Our Own Little Price is Right (A New Car!)

Now we've done it. We bought a new car on Saturday. It's an 09 Hyundai Sonata. We definitely weren't expecting to buy a car at all, but especially not one so new and fancy. We got a killer deal, and decided we'd rather make a car payment, than pay for yet another repair about every month. We are really excited about our new little deal, and hope it lasts us a LONG time. :)

It Finally Happened

About three years ago Ryan and a few of our friends came up with the idea of a costume boating party. You'd think this would just be something discussed, but never carried out. Think again... Batman, being the bravest of us all was the first in the water:

Batman Revealed.

Too bad my life jacket didn't look as cool with my costume as Ryans did. The other Ryan was able to bust out some nice moves, even in his boyscout uniform.
Jake finally retired his missionary suit (with a few additions).

It was a hilarious experience. While Ryan was out on the water we passed a boat full of kids who gawked and pointed. I'm sure those kids are certain that Batman was out on the lake that day.

Loooosiana

And we're back! We took a quick trip town to Texas and Louisiana for Ryan's side of the family reunion. We flew down to Houston Thursday afternoon. With school delays, freeway closures, and flight complications it's a miracle we got on that flight. Let's just say, the combination of our personalities got us on the plane to Houston, but we may be on Delta airlines black list. :)

This cow was cracking me up at the Houston airport.

From Houston we drove to a little town in Louisiana called Lecompte. We stayed at a beautiful planation house called Lloyd Hall. Here are a few pictures around the place.

Posing by a civil war canon.

This piano looked so old I didn't dare to actually touch the keys. It's beautiful.

A view of one of the many dining rooms.

Ryan relaxing on the front balcony.

We stayed in the McCullough House behind the plantation house.

Something I've always been told about the South is the great food. This assumption couldn't be more correct. Ryan's uncle John cooked us some of the best fish I've ever had.

Mmmmm... Crawfish

Cracking the crab got pretty interesting.

We had so much fun spending some time with family that we rarely get to see. I don't have many of the pictures with family, since many of those weren't taken on my camera, but I got a few.

Ryan hanging out with our newest niece Jill.

Ryan and his brothers playing baseball and badmitten

Our nephews Gabe and Garret and our niece, Jill visiting Ganmamma's grave.

It was a really great trip. I'm glad I finally got to see a little bit of what Ryan means when he's talking about how much he loves the South.

Another one bites the dust

My sister Jen just got engaged over the weekend. Mark your calendars for September 20th! I've been put in charge of helping her plan her big day. If anyone has some words of wisdom about wedding planning, let me know. :) Congratulations Jen and Jeremy!

Grassoline

Monday I was mowing the lawn and smelling that mixed smell of grass and gasoline. I came to know this smell all too well when I worked for my Dad's lawn business. The "lawn crew" which consisted of me, my siblings, and neighborhood kids came to lovingly refer to this smell as grassoline. Being a teenage girl and having to mow lawns in the evenings and on Saturdays was not my favorite thing. In fact, I dreaded it. Now that I look back, I'm really glad I had the opportunity. My Dad taught me to work hard and get my hands dirty. Thanks for all you've done, and all you do Dad. Happy Fathers Day (a little late- as I usually am).

I Think It's Finally Summer

We went on a gorgeous hike up to Lake Blanche on Saturday. It was good to get out in the mountains and enjoy a little sunshine. Maybe a little too much sunshine in my case. That's what I get for being a red head.

We hiked through a lot of snow near the top. I kinda wished we had brought our snowboards along.

A Favor Huh?

You know what I hate? When a police officer pulls you over and tells you he's doing you a favor by writing you a ticket for "only" 9 over. You're not fooling anyone buddy!