The pictures don't do it justice.

Well, we went on my new favorite hike on Monday. I'm pretty sure my favorite hike will change frequently, especially this time of year. I guess it's a good problem to have... too many hikes that you love! :)

We explored Silver Falls State Park (aka Trail of Ten Falls) with a new friend named Jerrod. This will definitely be on our list of places to take visitors! The park is usually busy, but since we went on Monday, and a fairly chilly afternoon, we basically had it all to ourselves. Wonderful!

Hike highlights: good company, we saw a crane, waterfalls, and mushrooms! This land is plentiful of thousands of mushrooms, big and small.



I loved how the yellow leaves framed each waterfall. Let's just say the photo opps were very plentiful as well.



Friends, meet our new friend Jerrod. He also attends Pacific University with Heath and is studying Counseling Psychology. He kindly invited us to go on this hike with him and briefly showed us around his hometown, Salem. He even treated us to dinner at a roadhouse... I had bbq! Thanks Jerrod. I look forward to more hikes and good meals!



You could walk under/behind most of the waterfalls on this hike.



Christmas card spoiler below... if you want to be surprised, stop reading now! Another nice thing about hiking with a friend is getting wonderful pictures like this...



What a great hike. Let's go back tomorrow. Sound good, Heath?





For the next ten days, the high is only 60 degrees. Hello Portland weather. I think I'm handling this change of weather better than my summer loving husband. :)

Hope you enjoy the rest of week!

A Wedding

This Saturday, Heath and I were so blessed to attend the wedding of our dear friends, Marshall and Justina. Marshall has been a friend of mine since the start of our freshman year at ACU. From the beginning, I recognized that something was a bit unique about Marshall... His views of relationship, community, and how one should live daily life was quite different from what I had been accustomed to. Over the years, I have truly admired the way he shares his love with friends and the Abilene community. Justina and Marshall, thank you so much for letting us share in your special day. It impacted my heart greatly.

This was probably one of the most "laid back" weddings I have ever been to... and I loved it. As a gift, guests could bring favorite side dishes and recipes to share. I made potato casserole, of course. We had a wonderful community feast, and it was great. Enjoy!

The bride and groom during their first dance....


I was so surprised and excited to see Kate! She has been studying abroad this past year in Scotland, receiving her masters at the University of St. Andrews. She also recently got engaged... in Scotland! So, we had a lot to catch-up on. Looking forward to our lunch later this week. It was so wonderful to see you!


Arielle and Emily! Arielle and I shared the director position at New Life during the Tuesday Night program... Basically, we helped each other survive during that time. :) It was so nice to spend time with you before we go our separate ways!


Elizabeth. Wish I could have spent more time with you friend! Liz is also in the moving process with her husband, Jaime. Can't wait to see your new house!


Tommy and Emily. We will miss you. Tears are coming, very soon...


Me and my love.


One more of the happy couple. Justina had the most joyful look on her face throughout the whole wedding. I'm very happy that these two have found "one love" in each other.

My Camera

This is one of the many reasons why I have not posted in a while. It arrived about one week ago, and it's been connected to my hip since. The Canon Rebel xSi is one of the most user-friendly cameras I have ever used, and I highly recommend it! Here are a few that I've taken so far... I'm still playing around with the exposures and filters, and I'm always learning something new.






We're expecting HOT weather here this weekend... how does 105 sound to you?!? Yes, I am ready for Oregon weather right about now! Hope your weekend is lovely.

Mail...

After purchasing my camera Sunday night, I have been anxiously awaiting its arrival. This afternoon, one could only imagine how elated I was to see this package waiting for me on my doorstep. I was so happy about it I even took a picture...


While overcome with joy and excitement, I snatched my box up quickly and ran inside, later realizing that I had left my keys in the door. This I apparently deemed worthy of a picture as well. (I was excited, can't you tell?!?)


I wanted to share this moment with Heath, so I waited five, whole, long minutes to open the box. I thought about writing a blog about my new camera... posting pictures of the pretty red flowers in my backyard, and what I cooked for dinner. As Heath opened the door, I began to tear open the box, and saw this...


A crazy antenna. Heath bought this for us to use in Portland so we don't have to pay for cable. Heath thought this was hilarious. I did not. Now it kind of is, but not then. :) My impatience has now set in... I just can't wait!

In other news, my time with Communities In Schools will be complete on June 2nd. I have been so blessed through working with these students, and it will be hard to leave, knowing that I mostly likely will never see any of them again. We have been planning an end of the year party for both of my middle school campuses, and I volunteered to make all of the desserts... yeah, I'm not quite sure what I was thinking.


I borrowed several 13x9 pans and raided Walmart's shopping aisles, and quickly decided to make brownies and Rice Krispie treats. 2am, 4 pans of Rice Krispies, 4 pans of brownies and 2 more about to come out of the oven. Hope the kiddos enjoy! :)

Ode to my Canon 10D

When I purchased my camera five years ago, I had no idea how much I would actually enjoy taking pictures. Since I'm in a reminiscent mood, I thought I would share a few of my favorites from the past several years...

My first flower from Heath...


Several friends engagement photos...


I toted my camera around NYC all summer, as captured the many different cultures in the Bronx and Manhattan...


And, captured a spectacular fireworks show beneath the Brooklyn Bridge...


Sweet moments at a dear friends wedding...


My bridal bouquet. I love flowers, especially the eyelash tulips...


Nature. I sat with this butterfly for a good, long hour when Heath and I went camping in Fredericksburg...


I've been blessed through photography. I think it's made me realize how beautiful and intricate God's creation truly is. Macro photography is my favorite; this type of photography captures the small, intimate details, drawing the viewer to one subject. It's nice to notice the details that are often overlooked.