What a Weekend

Wow what a weekend! Selo, Tyrel, Jill and I went camping up to Mirror Lake (some of you refer to it as Silver Lake II). We had a great time up there. Now I say up there because the hike to get up there was... not what we expected. After deciding that is where we wanted to go, we packed up and drove out as far as we could go. We parked, got out, and got prepared for what we thought would be a scenic one mile hike. So we hiked, and hiked, and hiked. This was much longer than a mile. After hiking for more than two hours and at least five miles, we finally reached the top. I have never made a hike like that before. And I probably would not have made it to the top without all the encouragement. We kept promising each other backrubs and smores once we got to camp. You should have heard the joy when we finally reached it!! It was the best looking campsite I had ever hiked five miles to get to! We had a great time cooking hot dogs and fruit snacks over the fire. (We forgot the marshmallows - no smores. We had to improvise.) The next morning was beautiful. We sat on giant rocks and looked out at the lake while feeding chipmunks graham crackers. We enjoyed a relaxing morning before packing up and heading back down. The way down was much more relaxing (we weren't rushing to beat the sunset) and laid back. We made many plans on what to do differently next time (leave earlier, take camping backpacks, borrow a friend's dog...) and enjoyed the romantic and fun hike back to the car. Once we reached the bottom, we threw our gear in Tyrel's trunk (after brushing off as much dust and dirt as possible) and went to play in the water! Oh cold river water! So refreshing to our sore feet and our sunburned skin. I am burned from the back of my neck all the way down on my hands. Yes, I sunburned my hands. (I am bathing in AloeVera.) We really had a great time and we are already planning our next hiking trip.

In other news, I finally have my car back (Thank you Sid!). A few more things to do (winshield, registration, ect) and it will be in tip-top shape again. My job is going great. Quite a few changes happening around work, but nothing I can't handle. I would rather be busy than lazy! And I am getting (another) raise soon. I am expanding my dating network. My house is almost organized enough to have a party in. I picked up the table we found at our yard sale and it looks great in our front room. I am secretly planning my sister's bachelorette party for the end of September (I've got a great idea!) The jerk neighbor downstairs is FINALLY gone, and our new neighbors moved in yesterday. So far they seem very nice and easy to get along with. Piper is doing well- she is loving the outside summer time to run around and play.

Well that is the update for now. Hope you have enjoyed this update in the Life of Marie.