to the lake!

Matt's family has a cabin on a lake outside Amarillo and it's one of our favorite places to escape to.   And  Jake thinks it's heaven.  We were there a couple weeks ago and had such a fun, relaxing time.

We swam, read, relaxed, went canoeing, boating & hiking.

We also got to spend some great time with Matt's grandmother.  I loved listening to her tell stories of raising her kids on this lake in the summers when they were growing up.  She is the sweetest lady and it was a blessing to get to spend time with her.

And we found this awesome towel.  I really wanted to bring it home.

We played hard.  And then we watched Seinfeld episodes until we fell asleep.  it was the perfect trip!

the pioneer lady

I'm at work on a Saturday.  It's a new thing my clinic is trying out.  But I've only seen two patients.  I should be organizing my office but I'm not.  I've been perusing the web all morning. 

I also received a text from my friend, Bobbie, (Hi Bobbie!) who reminded me that it was on her blog that I first learned about the Pioneer Woman.  And the Pioneer Woman's "pork butt" which I blogged about in the previous post.

I used to think the Pioneer Woman was some kind of corny, country version of martha stewart ...  but I'm smarter now.  and I'm officially obsessed.  Her recipes are amazing.  Her photography blog is super informative. (even though I never win her photography contests.) And I think she's one of the funniest people on the planet.  I just finished reading her book:

{source}

Hilarious. every time I opened it up I was laughing out loud. You should read it. 

She recently had a photo contest for the best phone photos.  The winner got a $350 gift card to the apple store.  I thought this photo should have won. 

it didn't even make the top 100.  obviously, the competition was fierce.  ;)

okay, better go take care of people now.

adios second year!

Second year is officially over!! What better excuse to have a party?!  We invited all of the residents over for a FIESTA to celebrate the end of another year of residency.  This is a huge milestone for the residents in Matt's year because there's quite a difference between the work hours, call schedule, and responsibilities of first/second year compared to third/fourth/fifth year.  We've been anticipating this day for a while, to say the least.  Henry, Scott, Matt, and Sarah have accomplished so much over the last two years and it was fun to get to celebrate with them!  

We had a fajita-style meal with the Pioneer Woman's Spicy Shredded Pork Shoulder ...

Since I forgot to take a photo of the finished product before it was all eaten, you'll have settle for this photo from her blog {of course, mine looked identical}

{recipe found here}

We had a pinata that was a hit with the kiddos,

{pun unintentional}

margaritas in mason jars,

and mary jackson's delicious margarita cupcakes.

Jake wasn't sure what to think of the festive lights,

 & Matt had a chance to try to convince sweet jane that he's not as dangerous as he appears (she's okay as long as the sophie doll is blocking her view)...  it's slow, but I think we're making progress :)

here we come, third year!

trail ridge road ride

I almost forgot to write about one of the highlights of our camping trip!  My Dad and I rode to the top of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park! The ride was 44 miles and a mile up in elevation gain. It was absolutely amazing to be able to see such incredible views from a bike.  :)  I think it was one of the coolest things I've ever done.  And so fun to get to do with my dad!   Matt was planning to ride it with us, but his chain broke about 30 minutes into our ride. such a bummer.  He went back, got the car, went for a run along our route, and then met us at the top {and bought me a coke}.

this was taken at the official top :)

the scenery was stunning! I just wish I had more than just my iphone with me for taking photos...

we saw tons of elk chillin' on the side of the road.

and another photo that I forgot to put in the previous post :)

estes park

Over 4th of July weekend we went camping in Estes Park with my parents

 and my sister, Sarah, and her husband, Luke.  

Matt's parents even joined us for a day! (we missed you, kevin, kelly, & andy!)  

So. much. fun.  My parents have a sweet new airstream.  

It's pretty much the coolest thing ever.  

(except for the vintage laundry basket turned outdoor coffee table.)

we hiked, 

splashed,

shook,

spent a lot of time in Rocky Mountain National Park,

walked,

s'more'd (man, those faces are intense),

photographed,

ate,

shook some more,

and enjoyed spending time with both sets of parents.

can't wait for the next family camping trip!

Top Gun at Red Rocks

possibly the best movie of all time (according to matt)

+ definitely the best eighties soundtrack of all time

+ beautiful venue

+ rainstorm that cleared up just in time

= very happy hubby