thus far.

Lately I've become concerned about summer slipping past and not having done some of the things on my "Summer To-Do" list. I realize it just started, but see that's how it tricks you. You think you've got lots of time to do all this fun stuff and next thing you know it's mid-August, long-sleeves show up in stores, and the list still doesn't have much crossed off.

Here's my attempt at crossing a couple things off. The last two weekends have been fun, yet complete opposites of each other. Two weekends ago we went camping up at Lefthand Fork. It was only for Saturday and Sunday, but that was still enough time to enjoy it.

a -- Narlee by the fire. Everyone take note - Nate has his eyes open in a picture!
b -- Taylor family minus Jen (she's the photographer) walking in the river

a -- Jill by the fire with a zonked out Kambri
b -- A helmeted Marme and her 4-wheeler
c -- Sweet Kambri sporting a completely natural smile. I think she gets it from her dad.

a -- Dad and Trace
b -- Jen and Trace
(Trace really likes 4-wheeling. Can you tell?)

a -- Wanna know what stings a bit? Being shot in the back with an airsoft gun.
b -- The genius who apparently steered a bit too far to the right. Not in our group.
c -- Me gracefully avoiding being thrown in the water. Beau is no match for me.

Then last weekend we went down to Las Vegas. We did the same trip about this time last year and got to see an awesome firework show. No fireworks this year, but it was great all the same.

At the hotel. That pretty well sums up these three pictures.

At the pool. See those drinks we're holding? $7 each. And that was for the virgin edition -- regular price was $12. I'll be honest, it did taste really good. And the strawberry was huge. But next time I pay that much for a drink it'd better be taking the place of an entire meal.

a -- Right after shopping at H&M. What you're not seeing here is the extreme buyer's remorse I'm feeling. That one small bag cost me more than I had anticipated. I can only blame myself. And H&M for having such a great sale.
b -- Treasure Island. Pirate, pirate, wench. Someday I'll be able to make a good enough face to be a pirate.

a -- A classic random Vegas sighting. This woman's nails were unbelievable. I don't know how she functions in everyday life. Get used to using your knuckles, I suppose.
b -- Shanna's crab impression of the woman's nails. Love this one.

Mystere - my very first Cirque du Soleil show. We wanted an entire group picture, but the others went out a different door and we lost them so this'll have to do. I've decided that Mystere is a visual mix between a Salvador Dali painting and the Johnny Depp version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Entertaining, yet so very strange.

And to top it all off, I got a pretty new phone. She's small and sleek and I love her.


My "Summer To-Do" list just keeps growing. Right now it includes everything from the beach to hiking to Ben Lomond Peak. Here's hoping time and money will allow for it.