No trip to Yellowstone would be complete without a stop at Old Faithful. We got there with plenty of time to complete a 40 minute hike around the springs, pools and smaller geysers. Old Faithful is the definite draw, but the other thermal spots are really neat to see too. Old Faithful was right on time.




















The Old Faithful Inn is 100 years old and the oldest Inn in the National Parks System. It's incredibly beautiful and is currently being renovated and updated, but keeping it's traditional charm. The main lobby is just awesome and if you're ever in the area, you need to stop by to check it out.










It was a quick weekend with two solid days of driving, but definitely worth every mile.

Springtime Craftiness

I spent some time a few weeks ago making a tag book for my sister for Mother's Day (from Clint and Sandy, they just needed some help from Aunt Shelle) and Mother's Day cards for my Mum, Sue (Mother-in-law) and my Grandmas.
Here's the cover of the tag book:

A couple of the pages....

I really like using these new Bazzil scallop edges....

Some little paper flowers cover up staples that I messed up on : )

Baby Sandy, Graduation and more Baby Sandy!

Isn't she just the cutest little thing you've ever seen? Her puffy cheeks! Her round eyes! Her big smiles! Okay, so maybe I'm a little biased because I don't get to see her very often, but really, she is the cutest.

The Big Graduation Weekend has come and gone. Jen (and Baby Sandy) and Cody flew in on Friday and we just kind of hung out at my apartment for the afternoon. I took a lot of pictures of Sandy-bear and pretty much spoiled her. After Dan and Kasey put on their armor to rescue Christina (Kasey's girlfriend) when she broke down out in the boonies, we all headed to dinner. BBQ & Blues in Clarkston scored again. That place really, really rocks and if you haven't been there, you should go. Like now, really, go.

Saturday was the big day for Kasey. Four years of classes, tests, books, dodgeball games, frustrating football seasons, group projects, roommates and study sessions all came to a close. Kasey graduated from the College of Business with a degree in Marketing. The three+ hour event took it's toll on all of us out in the audience, but as you can tell from the picture, Jen and Cody found a way to keep themselves entertained. They were sure to take off the headphones when Kasey's name was announced. Afterward we had a big get-together at the Church and my Mom BBQ'd steaks and we all just hung around talking. It was great to catch up with all the family in town and (of course) watch Sandy-bear play.

Saturday night was card-night with the grandparents. Dan and Christina just had to laugh at us. Apparently, in their families, card games do not result in fights. What!?! How is that even possible? The arguments are part of the fun, right?
Sunday morning, we all woke up early to say our goodbyes and everyone was off. It was a quick weekend, but very, very full. Kasey is off to start a new chapter of his life (I know, I know, that's so cliche), but I know he thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent at the University of Idaho. He is a Vandal through-and-through. He stands for the fight song, sings the words and despises Boise State. Yup, he's a Vandal.

How about another picture of Baby Sandy, just 'cause she's so cute!

One of the Cool People!

It doesn't happen very often, but occasionally I too am one of the cool people. Well, actually Terry and Denise Candler are the cool people. They just happen to be friends with Monty Lane Alan, backup singer and guitar player for ALAN JACKSON!!!! They totally scored with free tickets and invited Dan and I to join them in Spokane for a night of country music. We got to met Monty before the show. He's a super nice guy and has his own single coming out soon to country radio. I'm excited to hear him on the local station soon.
Miranda Lambert opened and she was fun and high-spirited and got everyone up and rockin'. Dan has a little bit of a crush on her and he might know more of her songs than I do. I really liked her pink guitar and her cute shoes.










Alan Jackson was great. He sang new stuff, old stuff, all his stuff really. Monty did a great job on backup vocals. There were a few songs where the four of us couldn't help but to get up and dance. He put on a wonderful show.









Afterward Monty came out again and he and Terry and Denise got to play catch-up. If you ever get the chance to listen to southerners play catch-up after several years, you should do it. It was entertaining just hearing them talk and ask about everyone from Mommas to cousins to aunts.






Thanks again to Terry and Denise for inviting us and guessing correctly that we'd have a great time. Many, many thanks to Monty Lane Alan for a fun time and thanks for letting us all be cool people!