Thanks to our tax return that has been waiting in our bank account accruing absolutely no interest, we are now the proud owners of a Canon Rebel T2i camera! This camera has been hard to come by. Best Buy finally had a few in stock after being sold out for several months. Ideally we would have purchased it from Costco to get a slightly better lens package and deal BUT they only have two more available in the state--in St. George. The fact that this camera has been selling out makes me feel good about choosing the T2i. Now we just have to learn to use all the features.
Clark's band premiered at Burt's Tiki Lounge on Friday night. Slightly a dive; similar to bars you see in movies where people get mugged/shot. And hot as Hades. What's with SLC being anti A/C?
That's my rock star ;)
Sunday afternoon they played a semi broken down acoustic set for a Sober Riders barbeque. Like I said, kind of a big deal.
Finally a picture with all five: Randy, Tyler, Clark, SP and Chris. Notice the old people in the corner. I promise there were stereotypical bikers at the barbeque. I just didn't feel comfortable snapping pictures of them.
Fun. Stuff. Looking forward to more shows in the future!
Luckily, none of our possessions got damaged. Can I just say that my antipathy towards our outdoorsy, cool neighbors from Colorado grows daily? This is completely and entirely their fault. So we are without our bed for the time being and we just found out we don't have a/c. Fantastic.
We will definitely deserve that month of free rent come January. Blast our basement and the many floods we've endured! Though none as bad as the one documented above. I think it will be days before we can put our bed back together and move all our music equipment back downstairs.
Blast.
Until then, Clark gets the couch and I get a make shift bed of blankets near our dressers.
Over 4th of July weekend I had the opportunity to see my girls from ASU up in Washington and Oregon! (We missed you, Kat!)
We had a total blast. From watching Eclipse to buying fedoras and underwear to the Pre Classic in Eugene to shuffle board playing in an Olympia bar to Betsey Johnson shopping in downtown Seattle, we caught up, reminisced and had a grand old time. And ate a ton. Seriously, I felt like I was at fat camp. Jessie's parents know how to spoil us, that is for sure.
The trip started out with Eclipse at South Center, literally an hour after I had arrived at SeaTac. Those girls do not waste time. Jenna and Jessie had waited for me to arrive so that we could all enjoy the movie together, bless their little hearts. Sadly, I cannot take perfectly centered self photos. I think anyone who can has practiced waaay too much and/or they lie and just Photoshop the picture.
Myself, Jessie and Jenna. Super stoked to watch Eclipse.
The weather in Olympia was amazing. 60-70 degrees and mostly overcast. We walked along the water and the pier one afternoon. This tagging cracked me up: Hey Girl Hey!
Down at the pier.
Stop it you two!
I'm not quite sure what is going on here. This is what happens with timed photos. Never know what you're going to get.
The Washington State Capitol.
After waking up at 6 am on July 3rd, we drove 4 hours down to Eugene, Oregon for the Prefontaine Classic: a world renowned track meet that always produces stellar times and exciting races. Second from left is Amy and 3rd from left is Des. Far left is a praying mantis. I mean come on, look at those amazingly long, skinny legs!
This is what the stands look like on both sides of the track. Filled to capacity. Yes, the track meet does sell out.
The girls lining up for the 5k. Go Amy and Des!
If I had a better camera I would have zoomed in closer. This was such an inspiring meet!
Back in Olympia the next day with Amy! No, Amy and Jenna are not related, they just look alike.
Tumwater falls.
I love how verdant and lush the Northwest is.
Making shish kabobs. That seems to be the trend in my life nowadays.
Jessie was very proud of her "spread."
Getting ready to have our own fireworks show! Happy Birthday, America!
Jessie and her dad setting some up....
ohhhh pretty! Well, they are more impressive in person, of course. I've never experienced lighting Roman candles until this year. Way too fun! Totally looking forward to next year!
I'm not sure when I'll be seeing my girls again, but I hope it's not too long! Our visit was so much fun and I hope next time someone will be married (Amy? Jenna? Jessie?) so that Clark can come and have a guy to hang out with. Poor Clark had to sit this one out.
Let me ask you something: is it weird to get "family pictures" of just you and your spouse? No kids, no extended family; just you and your love?
Clark and I were debating this idea the other night. What sparked this conversation, I cannot recall. About a year ago I had the great idea to make t shirts and get professional photos taken of just Clark and myself. I made the t shirts:
(Clark later got them for our anniversary in March)
Then I felt that my idea was completely narcissistic and dropped the idea. I still think it is narcissistic, but who isn't once in a while, right?
