Happy birthday America!

 The Fourth of July is one of my favorite times of year, it's a time to remember why we get to celebrate & be thankful that we are able. 

And let's not kid ourselves--- I LOVE LOVE LOVE fireworks!!! 

I'm just starting to really get into being able to use the DSLR camera that Mr. Wonderful gave me for Valentines Day a few years ago... and by use, I mean; not in Auto. I even have a professional photographer teaching me things. It's been amazing. I have already improved so much, and I'm excited to learn & explore with my camera.  I haven't been this excited about anything photography related since I used to go on adventures with my dad. So this brings a spark back to my heart that I didn't know I was missing.  

Back to the fireworks, and the 4th... 

This year, we ventured up to Avon; specifically Nottingham Lake (I hear Nottingham & think Robin Hood-not the Kevin Costner one but the Disney one where Maid Merriam was an actual fox-fox) but you should imagine Vail-ish.  Breathtaking views, friendly small town feel without being too rural.

We went to this show a few years ago, on our first Colorado 4th of July, it was amazing! 

And, It snowed. 

This year, we got to take John & Candice with us, and since we live considerably farther away than we used to, we stayed in Frisco, because well. Dillon Res, is STUNNING. And its not too far from Avon, but just far enough to be considerably less crowded and lets be serious, its cheaper. 

Here are a few shots from the 3rd at Avon....

And here are a few shots from the 4th.....

Extreme Firework close-up?

Did I mention that John FINALLY proposed to Candice?!?! Well, he did. It was beautiful, and sweet, and I'm so honored that one of my best friends asked me to be involved as his trusted paparazzi, and that Mr. Wonderful and I got to be a part of their amazing moment.  

Aren't they the cutest?!

Candice is seriously, 100% absolutely the best woman I could ever hope for, for John. She gets him in a way that no one before her has, I can honestly say; she completes him.  I knew she was the one, from the very first time I met her.  (Even though she was nervous to meet me.. I'm not that scary, I promise) We are so over the moon excited for them! & Cannot wait for them to begin this new chapter in their lives! <3

Okay, okay... I promise I will get better at this...

How is it possible that I haven't posted (yet again) for over 6 months!?!?! Did we talk about our car accident?? Oh, that's why I haven't posted..... Stupid stupid car accident.  It really is time consuming to have to go to the chiropractor & physical therapy, and acupuncture, and have massages.  Sounds like a life of leisure-- I can assure you, it's not.

Okay so the long of the short of it.. I started my new job in November, I'm working in a beautiful interior design boutique shop in Fort Collins, and I love it.  We hosted Christmas Family Shenanigans. It was epic, and so so fun. There was a photobooth (ala pinterest) there was soooo much cookie decorating, we found royal icing in the strangest places! (Thanks Zander-man)!  It was -21 that night, so we even got to show off our bubble freezing skills! The little kids were just shocked. But it is always fun when the temps drop.  It was so so so cold, but I love freezing bubbles. Too fun!

January was January. It is always beyond cold in Colorado during that month. The good part about it is, I get to take photos like this.... I mean really.. This is our backyard.

My wonderful friend Shanna finally got to come visit!!! We had a wonderful time with her. She even got to walk on a frozen lake.. How very "when in Colorado" of her.. Can't wait until her next trip out!!

     

In April, we took a much needed, wonderful, trip to Maui.  We went with some of our favorite people to travel with; my brother, sis-in law & the best nephews in the world.  We all had a blast & even got to see my first whale.  I know, I know.. a California girl who's never seen a whale up close..... bizarre right???

I got vertigo during the Maui vacation, and unfortunately it is still here.. I'm working with a vetibular therapist to try to get over it. Basically I've been "on the boat" since we got off the boat.. lol  I'll post more Maui photos later.. I promise!

I also got to spend like 28 whole hours with this wonderful lady! It has been WAY TOO MANY YEARS since we've been in the same state, let alone the same room.  Loved every second.

May was hectic to say the least! We had company for a week.. Stan & I have known each other for 20 years. WOW!! Who would have thought we would be turn out to be forever friends all those years ago?

& then  I got to go on my annual Mother Daughter weekend with these wonderful ladies!

In June, I turned 35.. how am I old enough to be 35?!  Seriously.. when did that happen??? And, why am I having such a hard time with it?!  Mr. Wonderful took me on a wonderful trip to South Dakota for my birthday.  We had a lovely time. We got to see Mount Rushmore! It was definitely a lot smaller than we thought it was going to be, but it was incredible.  Take me back!

Love love love this amazing husband of mine!!! <3

We even got to see the lake from National Treasure 2!  The real treasure is the view.. trust me.

It's almost July!!!! John & Candice will be here in 3 days. Cannot wait for adventures with them!! We are going to have sooooo much fun!!!