Mud Volleyball

Today was an insanely dirty day, and boy was it fun!  My sister, Celeste, and I attended a multi-stake mud volleyball activity that was too good to pass up.  Celeste of course was muddied within the first five minutes of playing.  She tried to grab my arm and pull me in so I tackled her!  We rolled around for a bit and then I topped her off with a big ball of mud in her hair.  Ha ha!  The only thing that would have made the day better would have been to have Eric there so I could do the same to him.  It wasn't the same going without him.  Fortunately we will be closing the gap between us soon since September 1, Labor Day, I will be moving to - yes! - Idaho Falls!  Lucky day, we'll only be about a block away.  

Whitewater Rafting

There's nothing like the fun of floating through turbulent water on an inflatable plastic boat with nothing but a few sticks to steer past treacherous boulders, dips, and eddies.  No seriously, it really was a blast.  Eric and I, along with six other people, spent most of Saturday rafting down the south fork of the Snake River, enjoying the scenery, paddling a lot, pushing people in the river (including each other), and then getting out to do it all over again.  The weather was beautiful and the water was COLD, but by the second run it felt pretty good.  We all joked around a lot and had a great time.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do that every weekend?

The Surprise Box

Eric has been working for some time now on a super secret project for me.  I never quite got it out of him, but I did find out that it had something to do with painting, and on one funny occasion he slipped and told me it was a box.  I have been waiting in suspense for weeks to find out what it was but he never finished it.  Finally, after all the planning and who knows how many hours of painting, he finished and presented me with his surprise.  It was BEAUTIFUL!  On the top was painted a beautiful sunset scene on the beach with the phrase, "Paradise is holding you close, and knowing it's Forever."  How romantic!  Inside the box was filled with sand and memorable keepsakes from our Oregon coast trip, along with a very realistic looking painting of the moon.  I was so thrilled!  And he did such a good job.  I am so grateful to have such a sweet man in my life.

Super Incredaleuca Eric!

Every once in a while Eric will have a crazy dress up day at work, and Eric, being the enthusiastic character he is, always participates.  This day was "Super Hero" dress-up day.  Can you guess who Eric was?  Actually, we're not even sure.  He had a black sure, an Incredibles' t-shirt, and a stylish green Melaleuca vest.  Whatever he was, he sure looked good!  He can come rescue me anytime he wants.

Eric's Latest Pet

Just last week Eric made a new friend.  They had a chance encounter in his living room, and though his first instinct was to kill it, Eric soon decided it was too interesting to terminate.  So he saved it...in a jar...with nothing but cardboard on top to hold it in.  Is he nuts or what?  And of course knowing how fond I am of spiders, he saved it to show me this past weekend.  I was beyond words.  Fortunat... - I mean - Unfortunately, the poor little thing died of heat stroke in Eric's car before I could see it.  Still, Eric and my dad both had a riot making me and my sisters jump with it's dead carcass.  Gross!!!  

Lagoon

In the middle of June Eric and I took a day excursion to Lagoon.  It was a lot of fun, a lot of sun, and wore us out.  At one point Eric was taking me through the front fountain because it was a shorter walk and the water was down.  Both of us were eyeing the holes in the ground warily because at any moment water could shoot out of them.  We walked quickly and just as we were exiting the opposite side thinking, "We made it!" water blasted up right to my eyes, I whipped my head around sending my sunglasses flying, and ended up thoroughly soaked down the front.  Several people had to jump out of the way because the force of the water sent drops splashing off me.  That stinker, Eric!  He couldn't stop laughing.  Anyway, it was a fun day enjoying the events and enjoying each other's company.  I loved this picture of Eric on the swings. 

A Greenbelt Stroll

I love Sunday strolls, especially when I'm holding the hand of the man of my dreams.  Today Eric and I took a walk with some friends from his branch along the Idaho Falls greenbelt.  It was very  scenic with many picturesque views of the temple.  And can I just say, his branch buddies are a hoot.  We always have a lot of laughs when we're together.  

Iguacu Falls

It's finally finished!  Or in better words, I am finished with my painting for the present.  Eric reminded me of a quote that says an artist never really finishes a work of art but instead just finds a good stopping point.  I really feel it is true with this painting.  I have been working on it for some time but had a long break while I worked in Utah.  Since moving home I have tried to put hours into finishing it, and it shows great improvement from when I started.  Still, there is always something to pick apart.  I can't stop finding things I want to change!  In fact, I think I have repainted the sky at least three times.  I could keep going, but it is time to stop.  I am officially ready to move on to other projects.  Do I think it is perfect?  No.  In fact, I may in the future decide to be ambitious and paint over those trouble spots that keep getting to me.  But for now I'm calling it good.  Hopefully I will learn more about the process of turning art into prints, and this painting will be one of my firsts.  Wish me luck!

The Oregon Coast

My family recently returned from a FABULOUS trip to the 

Oregon coast (June 9-13) where it was incredibly cold but very beautiful. We stopped in several places along the way including Newport, Seaside, and Cape Meades. We toured the Tillamook Cheese Factory, ate clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls (to Eric's great pleasure), visitied an aquarium as well as a lighthouse and an octopus tree, camped overnight in a KOA, and explored several beaches. It was so picturesque. I think we would have jumped in the water at any time had not the wind been blowing so much. Nevertheless, it was wonderful to see some of Heavenly Father's beautiful and diverse creations in the far off land of Oregon. I hope we get to go again sometime.

Happy Birthday, Amanda

So, once again the time of year rolled around where I became officially older.  Yikes.  This year was my 25th birthday and for various reasons I was really dreading it.  "Let's just celebrate next year," I said, but no one listened.  We of course had cake (which Heather made, and it was delicious!) and presents.  I slept in late and painted and kept the day very casual.  Mostly I was missing my Eric.  Being the thoughtful one he is and knowing he would not be able to see me in person, he sent me an incredible hand-made card in the mail which arrived right on time and said such sweet romantic things which he has a talent for writing.  Not only that but he sent me a vase of beautiful wildflowers with some of my favorites: lilies and daisies.  It was a day I didn't want, but it turned out to be a very good one.  I was very grateful for so many who took time out to think of me and do something a little extra special.