the hills are alive...

Last night Michael took me to Sound of Music at Rainbow Stage as the final instalment of my birthday gift. It was awesome! Rainbow Stage is an outdoor theatre (well, actually it has a domed roof, but no walls). I don't have pictures because they don't let you take any, but let's just say it was a great experience...one I think might become a family tradition... thanks so much Michael for a great memory!

golden...

Michael and I went flew to Toronto for a weekend in August, just a quick Friday to Monday trip (that was all Michael could manage to take off work). We actually flew early in the morning there and late at night coming home, so that Michael would be available over the phone and have access to a computer during office hours. His family is actually in Aylmer, so we got to do a bit of driving too, but that was fine by me, it meant I could take a nice nap. Anyway, we went to celebrate with Grandma & Grandpa Peters their golden anniversary.

grandma & grandpa then & now

It was really good weekend celebrating and visiting Michael's extended family (there are some from both sides there). Here's a few pictures, hopefully I can add more later...

this is a camp fire night we had with the Peters clan at Uncle Jake & Aunt Cindy's place (thanks for having us over Uncle Jake & Aunt Cindy!), it was really nice to hang out and relax and as well as catch up with everyone.

We also had a "disco" (pronounced deesko), which is basically an outdoor version of the classic Mexican meal of tacos cooked in an old disker (piece of farm equipment, for those of you who don't know, and don't worry I didn't either). Michael is over seeing the cooking of the meat with his cousin Terry. We also had a good time here, and got to witness a huge thunder storm, complete with lightening and lots of wind and even a power outage! It meant we had to move everything into the garage and take cover, but it was still fun. Ok, actually I loved it, because I love storms.

card making...

One of the things on my to do list this summer was work at making cards so that I would have a stash ready for the times when I'm busy during the school year and need a card ASAP. I know to some of you this is totally normal and common sense, but I've always found it hard to make cards without a person in mind for the inspiration. I also acquired some "new to me" slightly used stamp sets with some birthday money (thanks Dad!) I think they will pay for themselves quite quickly! So, here's samples from my first attempt (I have to confess that these are all borrowed ideas).

I was trying really hard to make some "manly" cards, that's why there's so many with leaves on them. I figured a guy could appreciate a leaf better than a flower or butterfly, but Michael informed me that guys don't give two hoots about leaves. According to Michael manly cards would have wheels and chrome and trucks and tools on them. Thus far, I haven't discovered or invested in such a stamp set, does one even exist?

first place!

well, i don't have much for pictures, but Michael played in on our church softball team this summer. They entered their team as a first division team and half way through dropped down to 2nd division. But they finished the year strong and got first place in their division! If I can get my hands on more pictures I will!

that's Michael on the chair in the corner of the picture

our lovely score keeper...

the "coach"