twotimesfive

Travis decided it was time to see the trees change, so we invited Eric and Laura to join us. We headed to Evergreen for a hike and Beau Jo’s Pizza. It was absolutely gorgeous and a ton of fun. Enjoy the pictures.

We had the awesome opportunity to go on a missions trip with our youth group. We drove about five hours to Grand Junction, Colorado. Todd, our youth pastor, and his wife just had a baby so we stayed close to home. Throughout the week we were split into three groups and we all experienced different service projects. The four days we served, my group had the opportunity to clean a homeless shelter, minister to a daycare facility for adults with disabilities, clean Marie’s house (an elderly woman who became blind six years ago) and organize Second Chance Thrift store (which benefits the homeless shelter we worked at.) Travis’ group worked at the Salvation Army in town and sorted through a HUGE , never ending, always growing pile of clothes. They sent some of the totally gross clothes to different countries that needed the clothes too. Todd’s group served lunch to the homeless at the Catholic Outreach and they passed out bagged lunches to some homeless in the nearby park. The week was exhausting yet completely fulfilling. On Friday we drove another hour and half to Moab, Utah. There we went rafting in the Colorado River and experienced the dessert on a Hummer Tour. We had a blast with the kids and have decided we have some of the best youth group kids EVER. The pictures are awesome.

Gina drove back to Colorado with us and oh did we have fun. We stopped in Vegas and stayed one night. It was totally fun, super hot, and brightly lite. She was here for a week and we filled our time together. We thought it would be fun to take advantage of our “small town” feelin’ city and enjoy the Fourth of July celebration. We went to this awesome new park (our youth group kids LOVE it) and enjoyed the city run festivities. The best part was when we left. As we pulled out of the parking lot we saw flames. The hillside caught on fire from the fireworks. We felt so bad for the firemen that were in charge of shooting them off. Bummer deal.

Travis and I drove to California to see family and friends. As Travis said earlier, we left at 2 in the morning and got to California around 4. First things first, a trip to see Reagan. Travis was dying to meet his first and cutest niece so we went straight there. We also made it to Disneyland with the Carlsons. We had a blast in 100 degree weather. YEAH! Our trip was awesome. The big bummer was Travis having to work. He worked in CDF’s Irvine office. We feel blessed that he had this opportunity, we just packed way too much in the two weeks. Thanks for all of you that made time for us. We appreciate you allowing us to intrude on your busy summer schedules.

Laura and I thought it would be a ton of fun to throw Todd (our Youth Pastor) and his wife Kaely a surprise baby shower with the youth group. They had no idea! Laura and Eric hosted it at their house and my co-worker from Chaparral made the AMAZING baby cake! The youth group all pitched in to purchase their stroller as a gift. We had a blast playing games and socializing! Kaely is due the 1st of June, however she’s crossing her fingers that their baby girl, Ella, will come early!

While Travis enjoyed the Herrscher wedding, I waited for our couches to arrive. Finally, after waiting 9 weeks, our fabulous couches found their way to our living room. We deflated the “mofa,” (mattress-sofa) for those of you who don’t know, that was our twin airbed mattress that Heather named while they visited. Now we get to enjoy the café colored Hudson and watch TV at a reasonable height!

Jason, Allie, Travis, and I, met up with the Lochners and their friends to dominate the Corn Maze at Anderson’s Farm out in Erie. Don and his friend showed us the ropes of mastering the corn maze. Basically we just followed them to the punch holes! We went at night which made the whole thing so much more fun!

After driving “The Anger” for over 5 years, I was definitely due for a new car! We purchased a black Toyota RAV4. My nano hooks right up to the stereo system and it has bluetooth capabilites. I went from no cup holders to 10!!! Beat that! Travis loves the car too and will drive it when it snows so he is safe with the 4WD. We haven’t named her yet; however, the Bockhackers call her Lil Kim!

We were so thrilled to be a part of Kristi and Chris’ wedding! It was so much from to be there and celebrate with them. Travis helped design and make their wedding invites, programs, and favor boxes! They came out beautiful. The bride and groom both looked fabulous and the reception was a blast! The wedding took place in Newport Beach and the reception was just a block away. We so enjoyed ourselves but payed for it once we returned home. It took us over a week to recover from all the fun. We hope the Galardos will come visit us soon as a married couple.

We had so much fun camping at Crags with the Johnson’s and Bockhacker’s “small group.” Though the Johnson’s couldn’t make it, they shared their friends with us. It was an absolute blast; however, I’m not sure why people put all that effort into an activity in which you end up sleeping on the dirt ground. As you can see we shared a tent with the Bockhacker’s and Denali (our Goddog!) We went for a hike on Saturday and drove home Sunday to rest up for another work week. The scenery was worth the work and definitely something we hope to do again soon.