Timpooneke

OK, here are a few pics from this latest camping trip. As you can see, we went for a few artsy fartsy photos. I have mainly black and white photos up here, but we also got some great leaves-changing-color photos as well.

We went up American Fork Canyon to a campground called Timpooneke. I looked up places online and thought the name was great, so we gave it a try. It was clear up the mountain near the top of the Alpine Loop so the leaves were all changing colors and beautiful.

Being that this was just a short trip, we thought that packing would be quick and easy and so didn't go through the usual list-making process. Not so true, as Murphy's Law would dictate. We forgot pancake mix, kindling, lighter fluid, we didn't get up there very early and almost didn't get a campsite, etc. That'll teach me not to plan better. We should never forget pancake mix when going camping. I mean, that is the food of campers everywhere. Trust me, that will never happen again. Next time we just will forget the matches or something like that.

As it was, we had a blast this last time just being in nature. Jessica had a bit too much fun with the fire soot and worked her way up to a completely black face covered in ash. Fantastic for photos, not so much for cleaning. We had to wash her off in the freezing water and warm her up in the sun. The pictures were totally worth it, though.

Visit to the Carolinas

Here are a few pics of me and the Macon's some of my favorite people in North Carolina. I wish I could've gotten more pics with other friends, but I spent most of my time down there with Todd in Columbia and helping out with his work.

I sure do miss the South and would move back there in a heartbeat if I could. I guess I will just have to visit more often...or those of you who still live in the South could come visit me. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.
Oh, and while we were in Columbia we found a new favorite place to eat called Firehouse Subs. Absolutely fantastic, and I recommend it to everyone...so yes, our trip was fruitful.

Quick Funny Story

Todd is very athletic. He plays basketball several times a week, flag football, etc. Any opportunity to play sports and he is there. I, on the other hand, love the social aspect of sports, but am not the most talented when it comes to any sport involving a ball. What can I say? I did dance and gymnastics while growing up. So the other day when Todd wanted me to help teach his girls how to play football, basketball and baseball (mini-lessons that had been requested) I was willing, but not wanting to make a fool of myself.

The first sport was football (Todd's real true love) and we taught Jessica how to hand off the ball and run for it. She already knew the basics from some TV commercial where one of the NFL Pros showed them how to "flick the booger" for a nice spiral. Dangit all, she can throw a spiral and I can't.

Next was basketball. Now, I have been shooting around a little bit lately because we have a fantastic hoop in our driveway and Todd and I have been competing over our free throw shot averages. Needless to say, me and my 40% average weren't doing too badly. I was starting to feel a little athletic and like I should grunt and slap someone's backside or something. Unfortunately, basketball was the shortest of the lessons.

Next came baseball. I will, however, let you in on a secret. Although I sucked at it, I was on a softball team. Of course, Todd knows about the team...and that I was most certainly NOT MVP of any game or season. So imagine Todd's surprise when I lobbed the ball at him, and it was a decent throw. (Sorry, I'm trying not to giggle right now.) Not only was he surprised that I could throw, but insomuch that he forgot to catch the ball. It bounced right off his forehead high into the air. And I, being the good little wife that I am, threw my head back and guffawed wholeheartedly. Of course, I made sure he was OK, too.

I do not think he will underestimate me again.

Back to Real Life

OK, so I never left real life, however, now it is finally possible for Todd and I to get into a groove. All the families have been moved, the wedding is over, everyone is back to work...well, today IS Labor Day... and the job hunt has been continued (now with more fervor). There are a few prospects in the job hunt, so we will have to see what happens.

Also, I am working on finally getting the house decorated, instead of just having furniture arranged. I have some excellent ideas for the travel room and that huge wall where the stairs are. I am actually quite excited about a few of the ideas, but they are top secret until they are finished...then I will post a pic. Soon it will really start feeling like home.

Along those lines, Todd and I have finally started having time to do things like invite neighbors over for dinner and experiment with some of the wedding gifts. We had a great couple over the other night who didn't mind that I burned the green beans (thus the reason Todd usually does all the cooking) and that it was our first attempt at making ice cream. They just helped finish up making dinner and we had a blast chatting. The husband was someone who Todd had met through early morning basketball and we laughed about all their basketball escapades. All I have to say about that is that church ball scares me.

There are a bunch of guys and a couple girls that get together Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 5:30 in the "a of m." Seriously, I don't know if I would be willing to do it, however, for those of you who noticed...that was the reason for Todd's recent loss of his "bowl-full-of-jelly" belly. Now I have to do something to be able to keep up with him in the never-ending battle against the bulge. Any ideas? This is always such a difficult thing for me. Alas, I may be condemned to never fully rid myself of my overly round face and perpetual double chin. Sigh.

Speaking of such things reminds me that I have to take the dog for a run now. Well, I will ride my bike. She's too fast for me.