Summer Fun, etc.

Well, we have really been slackers on the blogging thing. Travis is actually going to start learning the process so that I have a little less on my plate.

Life has been absolutely great to us this summer. We love Wellsville and all the wonderful friends we have made here. It really does feel like home. We have taken a ton of pics and may be posting them on our Facebook acounts, because it would be a lot to post here. Here is a brief play by play...

Travis has naturally been scouting a ton this summer. He is actively involved with the local troop, but has been focusing more on Order of the Arrow. He has completed his own indian outfit and is working to improve it. He has been a great homemaker which really helps out. Also, he has been doing great with Real Estate and is happy with his decision to take the plung.

I am an expected work-a-holic. I love all 3 of my jobs, but I am also looking forward to cutting back next year. We are quickly getting out of debt so it is worth it.

We have enjoyed plenty of vacations this year. We feel blessed to be able to do so much. We spent a week in Bear Lake with my family; braved the Sham Battle in Wellsville for Founder's Day; went to the Nashville Tribute Band Concert; got professional pictures taken; played at reunions; and just this past week, we went to Trav's mission in Independence Missouri and Nauvoo.

The past week was the best. It was amazing to see where the saints had been, and especially meeting the families Trav had worked with.

We went to Richmond 1st and saw Oliver Cowdery's grave along with a few other of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Then we had a wonderful dinner at the Morris's home where a bunch of families came over that Trav worked with. He was in this area for alomost a year.

Next, we went to Carthage Jail and Nauvoo. We were able to see tons of history and even got to attend the temple. We were able to see where Joeseph was buried.

We then went to Adam-ondi-Ahman and Far West.

Last, but not least, we went to Liberty Jail and the Independence Visitors Center.

We are excited to go back to Nauvoo another time and see the pageant.

As promised, we will be keeping this updated regularly now. Trav is hoping to do a good job.

Completed Mailbox

We finally completed the mailbox. With Grandpa Hirschi's help everything went really smooth. The capstone was set and the sealer applied. Now we are ready for winter. We think it turned out pretty good.

The Beginning of Home Projects

Our fall is off to a great start. The first of our home projects is nearing completion. By this time next year we hope to have our yard finished, but for now we're working on the mailbox and putting down gravel so the poor mailman won't get stuck again next winter. Trav's amazing Grandpa Hirschi helped us out with his skills in masonry (thanks so much Grandpa!). We had to wait for the mortar to dry before putting the 300lb (or so it seems) capstone on it next week. We'll post the final project soon, but for now here's a peak at what we've got done so far.

And Trav's reward for all his hard work!

Bear Lake and the "Hardest Hitting Derby Around"

This past week we met all of the Slade's in Bear Lake for the annual reunion. We had a blast this year! We golfed, wake surfed, wake boarded, played in the sand, and soaked up the sun! We also were witness to my cousin landing his back flip on the wakeboard (way to go Kody!). We were also excited to meet some new friends (You're awesome Dustin and Jaz!)

Then last Saturday we went to the Demolition Derby at the Summit County Fair. It definitely held up to it's reputation for being the hardest hitting derby around!

Family Pictures and an Update

Well, we've been really busy the past few weeks with work. Trav has 3 closings this next month (thanks Nate and Val!) and has gotten a few new listings as well. It's kept him on his toes and out of the house for several evenings. It's nice to have him busy, but sad to not have him home at night. We're just grateful he is seeing success in his hardwork!

Also, we had some fun family pictures with Bree's Family taken while we were up in Evanston over the 4th. We just took the pics ourselves and then had one of Trav's co-workers edit them for us. They turned out pretty good... here's your preview:

This is the One we Used

Here's Some of the Others Just for Fun

So, we're still determining our favorite pic of Trav and I. We need some help deciding which one to use. Leave us a comment and let us know your favorite.... (These aren't edited yet, so they'll look a little better for the actual one)

Number 1

Number 2

Number 3

Number 4
Number 5

Number 6

Number 7
Number 8

July 4th Weekend

We had a blast this last weekend. We left Friday morning and went to Evanston, our old stomping grounds. We met up with Bree's parents to go on a 50 mile ATV ride. It only rained toward the end, which only made it better to run through the mud puddles.

We then stayed with our good friends Randall and Emily Brown. They just had new twin baby boys. It was great to be able to catch up with them and act like being a daddy. Also, we were able to visit with the Huggins, who we miss a ton, and all our friends in our old ward.

We had the privilage of watching the Evanston firework show once again, and lighting some of our own. Yes... that is a gas can, we had to be true rednecks.

We are encouraging our local friends to try to make it up there next year. Here is a glimpse of what we saw from the Brown's backyard both civilian and city fireworks.

............................We then came back to our home sweet home in Wellsville and had the opportunity to do some "redneck" slip-n-sliding. These are the good old days.

NYLT

This last week was full of scouting. I went up to the Uinta Youth camp just outside Lyman, WY. We had 25 participants and 18 leaders involved. It is a great time for the youth to learn how to be leaders.

We conducted a camp fire and performed on OA firelighting ceremony.

For being on course, we were awarded Eagle Talons.

We also had the opportunity to go fishing at a little pond, and I had some tramatic experiences. Here is some video of the whole ordeal.

Fish Blood and the Kill

Kissing the fish

Overall, we had a very successful week, despite me missing Bree more than ever. Now I am planning for Powderhorn next week.