Just Hangin' Out

Michael in front of our apartment on his beloved hammock

Now that school has started, there is not too much to report since most days are pretty much the same. It's class, homework, work, housework, etc. and, with the exception of lots of free welcome-back-to-school/congratulations-on-getting-into-grad-school dinners, that's really about it.My diploma finally came in the mail, so it is nice to have proof that I officially graduated. We opted out of the mahogany frame to put it in... I am not quite THAT much of a real person yet.


We also hiked the Y one night with Ian and few of his friends. It is a new experience in the dark, though still just as steep :)

Sitting on the Y

Shivering atop the Y

U-DUB vs. BYU

Michael's darling cousins, Paul and Julianne, and his brother, Logan, came to Provo for the weekend. It was a lot of fun, and man, are those boys crazy when they all get together! I have never seen so much wrestling and horseplay in my life! Guess I "missed out" not having brothers.

Anyway, we spent a lot of time at the pool and we got to go to the Washington-BYU football game. We even got tickets and T-shirts courtesy of Michael's uncle, who works for the U of W football team. The catch? We had to be traitors to our own school as we sat in the U-DUB staff section sporting our bright purple and gold. Truth be told, we couldn't really lose either way. Still, Michael had a hard time suppressing his excitement each time BYU took the ball. I, on the other hand, enjoy people-watching regardless of the score.

Emilie says, "Go Huskies, Mush Mush!"

Can feel the excitement?

Julianne and me

After the game the gang snagged free Powerades outside the stadium and went back to our place to eat grilled cheese sandwiches, made by our resident chef, Michael. Credits go to Ian for buttering the bread.

Washington

Only a week after I got back from India we packed up our things, crammed them in the back of the 'red rumbler' and started the 14 hour drive to my family's home in Washington. We made the trip in a single push from Provo (we are getting pretty good at this now). 

Sunset in somewhere in Eastern Oregon, brought to you by our cracked windshield, which we had to replace this week.

While in Washington, we got to see Coco before she headed off to Germany for her study abroad program. Even though Coco was deathly ill, we visited the Tacoma Glass Museum, Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle.

The Gum Wall

Next to the International Fountain

Pike Place

Part of the reason for this trip was to see Ian home from his mission in Brazil.

Seatac Intl. Airport

After a fast-paced week home and lots of doctor appointments, we whisked him away and back down to Provo for school. We stopped in Le Grande, OR to see Grandma Judy.

Deadheading the Rhodies. . .

I had no clue what Marianne meant when she told me that she wanted me to "deadhead the rhodies." Is that legal? Moral? Were going to kill someone?! Rhodesians? What did they ever do? And does Rhodesia still exist? Or, could this be some Davidson code or information to which I was not yet privy?

Michael found an old football buried in the yard... with roots growing THROUGH it!

Well, it turns out there has been a serious void of gardening in my life. This is simple gardener lingo, which most of you probably already knew. As we approached the bush with our bucket, I realized it. Of course, Rhododendrons.



Michael and I spent a little time in the sun on Saturday doing a little weeding. It was nice to get outside for a bit since we both spend the majority of every day tethered to a computer. After the yardwork, we enjoyed a nice BBQ with some of Michael's oldest friends here in Washington. It was a great summer day (it got up to 95 degrees!!). Way to go, Washington, you finally got it right.

Before

After

Before

After

Program Pains

Have I ever told you how much I hate Microsoft Office for Mac? Probably, but I will say it again. I really think that there is some foul play going on with this program, and the user is the victim. Uggghh. My advice: if you have a Mac, go with iWork.

An Ode to Rock Canyon

I need to say it, I love Rock Canyon.

Conveniently located seven minutes from our apartment, loaded in climbing routes and covered in trails for strolling and running, Rock Canyon is the best escape from the pressures of school and work. In case some of you still have reservations, here are some photos from climbs, hikes and snowshoeing ventures.

Winter Fun:

Jordan, Michael & John.

Summer Fun:

Another early morning on the Red Slab.

Multiple Michaels.

Artsy shot of Michael climbing Lead, 5.7.

Jordan monkeying up Congo, 5.9+.

Jordan finishing Only Wimps Top-rope the Bulge, 5.8. 

Jordan on a Pink Canoe, 5.10a.

Photo credits to Michael Diamond.

Pioneer Day

Well, we missed the Fourth of July since Michael was in India, but we still got to see some great fireworks this summer! Yesterday was Pioneer Day, a Utah state holiday to commemorate the entrance of LDS pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley as they fled persecution. This was a first for both of us, and it was definitely interesting. The DJ at the park we went to to see the fireworks played everything from Beyonce to Christian hymns to the Beastie Boys and Michael Jackson.

Us on the lawn at Ira Allen Park in Mapleton, Utah.
Unfortunately, our batteries died before the fireworks started. Bummer.

It seemed to be a place for parents to let their kids run free, because the park turned into a festival complete with popcorn stands, a bungee jumping station, and tons of kids gone wild. We couldn't help but laugh every time an announcement was made calling for parents to come claim their lost children or for rogue children to come find their parents at the podium. It certainly was all-American and the mountains surrounding Mapleton provided a beautiful scene for the celebration.

We headed for the car right before the grand finale and literally sprinted to the car immediately after the show ended in order to escape the parking lot chaos that was sure to ensue.