Hiking, Camping and Swimming, Oh My!

I don't even know where the time has gone! It seems like I was just updating this blog yesterday... 

Jared and I have been so lucky to have such an exciting first summer of marriage together. I feel like even with our busy work schedules, we haven't missed out on any of the joys that summer brings. 

Last weekend we hiked up Sqaw Valley to Five Lakes. 

It was a beautiful trail that lead to the snow covered mountain where Jared was the only one brave enough to go for a swim,

And we returned today from a fabulous camping trip with Jeff and Bethany.

It takes a brave soul to call a summer complete without an old-fashioned camp-out.

That's right, I said 'old fashioned'. I'm not talking about the new form of camping that has struck the nation, with trailers with full hook-ups, satellite TV and a full kitchen. 

I'm talking about tents and sleeping bags, a skillet over hot coals and roasted marshmallows from an open flame. Its what camping used to be- and this weekend we had so much fun with Jeff and Bethany camping in Stampede. If you've never been before I suggest you go. I've camped there before several times when I was younger and I can't imagine it ever getting old.

We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather this weekend.

 Bethany and I enjoyed a hike along a beach trail, while Jared and Jeff took off for some mountain biking.

The only regret I have is that we didn't stay longer!

There will definitely be a next time.

Sunny Summer Day's

We have had an extremely busy summer so it's no shock to me that when I looked at the calender the other day I realized it's already half over. 

Even though summer has flown by so far, there isn't much to update on.. I guess that's what happens when you grow up but don't have kids.

Besides more swim lessons with our pup,

and with my ADORABLE niece and nephew,

we haven't done much..

And I know what you're thinking... "What an exciting blog..." Right? 

But I just couldn't resist showing off these cute pictures.

Once again, I realize how blessed I am to have such a fabulous family.

Birthday Bliss

On July Fourth 1989, during the fireworks I was born to two wonderful parents. I guess you could say I came out with a bang! (I was tempted to put a baby picture up, but I was not a cute newborn...)

The last few years I have hid in the serenity of my grandparents house in Eagle Lake California. This year, we discovered we have a water dog!

She didn't know it, and neither did we, but now she can't get enough of the water!

Nothing can beat the calm lake, and of course the private beach is a plus. Last year the lake was too low to go boating but it was up a little this year so after several hours of restoring the boat back to normal after taking a couple years off, we made our way down to the dock and spent some quality time enjoying water sports.

I stuck to the boat and manned the flag (and the camera) but after many hours under the hot sun I could no longer resist the temptation and jumped in the clear blue water.

That night we ventured into the tiny town for dinner. Little did we know, there was only one very unqualified chef.. We waited two hours for our food. It was pretty ridiculous but once our food finally came (thanks to the help of some concerned patrons) it was delicious.
We ate at record speed and went home to cake and ice cream in celebration of my birthday.

We left early on the fourth and had a very relaxing afternoon lounging around. It seems like Jared and I never get time to just lay around anymore so it was so nice to have no worries.

We ended the weekend by enjoying a spectacular fireworks show from the park next to our place with my sister and step-dad and look forward to making next year just as awesome!