Fish update

Much to my surprise (I hope you can sense my sarcasm) the fish we won at the Lancaster County Fair have died. Pest passed away first on Thursday and Buda Friday morning. I think Buda may have been stealing all the food from Pest and then died of heartbreak. We'll never know!

Absence

First things first, sorry for my absence. I've been a little busy working full-time and taking 2 classes. I'm in a Chemistry and Sociology class. They are both VERY interesting and although sometimes I want to rip my hair out because I don't have the time or energy to read another chapter or do another problem, I am enjoying it all.
I guess I have a little explaining to do about one of my 2012 goals too. You'll notice that the running total on the top of the screen has not changed in a least a month. The first reason is because I'm really into Reformer Pilates and Nia. The other is that it is too darn hot! We've had temps in the 100s for the past month. My mom told me that we received only 1/100th of an inch of rain for the month of July. That's ridiculous. I've stopped watering the lawn because I feel like it's not worth it. If the farmers crops can't make it why should my grass? I am still watering my plants occasionally because they were a touch pricey.
Back to the Reformer Pilates, if you haven't tried it, don't, because you will be hooked. It's a way of doing pilates on a machine that provides support and takes some of the strain out of the exercise. For me, it's been a godsend on my back. It has also helped strengthen my core. Nia is a new dance-type workout that can be customized to fit any body or level. You really work on freeing up your back and feeling connections. I love both of them and do not miss pounding the pavement. I will try to get back at it once the weather cools down.

Copley is excited to announce that we have two additions to the family. We won them at the Lancaster Co. Fair. Their names are Buda and Pest. Like Budapest. My friend, Susie, was in town and we traveled there in 2009 so we thought the names were appropriate. 

4th of July

I was supposed to be in Minnesota for the 4th of July, but after the many trips of June I realized it was just too much to be gone again. So we stayed in Lincoln (well, kind of) for the 4th. I missed my sister's family a ton, but we made the best of it. Mom and Dad came down for a lunchtime bbq. We made bison burgers and some of us (not Steven!) had asian slaw and marinated cucumbers. Then we had some incredible brownie sundaes. We topped the day off going to the weirdest movie I've seen, Moonrise Kingdom. My mom thought it was hilarious. After the movie I made some unsuspecting teenager take our photo. Everyone was confused why I was doing this, but of course it was for the sake of the blog. 

 

After this stunning photo, Steven and I headed to Seward, Nebraska home of "the 4th of July" to visit with Amy and watch their fireworks show. 

Disney World

We took a belated 1st anniversary trip to Disney World last week. It was so nice to get away, just the two of us. You would think life would have slowed down when we move to Nebraska but we are keeping extremely busy. I'm not complaining, though, I love being busy and I love living in Nebraska. However, this trip was a great recharge.

Steven wanted to get a silhouette done while we were in the Magic Kingdom. This artist was amazing. The picture below is the result.

We saw the Electrical Light Parade our first night at Magic Kingdom. It was been years since I'd seen it.

Magic Kingdom has a new show before the fireworks. It's called Memories and they use the castle as a backdrop. It was a very cool show.

The "wishes" fireworks!

We had a little breakfast with Mickey.

And, of course, ate an anniversary cupcake at 8:30 in the morning.

Steven's "other" girlfriend.

Someone was extremely happy to have his parents home. He also got the cutest haircut while at the kennel. We just love him!

Summertime

We've been trying hard to get the yard in shape this summer. It's quite hard with giant Maple trees in the back and front yards dropping spinners and growing everywhere.

Here's a little yard tchatchke that we purchased in Portland. It's a glass piece on top of a piece of rebar. 

A closer look. I think the blue was a good choice to compliment the "somewhat" green lawn.

The newest lawn ornament courtesy of the antique shop in Fremont is Mr. Alligator the trumpeter. I find him hilarious.

Denver Trip

Mom, Steven, and I made a quick trip to Denver to visit cousin Norma. She took us out to a wonderful meal after 7 hot hours on the road. 

This is my amazing dinner. Chicken stuffed with cheese and roasted red peppers on a bed of arugula.  

The next night it was pizza on the porch after a trip to Leadville, CO at 10,200 feet. Norma's husband, Wayne, was inducted into the Mining Hall of Fame last year and it's located in Leadville.

This picture does not do Norma's backyard justice.

One of Steven's great fires. Norma's fire pit is the best!

A wonderful exhibit at DAM (Denver Art Museum). We also saw Madeleine Albright's pin exhibit.

Our wedding gift from Norma made by her friend Ella. She is a talented artist and this picture does not do this mosaic any justice.

Portland Trip

We took a little family trip to see my Aunt and Uncle in Portland, Oregon.

Here's a photo of my delicious Ethiopian food from the Portland Saturday Market. Definitely a staple in every Portland visit.

Martin was little cold watching the Starlight parade so I repurposed a toga and made him this fancy blanket. We all took turns putting the boys on our shoulders for them to have excellent viewing.

A little tire horse on one of our walks. 

This is Martin's shopping style during our trip to the Columbia outlet. I was so happy that they came in my size too. Steven, the voice of reason, was sure we didn't have room to pack these beautiful boots.

Mr. Copley keeping guard.