Summertime and the livin' is easy

So I realized I hadn't posted any pictures from our many trips this summer. Here's a quick synopsis...

In June we went to Wisconsin to visit my Grandma Morgan who is turning 90 this September! It was really good to see her! We hadn't seen her since our wedding, 2.5 years ago-it was long over due.

Port Washington


Me and Grandma


Picture on the cliff


After spending a few days at Grandma's, we drove up to Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls to see Matt, Patrick's brother get married. It was a SMALL town. In fact, at Valerie's bachelorette party (in Chippewa Falls), one of her cousins said, "Oh! I would never move to Eau Claire!" I said, "Why? What's wrong with Eau Claire?" She said, "It's too big!" I think the pause from me showed her I could not comprehend what she had just said. Too big. Hmmm, ok.

It was great to see the Jones clan again, even though not everyone could make it. I've always appreciated these extended family get togethers on both sides. I guess because I realize how blessed we are to have two amazing families. From what I've heard, not everyone can say the same. It sort of makes me wonder what I will feel like when I'm in our parents' shoes; seeing all of my children get married and adding on to the family. Must be bittersweet, emphasis on the sweet :)

Here are some wedding pictures...

The happy couple


Jones Family


Handsome groomsman


Siblings


I think Colby took this picture


The now larger Jones family


The reception after some apple pie, or apple cider, I can't remember what it was called :o)


The weekend after we got back from Wisconsin we went up to Christopher Creek for Fathers Day with my family. This was our first time to Christopher Creek and it was gorgeous! We went kayaking, hiking, and spent some quality family time.

Going kayaking


Kayaking is my new favorite sport. I went out for hours by myself! It was a blast! (And got the worst sunburn I've ever had)


Lovebirds


Simply gorgeous


Happy Father's Day Dad


After two trips we were spent (physically and financially :o) and took it easy for a couple of weeks. Then we couldn't stand the heat anymore and decided to head out to California for the 4th of July. The weather was absolutely incredible. The high was never more than 80 and the low was in the 50s! I was actually a little chilly because who from AZ would think to pack a sweater in July?! A wonderful time was had by all.

Wine tasting in Temecula with Amy and Dave


Took the dogs to the dog beach (although we didn't take pictures there. This is at Newport-it was CRAZY on the 4th!)


And of course fireworks


It's been a great summer, I'm sad to see it go. But things are looking bright for the future. Patrick continues to move his way up through Wells Fargo, and I'm teaching one choir at Phoenix Christian HS, and volunteering (for now) at Streetlight. PLUS! Patrick's friend Eric is getting married in a couple of weeks. More weddings coming soon!