Summer Vacation

We just got back from nearly 3 weeks of vacation. We worked hard for the first half of the summer and played hard for the last part.

My dad came with us for the first week. He flew to Austin and then we drove from Austin to Gulf Shores, and stopped in New Orleans for a couple of days. We had been there before, but only for a few hours. It was really fun to be able to spend time and enjoy more than one restaurant, since there are so many delicious ones. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from NOLA.

Nothing says French Quarter like wrought iron and lots of plants!

Jackson Square

Carriage ride at dusk

Then we headed to Gulf Shores where our goal was to spend time with Andy's family and friends, enjoy the beach and eat lots of seafood. All three goals were accomplished.

White sand and turquoise water- what more can you ask for?

Kissy faces on the beach.

On the way home we stopped to visit friends we met in Malawi- the Evans and their new baby, Jack, the Jones family in the Mississippi delta, and the Kilpatricks in Ruston, LA. It was so good to be with people who knew us in Malawi. What a special connection the mission field creates between people. Here is a picture of me with 7 week old Jack Nolan Evans. 

Sweet sleepy baby

School starts on Monday and classes start the following week. I am so glad we had a break before we go back to the grind!

4th of July traditions

I have spent very few 4th of Julys in civilization. Usually I am in the middle of nowhere, enjoying the great outdoors. This is the first year in 20 years that I haven't been camping for the Fourth of July!

Tonight in my class (yes, Andy and I had class on Independence Day...) we did a presentation that was supposed to tell something unique about us and I shared these pictures.

The view from the bottom, where we camp.

2010- married for a week!

1991- Kelsea and I on our first trip to the river!

Despite the evidence that this picture presents, I actually do like it there. I'm pretty sure my dad woke me up to take this picture, which made me upset. Then I got upset about the scratchy grass and the bugs. Oh, the memories. Thanks for forcing the picture, Dad!

Life in Austin

Things I love about Austin:

1. The weather. We have recently bid spring (85 degrees) goodbye and have greeted summer (99 degrees). While I do feel that 99 is too hot for things like hiking and running, I think it's excellent for swimming, tanning and reading outside. I much prefer the latter activities anyway, so 99 is fine by me!

2. The skyline. Austin has a really trendy feel to it and the skyline seems trendy to me too. It's nice to hang out down town like we did today. I felt pretty trendy laying in the grass at Zilker park reading a book about Zimbabwe (which is really good in a really horrible sort of way). We even gave people directions twice. That's right, we're basically locals.

3. The hill country. We live right on the edge of the really pretty part of "hill country." The other day I went on a field trip and we drove out past some really pretty parts! Visiting some wineries and state parks in the hill country is on our to do list for the summer.

Apartment living

It's weird to live in an apartment complex. It's kind of awkward, socially. We recognize the same people, and we are always friendly and they are friendly back, but anything beyond a "Hey, how are you?" is crossing the unspoken boundaries.

The exception to this is at the pool. Anyone can be friends at the pool! Although the time I'm most aware of the fact that I live in Texas is when I visit the pool. Stereotypical, beer drinking, beer bellied, tattooed, loud TEXANS. I've seen two tattoos that have been particularly...mmm, redneck. First, in giant letters across the back: TEXAS (with Austin and Houston written smaller below). Second, in giant letters across his chest: WHITE TRASH. I only wish I was making this up. Let's just say the pool is best in small doses.

Speaking of the joys of apartment living, I'm pretty sure my upstairs neighbors are going to come through the ceiling one of these days. Like maybe any minute.

Oregon- Part 1: a wedding and a niece

Now that my sister has been married for more than a month, I don't feel like I have much to blog about! I've been waiting for pictures, but I don't have any yet.

First, let me say that I can't believe my baby sister is married. I was so much more emotional at her wedding than I was at my own! The ceremony was beautiful and so simple. She looked beautiful in her cowboy boots and dress with pockets!

The newly weds are doing well, they were meant for each other. Now that the wedding is over they are preparing for their next big adventure in life: the arrival of my niece, Adalee Megan Taggart.

I can't wait to meet the little monkey! I think she has my nose. ;-)

Oregon- Part 2

Ok, ok. I know, part two is a long time coming. Sorry!

My friend, Rachel, asked Andy and I to be godparents to her baby girl, Lilliana Rose Mary. While we were in Oregon we got to attend her baptism. She is a precious little girl and it was such a blessing to see her receive the gift of baptism.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

I love those words! Liliana has been born into a living hope, the same great hope that we have because of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Oregon- Part 3

I have three major things to blog about from our Oregon trip. However, I am starting with the last one because it's the easiest. We had the privilege of witnessing two of God's greatest demonstrations of His love (these will be the subjects of Oregon- Part 2 and Oregon- Part 1): marriage and baptism.

This blog, though, is about the complete majesty and awesomeness of His creation. These pictures do not even begin to do it justice!

I know that I grew up in Oregon and everything, but for whatever reason, I have hardly ever been to Mt. Hood. Don't get me wrong, when the "mountain is out" (an Oregonian phrase meaning that the clouds have gone away long enough to see the mountain), I smile from ear to ear when I catch a glimpse of it. I miss seeing it when I am away from Oregon, and I love flying into Portland when I can see it from the air. I just have never really been TO the mountain. Until last weekend. My dad took Andy, Kelsea and I up to see the snow while he skied a few runs. It was beautiful. And cold. But mostly beautiful. See?

A break in the clouds makes for a beautiful sunset!

Cool icicles!

This is a THIRD story window! That's the top of a Douglas Fir (those are tall trees)!

Andy in the snow bank by the parking lot. It was about twice as tall as him.

Sunset pic...that the mom of the red headed boy in the background wanted also.