Life is crazy

This past month, I've been extremely busy. We had our amazing trip to Las Vegas where I took home totes full of books. The nerd in me was going crazy! I can't believe that trip was a month ago already. But I have been quickly devouring those books.

When I haven't been reading, Ryan and I have been trying to get back into shape by hiking. We have learned we are seriously out of shape. It has been great getting out together for a couple hours multiple times a week where we don't have to worry about life in general.

 There have been several fires in my state which is always bad news. But at least it makes beautiful sunsets to look at.

When Ryan and I are not hiking, we've been boating with my family. 

Unfortunately, the day after these boating pictures were taken, life took a slight turn to the left:

Our poor car was deemed a "total loss" this past week. Lots of tears (from me) have been shed over this event. But we've been blessed because everyone involved walked away from the accident uninjured. The accident should have been much, much worse. 

And this morning, with teary eyes, I watched the tow truck take away my beloved car. 

Now we are in the market for a new (old) car! We have found some beauties (ahem...junk) while on the hunt. On the bright side, we have a rental car until Wednesday and we still have one amazing car. 

Like I said, life is crazy.

The week that was

Can I just say I love summer? This past week, we realized that it was Summerfest (it's what our town does every summer). We actually forgot all about it until we saw the car show and carnival while we were out looking for garage sales. So of course we had to stop by.

Like the girl that I am, I found the tents full of small shops. They were selling frogs! Yes, pet frogs. They were so cute and oh did I want one. But then we remembered we can't have pets in our apartment (but do fish and frogs really count?) and we don't have room for a tank. And then I realized I would have to buy crickets to feed the frog. Nope, nope, nope.

Fast forward a few hours later and we were braving the crowds to a park to watch the fireworks. We came at the end of the parade but were there soon enough to see Disney Princesses (Elsa, Ana, Belle, Rapunzel) and have a group of Bag Pipe players use the cross walk the same time we did (did you know those instruments are extremely loud right next to them?).

I apologize for the grainy photo below but we felt the desire to take pictures before the sun went down.

And this is the grand finale of the fireworks. I don't think the whole video was uploaded but you get the idea.

Ryan and I have also been trying to take more walks. We realized that we don't get as much exercise as we should. The other night, we decided to take a walk and were amazed to see this sunset.

I wish cameras captured the moment perfectly. Picture the colors ten times more vibrant and you have the right image. It really took our breath away. 

Next weekend, we'll be headed to Las Vegas  (lots of free books coming my way!). Hopefully we don't melt while we're there....

Jello Salad

For as long as I can remember, my mom has always made jello salad. Usually, she made it for large family gatherings. This jello salad screams summer. We always have it for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, and more recently, graduations.

And so, without further ado, the recipe!

Here's what you need:

1 container 24 oz cottage cheese

1 container 8 oz whipped cream (I use the light version)

1 container 0.60 oz strawberry jello (I have sugar free because I have several family members who are diabetic)

1 container fresh strawberries

First, mix together cottage cheese and the jello package until it's pretty and pink.

Next, add the whipped cream until light and fluffy. Resist the urge to taste test!

Now add those fresh strawberries, as many as you want!

Enjoy the result! Oh and don't mind the loaf of bread in the background....

This jello salad is cool and refreshing, perfect for summer with just a pinch of nostalgia. The good part? You can change the flavor to whatever your heart desires. For instance, I've used mandarin oranges and orange jello. The best part? It takes five minutes to make. 

Summer Days

It's only June and I've already had a busy summer (hence the lack of blog posts).

My younger brother graduated High School at the end of May. Graduation took place on the football field in the middle of the afternoon. The plus about having a graduation outside? Watching this man jump from a plane with the American Flag and land behind us in said football field.

Here is my brother waiting in line to get his diploma. Proud sister alert!

In other news, I've been trying to take a weekly yoga class this summer (sorry, no pictures. But that's for the best). Ryan and I have spent hours at the pool and going on hikes to beautiful waterfalls. To top it all off, we'll be headed to Las Vegas in a couple weeks with my In-Laws for a library convention which means lots of free books! I'd say this summer is turning into a good one.

The first anniversary

Ryan and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary. We seriously can't believe how fast this year went by! It really feels like it was just yesterday that this picture was taken. 

And how fun are these pictures? We had a photo booth at our reception and I loved looking at the pictures. Some people really went all out while others didn't really know how to use the booth (resulting in hysterical pictures where only half their bodies are showing). 

And of course, our Hawaii honeymoon. One year ago today we were there (and I so wish we were there now!). In Hawaii, we were able to pay our respects at Pearl Harbor, try surfing for the first time, and drink out of a coconut. I'm pretty sure Waikiki is the prettiest beach I've ever seen. 

Here's to an amazing anniversary and many more to come!

Weekend Getaway

For Mother's Day, Ryan and I went on a weekend getaway with his parents. The weather that Saturday was gorgeous! We all went for a hike. My in-laws have a home near a turtle reserve and we hoped to find a turtle. Unfortunately, we didn't. We saw cacti with beautiful flowers, birds, and what looked like chipmunks or prairie dogs (these little guys were really cute!).

Is it just me, or does this cactus look like Mickey Mouse ears?

And this picture below? Apparently this is a dead cactus but I still think it has its own unique beauty. I loved how the branches looked like a web or a net tied together. These beauties were all over the place. Some were taller than me and the roots were still firmly planted.

Ryan and I discovered this rocky place we thought made for a perfect background. These rock formations are amazing. Some even look like Nature's stairs.

During our hike, we realized this huge cloud coming our way. Needless to say, we hurried back home. An hour or so later, we experienced an amazing lightning storm!

I  know this video is only three seconds long (and I hope the video actually works) but it shows how insane the lightning was! I love storms. I noticed flashing light and I literally ran to the back deck to watch the storm unfold. And I literally ran back inside because I saw lightning strike not even a mile away. I saw sparks fly off the hill where it struck while thunder boomed before the light even faded. My father-in-law and I were both outside, cameras in hand, waiting to capture the perfect shot. Then I noticed a shimmery curtain coming closer to us and then we got pounded with rain which ended our photography session. 

We had an amazing Mother's Day weekend with family. I only wish it could have lasted longer!

Our new shiny

For the past seven or so months, Ryan and I have been thinking about selling our truck. We test drove a few cars and just weren't happy with the results. 

Research was even less helpful (or more helpful depending on your view). Most of the cars we researched had horrible reviews. 

But then there was a light at the end of the tunnel. The 2014 Honda Civic. When we researched it, the reviews were all very positive. 

And then we test drove it and we both fell in love.

After a week of really thinking about it, we did it!

I feel like we've officially joined the grown-up table!