Where did June go?

My sister Amanda (pictured above with me) never fails to remind me when it's time for me to update my blog. She sent me an e-mail recently that read, "It's simply striking that you still haven't updated your blog." Clever, isn't she?

Since we're already well into July, the next few posts will provide a brief recap of what I've been up to in June:

First up: Family reunion in the Ozarks

Brian and I spent five days at Bull Shoals Lake with 21 relatives from five states. It was one fun vacation. The crew included my parents; Amanda & Kurtis; Jen, Ryan & my nephew Kaden and others.

We grilled out and feasted together in the great outdoors,

hung out at the pool,

chilled out in the cabins,

and gathered 'round the fire.


We celebrated Mom's birthday (a much, much more festive party than last year's ... ). (Notice how her cake looks like a quilt. Cute!)

We enjoyed spending time with our cousins. (Here are a few who came).

And we even included pets in on the fun:

Rocky, the good ol' lake dog who belongs to my Aunt Colleen and Uncle Dave.

Molly, the fearless pup who rode along on the boat while we went tubing, cliff jumping and more.

Toby, Amanda & Kurtis' poodle, who had fun running laps around the pool.

My Aunt Colleen and Uncle Dave run the resort we stayed at, Oakridge Resort. (Shameless plug: it's a great place to stay and is affordable, too. If you're looking for a nearby getaway, check it out.) A few pictures of the property, which is right on the lake:


They also run Deer Run Guest House on Bull Shoals Lake, a very pretty place.

Before we all packed up and headed our separate ways, I snapped this photo of Mom, Toby & Amanda.


Bye, Bull Shoals! We'll be back.

Simply striking

At about midnight Sunday night, Brian called me outside to look skyward at the amazing lightning display. Here's one minute of unedited video of the spectacular show:

Wedding weekend

Brian & I had a full weekend balancing work and play. On Friday night, we watched our friends' adorable little boy Zach (pictured at left) so they could enjoy an anniversary dinner out.

On Saturday, after a busy day in the newsroom, we attended our friends' wedding and reception. It was an elegant affair, with the ceremony at University Congregational Church and the reception at Olive Tree, recently named a finalist in the Kansas Sampler Foundation's Eight Wonders of Kansas Cuisine. A few photos from the evening:




(See additional photos in my Facebook album.)

On Sunday, I played my sixth round of golf at MacDonald Golf Course. It's the first course I've played twice, and my shining moments this time were my longest drive ever (175 to 200 feet) and my longest putt ever (20 to 25 feet). Yay! The bad part of it all? The cottonwood trees were dropping their fluffy seeds, making me sneeze and leaving me hoping I just have an atypical case of allergies and not a cold as Brian & I get ready for a trip to the Ozarks for a family vacation.

Great Escapes

After seven years and 177,000 miles, Brian & I went to the dealership Monday night and officially traded in Daisy. I'm hoping she becomes a vehicle to a college kid's next adventure.

Now, meet Pepper, the newest addition to our family. Isn't she gorgeous?


I'm looking forward to many good trips with our new Escape. I feel a road trip coming on!

Bradley birthday

We also celebrated Janice's birthday with her Saturday night by having dinner at Redrock Canyon Grill. We strolled around Bradley Fair afterward and did a little shopping, including lots of browsing at one of my favorite stores, Backwoods. Janice & I also paused to admire the views near the plaza:


We ended the fun day with gelatos at Chill Gelato and Cafe. Happy b-day, Janice!

Dog day

Brian & I joined his mom Saturday for a trip to the Kansas Humane Society to help her look for a furry four-legged friend. My heartstrings must actually be leashes. I felt little tugs with each sweet little face I looked into:


Then we went to Gupton Pets to check out their cocker spaniels:


I was hoping that Janice would fall in love with a puppy, but she's still deliberating. We'll be patient and see if there's a pup out there just for her.

Driving Miss Daisy to the drive-in one last time

On Friday night, Nicole, Brian & I met up at Starlite Drive-in to enjoy the gorgeous evening and watch "Terminator" and "Star Trek." It was our first outing to the drive-in this year, and I enjoyed a double dose of stars. It's one of my favorite traditions of summer.


Looking at this photo, you almost can feel the breeze as the day cools off and smell the aroma of popcorn and funnel cakes drifting from the snack bar.


I love watching the sun set and play colors on the clouds and contrails.


Just in time for the Trekkies, I crawled in the back of Daisy and fell asleep (one last nap in one great truck). Brian promised me we could get the movie On Demand when it's available -- as long as I promised to stay awake.