Summer Means....

 



















It is still cold here most days, but that doesn't keep us from enjoying all the fun things that summer has to offer. And summer means... Farmer's Markets! Yesterday Pablo and I visited the Farmer's Market in town and did some looking around. Not only were there homemade crafts and fresh rhubarb, herbs, fruits and veggies from the farm- there was the best-smelling food everywhere! It didn't take us long to decide where to go, there was a Bratwurst booth that was smelled amazing when we walked past. So even though we decided that we should look at everything the market had to offer before making a decision, we ended up back at the Bratwurst booth! I was suprised and excited to find out from the guys thick accent that he was from Germany! I had taken German in middle and high school and just love the language! So i got really excited to talk to him and see how my german is doing, now that I have been studying french and spanish now for the last 2 years. I did pretty good! I talked about my brother in living in Switzerland and where he lived, what Bratwurst Pablo and I wanted and where I learned German. It was so much fun! I still had a problem of thinking of spanish words when I was trying to look for german words, but he told the man told me that I spoke very well. I had a lot of fun and glad that we went to that booth. And the Bratwurst? It was so good! Probably the best Bratwurst that Pablo and I have had.

Pablo and I also bought some new summer 'essentials' for ourselves- sleeping bags and a four person tent! I cannot wait to go camping in all the available places around here and roast hot dogs and marshmellows over the fire. There are a lot of campsites around us and it is a great inexpensive idea for a weekend.

Summer also means soccer games and this summer- the FIFA World Cup in South Africa! We are rooting for Mexico, the USA and Switzerland. Go Teams! Every morning will probably find us following our teams and their standings. This summer I also have the great opportunity to play soccer for the school. Last night our team watched some of our fellow team members play in an "all-star" game with other players from different teams. The sunset was beautiful and the game well-matched and fun to watch.

I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer! We love and miss you all!

Teton Dam

In 1976 the teton dam located Fremont County, Idaho broke and spilled 80 million of gallons into the Upper Snake River Valley. It hit as far as Idaho Falls and many people lost their houses and personal valuables. So every year the Teton Dam Marathon commemorates the event. The full marathon starts its' runners at the site of the teton dam and hosts the half-marathon, 10k and 5k out of Smith Park in Rexburg. This year I decided I to run a 10k! So that meant that 7:00 Saturday morning found both of us up and getting ready for the race! The starting line...

Fixing my hair before the whisle! Thanks Pablo for getting my moment of vainity of camera! He thought it was pretty funny!

The first mile was nice and flat, but I tell you what, that was some false security! The first 3.5 miles were pretty much gradual and steep hills! But I liked the course alot. The scenery we ran past was beautiful- we saw the Teton Mountains and the green valley spread before them. After we hit 4 miles we were making our way towards the Rexburg Temple and was downhill the rest of the way! Usually every marathoner and half-marathoner who finishes gets a medal, but the Teton Dam races gives a medal to the 5k and 10k runners too. Pablo was my best cheerleader. He walked to different parts of the course to cheer me on and give me encouragement-thanks hun!

Finished!

It made me so grateful for my health and how blessed I am to have the ability to have run and do the things I love to do. It was a lot of fun and Pablo and I are already planning to run again next year!

A New Look

I have been thinking about getting some shorter bangs for about a month or so now but never had enough courage to change what I had. I really didnt have any complaints about my hair, I loved it, but I was ready for a new adventure! For the last couple of days, as my conviction has been getting stronger, Pablo has found me in front of the mirror mimicking that I had bangs and checking myself out to see if I liked it! :) Finally I had just thought about it so much that I had to get them cut! I called to make the appointment this morning and the minute I hung up, a myriad of emotions followed me throughout the day! First to come was the panic- What had I done! I needed to call that lady back and cancel my time! Then the reassuring followed. This lasted about 2 hours as I came to the acceptance of my decision. I have never been so nervous and excited at the same time to get my hair cut! Anyway, I went to my appointment and told her what I wanted- and I came out with a new look! There is that little bit of longing for my long, center-part, but I love experiencing something new and different! I Love them! So here are some before and after pics Pablo took for me this morning and again tonight:)

Before.....

....and after...

Yeah, I kinda like it :)