4th of July at the lake

Brian & I enjoyed the patriotic holiday at one of our favorite places, Cross Timbers State Park and Toronto Lake. I put a dent in my current read, Jodi Picoult's "Picture Perfect." We swam in the lake, soaked up the sun and tried to put all of our blessings into perspective. Hope your 4th was as peaceful! Some photos from the trip:


Sleepy Dakota was so worn out from all of the fun that he napped on the drive home.

Father's Day follies

An annual tradition, Brian & I joined my parents at his parents' home for a Father's Day cookout. There were gifts, homemade ice cream and a toast to Mom's ability to join us this year. (Last year she was still in the hospital on Father's Day.) Scenes from the evening:

Brian & his father.

Brian with the Dads.

My parents.

Partying with my peeps

Brian & I spent quality time with some friends at parties in June. They included:

• A night at Randy & Suzanne's: Their kids were away with the grandparents, so it was time to party at their new home. (Doesn't that usually happen when the parents are gone??) No matter. It was a great evening.

Izzy, the real life of the party. What a beautiful golden.

Suzanne & Annie

Denise, Jaime & Lori Y.

Nick & Brian

• A Welcome-to-Wichita party for Courtney: A group of us gathered at Tony & Nicole's to officially welcome our friend's move from Texas to Wichita, where she can keep her fiance Rob company ... and in line!

Courtney & Rob

A few scenes from the party:


The guys played washers ...

... and occasionally had to look for a lost washer in the grass. (I love this photo.) From left: Brian, Jeremey, Mario, Rob and Tony.

Another highlight? The watermelon-eating contest. Jeremy vs. Brian. See who won:

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.