Vikingsholm

For my birthday Drew and I went to Vikingsholm located in Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe with Julie and Bob. We had a wonderful time. I was so amazed at the lavish mansion built there (1929, Lora Knight) and the beautiful water so rightly named Emerald Bay. You can read about Vikingsholm here. I took a few pictures of our tour of the castle, but only of the outside. It was such a wonderful place to visit. We also hiked to Eagle Falls nearby and though the water was low it was beautiful. Lots of little furry creatures attended our adventure as well. After Vikingsholm we went to Chevy's in South Lake Tahoe and after the short hike out in the sun and of hours touring the vicinity we were all starving and parched. I've never had such an amazing birthday lunch for free! It was a very memorable and thoroughly breathtaking day! We spent the rest of the weekend in Gardnerville being spoiled with brownies, fudge, ice cream, coconut shrimp, and roast!

A view of Emerald Bay above Vikingsholm
Gorgeous woodwork and craftmanship

Eagle Falls

Neglect

I have been extremely neglectful to my blog and to you, but I am making this attempt to make an update on all that's happened since I last blogged.

Two weeks ago Drew and I both took time off to go down to Gardnerville. Allison and John were also down there. On Friday we went to the Catholic Rummage Sale. It was fantastic as usual and everyone came away with great finds. My favorite finds were my stoneware bowl, a necklace, and we bought at least 4 new board games for $5. Everything is ridiculously cheap. We had handfuls of stuff and only paid $18 total. It was wonderfully fun. After the sale Allison, John, Julie, and I went to Grover's Hot Springs. Drew and his dad went to Hot August Nights. I wanted to do both, but I'm glad I went to the springs so I wouldn't have to drive back up to Reno. On Saturday the work began getting ready for the open house, but it was a lot of fun. The best part was, of course, this random guy who streaked through the open house in the backyard wearing nothing but a black mask and a man-thong. It was so crazy-weird, but freaking hilarious. Such a random act.

One week ago Drew and I signed our new lease so we will be here at least one more year. It is good because we were able to get an incentive to stay, we love our ward, we enjoy the pool, and we didn't want to move all of our stuff again.

I also found a amazing girl in my co-workers ward who does hair and is absolutely fantastic, gifted, and very reasonable. She did my hair last Monday and I love it. I asked for the same thing I did last time really. Highlights with a golden blond color as well. It looks very natural and she did it quickly too. I am SO happy to have someone I trust to do my hair!

On Thursday I found out that my time was approved to go to Italy in October... but the Aland's are also taking off the first week in November. That would be a lot of time off. We may be moving our trip to Italy back a bit since so much is happening. My best friend from high school, Sarah, is getting married in November so I am taking off time for that too. I am super ecstatic for her wedding not only to see her get married and find happiness, but also because I will be doing her flowers for the wedding. It is my secret desire to start my own flower business doing weddings. I would love, love, love that. So this is my chance to make a splash! I can't wait! She has also asked me to be a part of the wedding party. I am SO excited for the whole event I cannot even describe. She is getting married in the Rexburg temple so Drew and I are probably going to swing by Jackson Hole and Yellowstone since we are going in that direction. We'll see what we have time for.

Friday, we had a huge Activity Days swimming party and it was a lot of fun, but relieving to finally have over. I simply love the fact that all of the girls get along so well and are such good friends. Which is sometimes hard with 16 girls all in one group.

Drew has been so amazing and romantic lately. This week he brought me flowers from Costco. It was probably because I was a little mad at him, but I just melt when he does that. I love flowers! Also this Saturday he told me he had a surprise. When I woke up he instructed me to get dressed, get ready, and brush my teeth. He surprised me by taking me out to my favorite breakfast place, Peg's Glorified Ham & Eggs. After that we went to Cabela's real quick for their 4 hour sale and got some flashlights. He then drove me to Carson City. I was so mystified the whole time where he could be taking me. Usually it's impossible for him to keep a secret, but he was so sneaky. He told me about this surprise earlier in the week so the excitement was able to build, that was good on his part. He ended up taking me to the new Nevada State Museum. I say new because they just re-constructed a new annex to the old mint building and I've been interested in going there for a long time, every time we drive down to Gardnerville we pass it. It was so fun, and so romantic of Drew to plan for me. I love surprises! And there's nothing like quality time (which is probably my love language next to physical touch, Drew's love language is words of affirmation.)

Sorry, no pictures. I always forget my camera.

Reno Aces

This Monday, Drew and I went to the Reno Aces game with his parents. First we went out to dinner and tried a new restaurant called Buenos Grill. I got a Baja burrito and I thought it was really good! However, it wasn't a hit with everyone so it might not be a place we will recommend to the rest of the fam. Then we went to the game vs. the Colorado Springs Skysox. It was a lot of fun even though the Aces played an awful game! As entertainment they had the San Diego Chicken there and it was hilarious! We are really glad we were able to go with Julie & Bob. We will probably chose different seats next time, a little higher up but we are really enjoying having a local team and plan to go to more games! It's an awesome summer outing, so relaxing! Here's a picture of the new stadium downtown:


On another note, Drew's summer softball league started and they had an amazing game last Wednesday. (Drew has now played on a softball team every season since they have "freeze" ball here and has become a really good outlet for him.) I was the only fan who showed up to their last game, but it was well worth it! Drew hit an in fence home-run and scored the game winning run. Although he took quite a dive sliding into home! Ouch! I love watching the games and I've become know as Drew's "good luck" charm lately. Drew has been telling me that he always plays better when I'm watching, but it seems that all his teammates have now noticed the difference when I'm there. I don't know what it is, maybe Drew just is more aware of someone watching his every move, or he's just showin' off! He's a really good player and I'm really proud of him. I'm looking forward to the rest of the games! :)