Goin' Courtin

One of my favorites things to do during the summer in Boise is to travel up to Garden Valley and attend a Starlight Mountain Theatre production. I've attended at least one every summer since I've been here. I love it. Being outdoors, in a secluded mountain setting and watching a classic musical.

It was actually pretty funny when I told Adam I wanted to go, and then I told him it was an hour away, and then I told him how much it was - about $20 each, and then that the muscial was Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. For those of you who know Adam you'll know I had my work cut out for me. But then things started to swing in my favor, not less than 15 minutes after telling him about it Thursday evening, I got an email from Starlight saying they were having a weekend special and tickets were just $10!!!

Well by Friday afternoon, Adam had given in and we were on our way to Starlight! The weather was perfect and the show was fun. I loved being able to share one of my favorite things with him and I think he might have enjoyed it at least a little bit!

Oh and on the way up I was hoping that my good friend Erica's granparents, Ben and Jan, who live in Garden Valley would be at the show and they were! In fact they sat right behind us! I was so excited to see them and introduce them to Adam. They are some of my favorite people - I still use their peach ice cream recipe because its the best.

Introducing CAPTAIN SHIELD

Have you ever hastily volunteered for something and a moment later thought "wow - this could potentially be the most embarrassing thing I've ever done"? Well this happened to me. A few weeks ago, one of the relationship managers I work for was telling me about U.S. Bank night at the Races. You see U.S. Bank is a major corporate sponsor of Capitol Racing, the local horse race company, and every year the Bank has a night that they encourage all employees and their family to attend. It just so happened that U.S. Bank night at the Races coincided with Mascot Night. We're not just talking Mascots that walk around and high five little kids - nope these Mascots get out on the track and run a race against each other! Well, it just so happens that U.S. Bank has a brand new mascot and its never been to Boise. But on this special night it would be here. So as Kathy explains to me how the Idaho Powerball, Humphrey the Hawk and many others will be running I quickly exclaim "OH I WOULD SO DO THAT!". And that's how it happened. I had just volunteered myself to suit up as none other than CAPTAIN SHIELD for a night!

I can honestly say it was a blast! I got to mingle with all the famous mascots - and let me tell you they are famous. The Idaho Powerball got screams and hollers - it was amazing. Really I just think people thought they could somehow get money if only they could meet the Powerball. Whatever. Here are some of the Mascots preparing to make our entrance into the grandstands:

After the initial introduction we were quickly escorted out (Mascots aren't allowed in the area of the track during a race. Seems the horses are a wee bit scared of the color red and as you could tell there's LOTS of red Mascots!) We were given a little break - it was only in the 70's but those costumes were HOT. I even had a cooling vest on with ice packs in it and I was a sweaty mess. After a few more horse races, it was our turn to take to the track. There were 3 heats and we really did line up in the horse shoots! The power ball had to be squished and pushed in - I'm still not sure how he fit - I had to stand sideways and someone had to push me out as well. Soon enough the gates flew open and we were off. I soon discovered Captain Shield is not a runner. His "Shield" is a little shifty and there are wood beams all over that can nail a persons nose pretty good if the Captain runs to fast - and with the arms sticking straight out the front there's really nothing to hold onto to steady the"Shield".
Well, I didn't come in first and I didn't come in last, but it was still a blast and we all got to stand in the winners circle just the same!

Hole in one! Sort of....

Many of you might not know my new hobby - GOLFING! I've wanted to learn for years and lucky for me I married someone who likes it! Adam bought me a set of golf clubs for my birthday, and although it was just this last weekend, he couldn't stand it and gave them to me back in April. Since then we've gone out several times to the driving range and did 9 holes a few weeks back with my grandparents which was a blast!

Well this weekend, we traveled to central Oregon to see my parents and took the clubs along. Saturday morning we went to a putting course with my mom and dad. The course is fun its like mini-golf but with real grass, hills, sand, water hazards etc. Its a great place to practice putting! Well I did awful. Later that day Adam and I headed to another course to practice hitting at the driving range. As our balls dwindled down Adam suggested I try aiming for a flag about 70 yards out. So with my last handful of balls that's what I did. Rather than trying to whack the heck out of the ball, I had to lay back and try to figure out how hard to hit it. Most of the balls were not even close but as I got to the last few I got closer and closer and then with the last ball I made it in the hole! We saw and heard the ball hit the flag pole and then drop down into the hole. It was awesome! I just stood there and laughed and Adam was in shock. I know it wasn't a hole-in-one on a real course, but still it was awesome!


This is the cute set Adam bought me! Its blue and purple with flowers on it. Adam's been a great teacher - very patient with me and doesn't make too much fun of me when I stink!

I'm an Aunt!

I am so excited I'm an Aunt! Little Brycen was born on Monday, May 19th in Arizona- sadly we aren't there to welcome him but we send bunches of love and plan to visit him real soon! I wish I had some pictures to share, but the only ones we have are on Adam's phone and he's is California. But he's pretty much the cutest thing I've ever seen!

Now I can't wait for my first Niece to arrive in a couple months!

Moms

I know its a few days late, but I just wanted to say a little bit about my (our) moms. How grateful I am for both of them. My mom is great - shes supported me in everything I have ever wanted to do. She's been a great example in so many ways. One of the greatest thing I have learned from her is that you have to find time do things that are important to you- to take time for yourself. From her example I've learned that the best way to be happy in your relationships with others, is to be happy yourself.

I've just become a part of Adam's family, but how grateful I am for his wonderful mom as well. I am so thankful for her for raising Adam and helping turn him into the wonderful man he is. I know it must have been a lot of hard work to make him what he is! Additionally, I can't imagine a better mother-in-law (and entire family I might add). I felt immediately welcomed into the family and right at home with them from the moment Adam and I were engaged.


I am so lucky to have two great moms and am so excited for the many more years we have to further grow our relationships. I LOVE YOU MOM!