Those lazy, crazy days of summer

A couple of things I just can't bring myself to believe: 1.) it's 8:17 and still 100 degrees outside and 2.) it's nearly August. Weird...

I've been insanely busy this summer, but in a lovely, exciting way, and August will be my most adventurous month yet! Three outdoor excursions planned, that's right, count 'em: backpacking, white water rafting/camping, and another camping trip at the end of the month! Phew!

July was pretty fun too. I took a self-defense class with a friend that was part of a women's summer ministry through our church. Oh yes, lots of punching, kicking, and elbows of doom! Our final exam was last night, with our tough cop instructor throwing himself at us one by one, with each of us having to fight him off. Hello, adrenaline! There were no volunteers to go first, so I stepped up. He looked at me with amusement and said, "Somehow I knew it would be you. You're not scared of anything." At one point, I forgot the "only hit with 50% force" rule and clocked him in the face with my best elbow attack. Despite the fact that he was wearing a face mask, the impact sent him sprawling backwards, dazed. He later told me that my strike would mean a headache for him. Oops. I could tell he was proud of us though ;)

That night we also won best table decorations during the food pantry donation contest. We built huge toilet out of toilet paper, tuna, and cardboard. Now that is creativity.


Our award-winning toilet sculpture


My brilliant team of Oasis girls ;)

Last Saturday was also a big event-- my very first REI used gear sale. Holy cow, I was not prepared for the zeal people have for those! KC and I got there at 5:30 am and were greeted by the following site:


Tent city! Yes, people actually camped out over night. Quite a lot of them!

We waited for three and a half hours with our chairs, coffee, and books, and were joined by our friends Aaron and Joy, who helped keep us company. We planned our battle strategy and scouted out the placement of the sale items from behind the bright, makeshift fence. When they opened the gates to let us in, people ran for the tents, backpacks, and skis/kayaks. I ran with them, plucking up four or five backpacks in a mad grab to find the right size and style. I'm pleased to report that my first sale was a success! I came away with a fantastic pack for backpacking, as well as a smaller, but roomy day pack. Yay!


KC, Aaron, and Joy get revved up

I'll leave you all with some cutie-pie pictures from last Wednesday. Kami and the kiddos came over to escape the heat and partake of a loaf of zucchini bread (one of four that I baked). The kids are getting so big!


Lil' Juliet


Jude channels Mozart


Samuel channels Monsters, Inc.

That's all, folks! ^^