Summer Highlights

I keep thinking I'll have time to blog about our fun summer, but time keeps slipping away. So, here is an abbreviated "highlights" of our summer so far!

June:

End of baseball (Mitch), soccer (Madeline) and Lacrosse (Jake) seasons
Lacrosse tournament in Park City
Pete's big Tribal Golf Tournament in St. George

July:

Trip to Vancouver, WA with all of my family (except Pete and Jake, all extended family that is) for Cohen's baby blessing. While we were there, we had a great time playing in the fountains, picnicking in the park and listening to the Jazz Festival in downtown Portland. We had a great cave hike adventure at the Ape Caves in Mt. St. Helen's recreation area, the longest lava shoot in North America. Since all of the girls were together, we had a pedicure/manicure shower for my sister Heather, whose getting married in September. Great times--always fun hanging out with the family--25 of us, all staying in Misty's house!

Trip to Moab, Utah with the Boy Scouts. I got home from Washington Monday night (I drove with my parents) and turned around and let on Wednesday morning to go to Moab. I haven't been back since Pete and I lived there the first summer we were married, working as river guides on the mighty Colorado River. Such great memories. We scoped out camp and hiking spots for Pete's Boy Scout Adventure. We ate pizza at Eddie McStiff's, swam at the Moab public pool, bought some art from a Main Street Gallery and generally enjoyed reliving my younger days when I lived in a swimsuit all day and it wasn't torture (unlike now)! Pete, Jake and Mitch camped with the Boy Scouts and then did a daily river run on Friday and a 10 mile hike on Saturday.

Mitchell's Field of Dreams at with the Bee's. This was a fun event for Mitch and the Alta Canyon Phillies. They were invited to go down onto the field with the players, play some catch in their positions after telling the audience their name, and then tour the facilities. We had a great time and were proud of our Mitch!

Fisher family trip to Laguna Beach, California. Pete's parents rented a beach house, a mere 62 steps from the beach, for a week. We had a fabulous time, playing at the beach, taking two days at Disneyland, attending the Pageant of the Masters, and renting a Surrey bike for 6 in Balboa Island. I loved the the Pageant of the Masters, a Laguna tradition since 1932, that recreates works of art using live models. The sculptures were amazing, but I especially loved the paintings and how they came to life on stage. All in all, a great family vacation.

Jake and friends Supermen and Women basketball camp. Jake and his buddies made fliers and organized a sports camp for kids 4 to 8. We are in the midst of it this week, and though its a bit crazy, I'm proud of Jake for following through.

Tennis lessons. The kids and I are all taking lessons this summer and its been great. I've also had the chance to meet with some friends in the mornings and play. I feel like I'm getting a little better bit by bit, but mostly I'm just having fun.

Looking forward to:

A relaxing August. Jake decided not to play football this year, so I feel like I have much more time on my hands. We don't have any big plans for vacations, just enjoying the great recreation around us.

The ULCER. This is a 111-mile bike ride I have been trying to train for this summer. I'm not sure I'm ready for that long of a ride, but I'm grateful for the motivation its given me to get out and ride my bike. Wish me luck on finishing on Aug. 8th!!

A Second Blog

I am starting a second blog as an outlet for my interest in home decorating and gardening. It is in the beginning phases, but if any of you have ideas and pictures you'd like to contribute, email them to me at www.fontainedebienvenu@gmail.com. The site is called Fontaine de Bienvenu Home and Garden, the name taken from my maiden name before it was Americanized. Bienvenu means welcome, and a little side note, my grandfather and great grandfather had the middle initial W. which stood for Welcome. Anyhow, check out the blog at fontainedebienvenu.blogspot.com and send me all of your great ideas. I am especially interested in gardening tips, easy summer recipes and home improvement upgrades using spray paint or other paints. I'd also be happy to advertise for any related businesses, so let me know! Happy decorating!

Motivation

I am happy to report that I am finally motivated to start training for the ULCER bike ride I'm doing on Aug. 8th. I signed up for the 111 miles--I may or may not make that, but I've been out for a few rides and I'm feeling much better. Last night I rode with my friend Kim, whose also doing the ride. Today I rode alone. I've also been playing tennis in the mornings with some friends. I may not have reached my weight loss and healthy living goals yet, but it feels good to be working toward it!

I had a great trip with my family to Vancouver, Washington to visit Misty and her family, and to participate in the blessing of adorable baby Cohen. I am off on another adventure in an hour, so I don't have time for details now, but I am grateful to have such a great family!

Summer Reading Recommendations:

A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair (this was a really fun, light, mystery read--definitely chic-lit, but great!)
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
Mrs. Perfect by Jane Porter
My Enemy's Cradle by Sara Young
I Capture the Castle by Dodi Smith
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Plain Truth by Jodi Piccoult
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
Something Borrowed; Something Blue; Baby Proof; Love the one your with all by Emily Giffin
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Cold Sassy Tree
The Book Thief
The Red Tent
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Happy Reading!!