6 years

This past Saturday Chris and I celebrated our 6th anniversary! It's crazy that we've been married that long but it's been the best 6 years.

On Saturday we enjoyed a round of frisbee golf at Bradley Park and then enjoyed a 2-hour dinner at Johnny's Italian Steakhouse. It was really nice to just slow down a bit, enjoy lots of conversation and have some delicious food (including yummy zucchini fries) and wine.

I wanted to take some pictures before we left for dinner. This is what we ended up with...enjoy :)

Joplin schools and sb memories

I read an article today about the Joplin schools returning to school on time and mentions several different people's stories who were affected by the tornado. I think it's a really good read. I think we can learn a lot from these people's determination and ability to focus on the positive when it would be so easy to focus on the negative.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-08-14-Joplin-tornado-schools-resume_n.htm

The discussion of many schools needing to find temporary locations for the school year (including the high school) and the reference to one of the girls playing on the softball team reminded me of one of my favorite pictures from my senior year of high school...

(my parents and I on senior night on the softball field with the high school in the background)

That year was my first of playing on the varsity team. I was the only senior that year. My coach even let me keep my jersey at the end of the year since they were getting new uniforms the next year.

It's funny how memories like this can mean that much more after almost 10 years has passed and a certain place has changed so much since.

farmer's market visit

What makes a visit to the farmer's market so refreshing?

Is it the bountiful amounts of fruits and veggies available to buy?

The fact that you are supporting local farmers by taking some of these home?

The non-hurried atmosphere of selecting your favorites (even if it is pretty crowded)?

Finding some beautiful flowers for only a $1 for a whole bunch?!?

Whatever it may be, my visit to the farmer's market this morning was indeed pretty refreshing.  I think I'll have to go back again soon and before the season ends.  I suggest finding your local farmer's market and stopping by.

Lake of the Ozarks 2011

We had yet another great vacation at the Stevens' cabin in Lake of the Ozarks last week!  It was some much-needed vacation and relaxation time and was really wonderful being able to spend 10 days together.  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

we made it to Missouri after going through our fav small-town stop along the way!

 good times catching up with some college friends! (thanks again to all of you for making the trip out!)

(Jason skiing for the first time!)

(Jason learning what it's like to fall on skis!)

(Chris)

 (Josh wakeboarding for the first time!)

reality of life didn't go away...we had an issue with the boat (see melting plastic since the engine wasn't being cooled properly!)

reading 2 good books and savoring sangria all week (my fav summer beverage)

Maggie hung out on the deck a lot when it wasn't too hot...

and when she wasn't swimming :)

really nice dinner at J.B. Hooks overlooking the lake - delicious food, wonderful company, and gorgeous views

 (it's right by the toll bridge)

 stop by the Bagnell Dam since I had never been

fun on wave runner
(we also had some CRAZY-fun times tubing with Chris' uncle John driving. I've never gotten so much air while tubing! I think Chris and I maneuvered the tube quite well, but Chris definitely helped me out a few times! we were both sore the next few days but I think it was well worth it :) it was also great seeing John's family last weekend!)

(my favorite place to ride by on the water)

most of all I loved being with my two favorite people :)