ham swam and other ramblings

(Please note this is from September of 2011 - I just realized I never posted it!  Hopefully there aren't too many typos.  I did not check!)

Hello friends!

It's been two weeks since I've updated (oops!) and a busy two weeks it's been!  So... it's time for a recap!

David and I went to my parents' house over Labor Day weekend.  We always have a great time when we're with them.  They've recently retired and moved (permanently) to the lake.  David and I have visited a few times this summer, and it's really just such a neat place to relax.  My parents are about an hour and a half from Branson, so on that Saturday David and I took the opportunity to hit up the outlet malls -- Banana Republic was having a 40% off of EVERYTHING sale... so I couldn't resist!  About the time we got back to my parents' house, I had a text from my mom:  "Ham Swam!"  We couldn't believe it!!

If you've heard much about Hamilton... you know he's a water dog (a lab!) who is NOT fond of the water. We made a very large mistake of tossing him in the water when he was just itty bitty, and it did not go so well.  Earlier in this summer, we tossed him in off of the dock, and that didn't go so well either.  We decided after the second experience we were done trying to make him swim.  He'd splash around in the shallow water, but as far as picking his paws off the ground, he wasn't having it.  One weekend he got in the paddle boat with me, but would only get in and out from the shore.  We had just accepted the fact that we did not have a swimmer.

However, upon receiving the text from my mom, we had to check it out.  We immediately went down to the dock, and sure enough Hamilton had learned to swim.  My mom had decided that she was going to teach him, and spent two hours throwing sticks in the water until he would swim out to get them.  Needless to say, we were impressed and very proud of our furry baby.

In other recent news, our church community group has re-formed for fall, and we are excited.  We have an amazing group, and couldn't be more blessed.  We met last Saturday to watch the second Razorback game of the year, cook out and catch up.  David and I also went to our first rEcess session of the year last Friday and had a blast.  (There will be another post dedicated to rEcess at some point, but for now just know it's awesome.)  And of course Chicago Bears football has started with a win against the Atlanta Falcons... what a great game!

Today I got home from a mini work trip to Saint Louis.  My manager, partner and I went to visit a few customers, and we had a great time.  We even made time for a little shopping.  :)

This weekend is David's birthday, and I'm just so excited.  I can't wait to celebrate such a special person.

Back in the Groove

I am not even apologizing for how long it's been since I've blogged.  I do that way too much.  So I refuse.  I am recommitting myself yet again to blogging.  It may only last a week, but I'm doing it nonetheless.  :)

Life has not slowed down a single bit since my last post nearly three months ago.  Yes... nearly three months ago.  I think since it has been oh-so-long since I have posted, a quick highlight reel is necessary.

• David and I have a nephew - I think I have mentioned this - but his name is Will and he is awesome and just so cute.  We got to meet him at the end of March, and I really can't wait to see him again. 
• Hamilton had his second birthday.  We took him to the dog park along with his three best doggie friends - Manning, Wilson and Bella.  He had so much fun he laid down after about 10 minutes.
• I read the Hunger Games series.  I will blog about this.  
• The Fayetteville Farmers' Market opened in April and we have been three or four times.  Hamilton is a fan of pooping at the Farmers' Market.  Sometimes in the middle of a crowd.  We now carry biodegradable poo bags when we are going to the Market -- just in case.
• David and I are one of four couples competing in our very own Bachelorette Fantasy League.  We have "drafted" bachelors and gain points by all of the silly things they do on the show.  Very cheap entertainment and it's great to spend time with friends.  
• I took a trip to Nashville over Memorial Day weekend with my mom.  We went in search of a huge flea market.  Unfortunately, the flea market was a bust, so we filled the day with outlet mall shopping and going to the Grand Ole Opry!  On the way home, and in desperate need of Starbucks, I decided to utilize technology and route us there via iPhone.  We did find the nearest Starbucks, but sadly, it was inside the Nashville Airport.  Mickey D's it was!
• I got to hang out at the lake on Memorial Day with mom and dad.  Dad decided it was time to purchase a wave runner... so I had a lesson and took it out for a spin.  I don't have a great need for speed, so when David came to meet me on his way home from Indy, I insisted on driving the wave runner topping out just short of 30 miles per hour - and screaming the entire time.
• I finally caved and started reading Fifty Shades of Grey.  Oh. My.  I will not be blogging about this.
• David and I invited our friends James and Silvy and their two boys to the lake last weekend.  David does have a need for speed, and got the wave runner up to 50 miles per hour - without screaming.  It was so much fun!

Life on the Lake

It's only Wednesday, but I am looking forward to the weekend.  I am hoping it is full of relaxing, a trip to the Farmers' Market (hopefully sans poop), crafting time and maybe a little work around the house.

PS - If you would like to check out my inspiration and renewed love for blogging, look here to check out my friend Kelsie's blog about her two dogs.  Hysterical.