Clark seems to think the idea is totally kosher and besides, "everyone's doing it."
Hmmmmmmmmmmm... any opinions out there? Should we OR should we not?
In other news:
we are excited for our visit to Vegas this weekend, even if it is only for a whopping two days. Sheesh, these short visits with Mom and Dad Tobler need to stop. It's not fair. When will we all be able to go hiking together again?? I love hiking with Mom and Dad Tobler. They are good hikers. And Dad Tobler needs nourishment about every 30 minutes so goodies are always plentiful.
We are stoked on finally owning the 3rd season of Arrested Development. Wow, it's only taken us 3 years. After memorizing season 1 & 2, we finally invested in the 3rd. Here's to sleepless nights of Arrested Development!
We finished Season 2 of Man v Food on Netflix and don't know what to do now that we can't watch Adam Richman perform his awesome food challenges. Maybe we should invest in cable so that we don't have to wait for shows to come out on Netflix.
I'm super stoked to see three of my best girls from ASU next week! We're meeting up in Seattle for some West Coast fun and shenanigans for 5 days. Well, technically we're watching Amy run in Eugene on July 3rd.
Awww, we were so young! And holy cow, I look like Goliath compared to these girls! Jenna, Jess, Amy, Me Man, I miss the 13th St house sometimes. But not the carpet. That carpet was nasty.
Last week Clark and I went to Pasco for my grandfather's memorial service. It was touching and sincere; a great celebration of life. He will be deeply missed.
In addition to the service, Clark and I got to spend loads of time with family and loads of time on the farm. We actually flew in on Wednesday June 9th, 12 hours after my sister gave birth to her third child, a sweet girl named Teya Grace!
I've never held a 12 hour old baby. It was awkward and exciting all at once. I love my sister, she is such a good mother and I'm so proud of her for having her third child without an epidural. In her opinion, it wasn't worth it. Her advice: ALWAYS get an epidural. Sounds like a plan to me.
Katie and Ty and Teya Grace. Ty HATES pictures. I can't belive I got a 1/4 smile out of him!
Sisters.
My Dad's sister made this sign when she was in elementary school. He now has in on the farm. Cute Cole enjoying whipping cream.
Dad was nice enough to take us on a fire engine ride. Clark and I have never been in a fire truck. We were as excited as kindergartners.
The Eltopia fire chief himself.
A beautiful Washington sunset from my parents house. I just love this farm.
Scott and Dagmara have an indescribable affinity towards IHOP. So of course we joined them for breakfast one morning. Or was it afternoon?
Baby Teya sleeping.
Tiny little fingers!
Taking Cole for a "Mo-mo" ride.
Scott's a little nervous...
Lucky Teya, everyone wants to hold her.
Dad taking us for ultralight rides.
What a nerd ;)
Clark taking a ride.
Grandpa's Memorial Service.
Cousins Kyle and Megan, and Kyle's fiancee Christina. It was so SO good to see my extended family!
Really, Cedar?
Trying to look sharp.
My Dad with his three sisters and their cousins.
Clark striking his famous pose near my Dad's tractor.
Enjoying the company of family.
Enjoying the cute little ones I wish I could see every day.
Enjoying a taco truck late one night. Dagmara was circumspect of the surroundings. When we drove up she said, "We're not going to get shot, are we?"
I wish I could see my sisters every day.
Cole is such a happy little guy.
Family picture! It took many a try for everyone to be looking. Except Cole. He decided not to look when everyone else did.
Active child.
Scott and Cedar having a height-off. I think Scott still wins. Sorry, Cedar.
Teya and Mom.
Enjoying over sized marsh mellows during dusk.
Chase was able to conquer two.
Cole yelling "Cheeeeeeeese!"
At least our next visit will be under better circumstances. I love seeing my family and I love the peacefullness of the country. Sometimes distance is tough but I honestly cherish the times I get to spend with my family. It's unfortunate that both my family and Clark's family are scattered all over the place. Why doesn't everyone just move to Utah?
Thanks to our tax return that has been waiting in our bank account accruing absolutely no interest, we are now the proud owners of a Canon Rebel T2i camera! This camera has been hard to come by. Best Buy finally had a few in stock after being sold out for several months. Ideally we would have purchased it from Costco to get a slightly better lens package and deal BUT they only have two more available in the state--in St. George. The fact that this camera has been selling out makes me feel good about choosing the T2i. Now we just have to learn to use all the features.
