The Grand Month of July!

Wow!! July flew by in a flurry of vacations! I have a lot to catch up on. The girls and I had such a wonderful month of July! The celebrations started over the 4th of July. I was able to spend the 4th with my good friends, Mont and Elaine Adams, Garrett (son) and friend, Alex, Miles (son) and friend Hadley, and Verl and Martha Hendrix. We stayed at the Hendrix Cabin in Twin Lakes, California. It was absolutely beautiful! (Addison and Payton spent the holiday with Jason. They were desperately missed by their mother!)

Twin Lakes, California

Elaine, Miles, Hadley, and I went up on Thursday to get the cabin ready for the rest of the crew. Miles and Hadley fished - that is what the Hendrix family does - fish! Elaine and I.....sat. I sat at the table scrapbooking and Elaine sat on the couch reading. Friday, the rest of the crew arrived. The cabin was busting at the seams - but I was so thankful for the diversion; I was missing the girls so badly.

Friday morning I participated in the Twin Lakes Fun Run. However, I didn't run, I walked. It was a 5K walk. I really enjoyed myself. There was over a 100 runners/walkers. The morning was breathtaking. The mountain air was crisp and the scenery was picturesque. I wished I had someone to share it with so I made friends with another walker. We visited most of the way until he left to use the restroom. Rats. I finished the race with my ipod. Later that day, Mont, Elaine, Verl and I went on the fishing boat around the lake. Mont told Elaine and I we were just in the way. Which was very true - we were there purely for the sunbathing. But it was fun to antagonize Mont and relax in the sun.

Verl Hendrix - fishing

Mont Adams - notice the shirt.....BOISE STATE!! (He says he is not a fan...uh-huh)

Elaine Adams - bathing beauty!

Me - laughing, I am sure over something Mont said.

Elaine and I also went kayaking. We didn't go too far - but it was a blast! The rest of the gang fished, kayaked, and biked too.

Saturday started early with a short hike with Garrett, Alex, Miles, Hadley, and another good friend, Kevin. Well, it was supposed to be a short hike but seven hours later we finally made it back to the car. I just wanted to see what was around the next bend and I convinced these young adults to follow along. They complained an awful lot, but I secretly think they really enjoyed themselves. We hiked up into some of the most beautiful areas I have ever seen. We slid down snow banks, swam in high mountain lakes, and rock jumped. It was a pleasure to spend my Saturday with these young adults. I can not say enough good things about them. They were good sports and teased me relentlessly about dragging them up the mountain. And MILES!! He hiked with a cast on his foot - he didn't know what he was getting himself into when we started that morning! We came home tired, thirsty and hungry! It was awesome!!!

The crew - Hadley, Alex, Garrett, Miles, and Kevin

Garrett - I told him NOT to do this...but if you are not going to listen to me - wait a second and let me get the camera ready....he waited.

It was sad to leave on Sunday. But, I was so excited to see Addison and Payton. I love the Adams/Hendrix Family. They have been a solid support for me during this divorce. I am so grateful for them and for their "adopting" the three of us. AND I am grateful for the invite to the cabin! I can't wait to return!