catching up to now

  So my blog archive tells me that I posted 7 times in 2011. Seven. Not that my numbers were stellar in years past, peaking in 2008 with 45. Then a steady decline of 41, 21... I debated turning this into a New Years resolution but given my history, it seemed kinda like setting myself up for failure. So, no resolutions...just a really long post with lots of pictures. 

We took a fall trip to MT with the Sandersons.  Owen was amazed to find someone who eats almost as much as him. 

 Brian turned 23

 and Julie came along for the trip! We loved it!

Later that month we took our final ride in the focus. It was memorable.

And then we headed to California for some R&R with Dave and Kathy. My first experience with Disneyland. It was great.

And then we came back to the reality that winter was on its way. We're still waiting for it to officially hit. I'm content to wait.

Brittany D. came to hang out for the weekend. We threw in a quick hike up Eightmile Lake.

It was gorgeous. and freezing.

Did I mention that Justin and Pam added an adorable little boy to their family? Meet Blake and his big sister Dakota.

And we can't pass up an adorable picture of our niece. Can baby girls get any cuter?

We headed back to MT for the long christmas weekend. After we logged 1700 miles to Cody, WY and back for some very special meetings. Loved all the family time this winter. 

 And then we spent New Years with the rowdy Barnes. Who kept us up way too late. 

If Branson looks tired that's because he should be. What a busy boy! He kept Jason occupied playing trucks, airplanes, combines and anything else that has wheels. 

Did I mention that we loved it?

Less than a month and I'm back with an encore! Mostly because I have perfectly precious news to share...and a little braggin' to do. More on that later. 

Since last time..

Hubs took me on a date. Boy was it a good one. Think scallops coquille. 

Hubs took me on another date. Lee Brice and the Waterville Fair.

We braved the annual Sanderson camp out and let me tell ya, 

There are strange things done under the Roosevelt sun

By the families who camp its shores.

The Wilbur lights have seen quite crazy sites

But the craziest they ever did see

Was a man on a chair

 bolted to a pair

of old school waterskiis. 

Yes it's true.

We also enjoyed more than our fair share of relaxing

 wakeboarding

friendly tube wars

tiny baby snuggling

one-of-a-kind friendships

 and oh so lovely sunsets.

And the best news of all! We came home to meet our adorable niece. Congrats to Josh, Trese and Branson on beautiful baby girl Quinn!

sweet sweet summertime

I said I'd be back in August. At the time I meant it more as a joke. Turns out I really am that bad about updating my blog. 

In the past few months we've managed to eat a few s'mores, spend some lovely hours on the lake, survive one short early morning hike, make a weekend trip out of 1066 miles and thoroughly enjoy our friends and family. 

Exactly what summer is all about.