August

Montana
We left on Friday, the 3rd. I flew out of Bozeman on Sunday, and Kyle flew out of Billings on Monday. I was praying that by some miracle there would be some issues with my flight and I'd end up having to fly back with Kyle the next day. I would have loved to have stayed at least another week, and we're already trying to plan another trip back before the summer ends.

The first night, we just hung out, played games, and worked on a puzzle with Kyle's parents. I can't think of a better place to just relax.

We woke up Saturday morning, packed a picnic, and headed for the fly fishing shop. We got our licenses and then it was fishing time! I'll be honest, I wasn't really expecting to like it, but I LOVED it. I'm sure it helps when you have an experienced, patient, funny, helpful (I'm going to try and stop using the word "perfect" and be a little more descriptive) teacher.

The little fish I caught ALL BY MYSELF!

Doing work!
 

I'm going to have to buy different shoes for this activity. I love my Keens but they were terrible in this situation. I also think I need to invest in polarized sunglasses. I don't know if they would help, but looking down in the water was making me so sick. Between sliding on the rocks and being dizzy, Kyle ended up having to help a lot.
 

Kyle's dad. Everyone should meet his parents!

 

 

 

Derek's Visit

Derek literally flew in 2 weeks ago today, but I'm struggling to remember what all we did. The first night, I don't think we did anything other than I let Derek try Raising Cane's. They have the best chicken fingers I've EVER had! Even though I can't have them anymore, I always try and take people visiting there.

The next night, we went shopping and then headed to Nashville Unplugged. John & Kaitlan, Nicole & Morgan, and Sarah all met us there. After, we all went to the Four Mile Bar for karaoke. It was such a fun night! Morgan killed his song and we all had fun dancing and interacting with the people at the bar. Like I've said before, I LOVE that place! You're always in good company! :)

Saturday, Kyle finally didn't have to work, so we all actually got to hang out. We went shopping, which definitely isn't Kyle and I's thing, but Derek could shop for the rest of his life. We took one for the team and wandered around Town Square. We all came home and rested then went and played the penny slots at Sunset Station. Derek & I walked out $7 up! JACKPOT! After, we grabbed some late night food at the Beach House. It used to be called Half Shell and their nachos used to be amazing. Not so much anymore. Kyle, Derek, and I are actually a pretty quiet group and I think it's hard to tell if any of us are actually having a good time. Kind of made for a weird dynamic that day.

Sunday, Kyle had to work again, so Derek and I went to church for an hour and then headed for the pool. Another fairly lazy day. We came home and I tried slopping homemade pizza together, but it's always just better when I stick with recipes.

I had to work on Monday, but Kyle took Derek golfing and shopping. I seriously have the best boyfriend ever!-- Not that Derek's hard to entertain. We all met my dad, who was in town for work, at the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Now THAT is a goofy group. It was fun though, and after having stressful car issues after work, it was nice to just relax and hang out with people I just genuinely like (and love). Sometimes it's nice that my crazy family lives so far away and I like that I get to go home to the Tri-Cities (once you're away long enough, you realize how weirdly charming it is), but man, I wish they were just a little bit closer sometimes!

Kyle was working on Tuesday and I ended up working late, but I was able to meet up with my dad and Derek one more time here before they left. I'm so thankful my parents helped him come down and hang out with me for a bit! What a good kid!


Fair Week

I love rodeos and I love the Tri-Cities in the summertime. Kyle and I weren't together at this time last summer, but I so badly wanted him there when I went last year. This year, we made it happen! It was a short trip, but we packed a lot in!

Friday, we went to a new Thai place in Kennewick and over to my cousins' house to hang out with them. All the guys were outside chatting and throwing a football around. I couldn't stand being outside, so it was nice that my cousin Brandee and my mom decided to stay inside and chat. I was freezing the whole time I was there. Ugh! I hate being cold. One point for Vegas, I guess.

On Saturday, the Walkers took us out on their boat on the Columbia River. I was hoping to be able to actually get in the water, but it has already started cooling off there and the water was pretty dang cold. We just cruised around for awhile. It was actually really refreshing! I've always loved boating and being out on the river. Makes me miss Kammi, David, and Jordan though! I have great memories of us being out there!  

As soon as we got home from that, we picked up pizza and headed for the Yakima River. I grew up in the area, but I had no idea people actually floated the Yakima. Would have been nice to know because the one time Kammi and I tried floating the Columbia, it took FOREVER and we had to be worried the whole time that we were getting too far from shore. I seriously had so much fun hanging out with Kyle, Dustin, and my parents. We were singing, I was playing a stupid word game with Dustin, and we were just having a great time. It was perfect weather, too! It was one of those things where you wish everyone you loved could just be there doing it with you. I'm glad my parents were good sports and made it happen!

 

We really did just rush from one thing to another on Saturday. Everyone raced to shower and get ready after floating the river and we headed for the fair. The rodeo is always fun. Kyle has been in a weird mood lately and it stresses me out. It definitely killed the night, which was sad since I was looking forward to it so much, but next year will be better!

Sunday was awkward because of Saturday night, so it was a lazy morning. I went over to see David & Sharie, their kids, and their new house. I'm so excited for them! It's kind of weird to see one of my best friends that I grew up with married with kids and a dog and a cat and a career and a house and two cars... and ..everything! I still feel so young for all of that! I hope even when/if I have all those things (minus the pets), I still feel young!

Song of the Month: "Lovin' You Is Fun" by Easton Corbin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSTPIUz_QY4