Introducing Northwest Nazarene University’s true Miss February.

I meant to post all of these pictures last week, but we had a *crazy* week in which I was very busy but did not get anything done. You know how it is. So, here are some of my pictures of my first trip to Idaho (the August trip – we’ll call it). I theoretically came to Idaho for Missy and Jason’s wedding but my trip soon morphed into RaChelle coming as well with an additional bridal shower for Kori and a baby shower for Bliss. Quite the busy weekend. I am not 19 anymore. Staying up till three in the morning is not for me – now that I am in my “late twenties” – it took all of last week for me to feel normal again. Unfortunately, my cute husband could not come…he can’t exactly take vacation as of yet.

Missy’s wedding was beautiful – the wedding was at the 1st Baptist Church in Boise and the reception was at her parent’s house in Meridian. Very special to see Missy get married to Jason – they are perfect for one another! Also great to reconnect with friends from college – we had a raging party at Bob’s house afterwards where I ate a lot of Reese’s Pieces and enjoyed talking to friends we don’t get to see very much anymore… Good memories of college!
Picture 1: Missy the Bride and Andrea * Picture 2: Krystal, John, Dawn, Missy the Bride, Andrea, Bob, Amanda, Kristy and Becca * Picture 3: Everyone from Picture 2 + Bliss, Nate, Ben, RaChelle, Anna, Kori, and Nikki.

Saturday was designated the shower day. First, we had Bliss’ baby shower for the little bean (the baby’s name until she gets her true name) at Kristy’s house. Anna and Kristy hosted a very nice little shower with lots of good food to eat. Melissa got a lot of cute baby presents and we had a great time. Unfortunately, my camera had no batteries at this point.

Then came Kori’s shower. I’ll spare you all the details, but RaChelle and I had lots of fun thinking up great things for Kori to do in preparation for her wedding. She got lots of great little outfits and related paraphernalia.
Picture 1: Kori the Bride * Picture 2: Anna & Bliss * Picture 3: Julie & RaChelle
 

My sister Elizabeth is 23 years old today…I can’t believe she is that old! My baby sister is 23… Elizabeth is having a busy summer finishing up her AA at Columbia Basin College (she’s taking 20+ credits). This picture was taken of the two of us when I was home a couple of weeks ago. Telfer and I wish you a very happy birthday Liz!

Well, I can honestly say that last week was the longest amount of time I have spent with my parents alone since before Alyssa was born – so from August 17, 1978 to March 4, 1980. We had a really good time! We vacationed at Eagle Crest, in Bend, Oregon, which is only about 30 minutes from Prineville, where Alyssa, Nate, Eden & Cora live. Elizabeth is taking 20 credits this summer to finish up her AA so she couldn’t come…sad. Among the highlights of the week:

Hanging out with my neices and Alyssa and Nate – this was the first time I met Cora (who is 3 months old) – she is very cute! Eden is 2 and a bit and likes to read books and say things like "little blueberry" and when she heard the word Telfer, she would wrinkle her face and say, "stinks" because she heard Alyssa say that it stinks that Uncle Telfer couldn’t come because he was working at the hospital. Too funny. This was also the first time I visited their new house – it’s so fun to see where people live. Pictures: Mom reading to Eden and me feeding Cora a bottle, Eden at the pool.

My parent’s 30th anniversary was on Tuesday! That’s a long time to be married! My parents marked the day by going on an eventful canoeing trip – they are very adventurous in their fifties. Mom, Dad, Nate, and I also spent a day at Crater Lake hiking about and taking a very hot, but very scenic boat tour – very fun.

I have had some difficulties with my pictures – but here’s a couple of more. 1. The McMullan family. 2. Crater Lake. 3. Mom & Dad hiking at Crater Lake. 4. Andrea & Alyssa 5. Crater Lake

I am recovering from a post-Harry Potter depression (yes, I am done with Book 6 – loved it but cried a lot) so I have not been posting very expediently. I spent last week up in the Northwest with RaChelle (on the weekend) and my parents and the McMullan family during the week. I had a marvelous time – Telfer is not exactly vacation bound for some time. He missed me while I was gone, but he was quite busy.

RaChelle and I had such a good time in Vancouver/Portland! I have decided that I could definitely live in Portland for these following reasons: 1. RaChelle lives there (obviously). 2. Portland is such a nice little city! Albeit, I froze to death (forgot to pack anything warmer than a t-shirt), but I could get used to the weather. 3. Powell’s. I.love.Powell’s. Who wouldn’t want to live in the same city as one of the best independent bookstores in the world? Really, I don’t need to go on and on but Telfer and I both could see ourselves living there at some point. RaChelle and I ate lots of good food (crepes and bbq chicken salads, etc.) and walked (and shopped) in downtown Portland.

We got to talk a lot and drink coffee – I am truly blessed to have her as a friend. Paul, RaChelle’s husband, was very gracious for letting me stay with them!