Lately

We went to the mountains with Chad's family at the very end of June, driving back to K-Town on the 4th of July.  The vacation was wonderfully relaxing.  My favorite part were the days when there was absolutely nothing on the agenda.  I liked having the opportunity to laze about, particularly because that meant eating lots of delicious food that wasn't good for me.  While we were in the metropolis of West Jefferson in the North Carolina hills, we enjoyed numerous activities, such as . . .

 1.  Lots and Lots of Card Games

It is a bit of a joke how much I really cannot remember how to play games.  No matter how many times we play SCUM, I still have to have a refresher course before we play every time.  My sister, Meredith, is the Queen of games and always teaches us something new to play.  This eclectic sampling of casino cards were the remnants of one such game:  Hand and Foot.

2.  Gem Mining 

Last time we went mining, I found an emerald.  This time, I found a garnet. 

3.  Eating Excellent Mexican Food

Despite its deliciousness, I've got to say it didn't hold a candle to the Inca of my youth.  My mouth is watering right now thinking about savoring a huge platter of arroz con pollo.  Having said that, the restaurant where we did eat was probably the best Mexican food I've had since leaving good old Moses Lake.

4.  The Christmas in July Festival

I'm not exactly sure where the "Christmas" part came in, since the only really festive thing I saw was an insane 80 year old man wearing elfish attire not fit for 90+ degree weather and playing Christmas songs on an accordion.  Even so, it was fun to wander through the craft booths, sip the not-so-freshly squeezed lemonade, and partake of the small town atmosphere. 

5.  Appearing in Un-Flattering Photographs

There's nothing that can increase a girl's self esteem like looking at pictures of herself in water shoes and a swimsuit at 35+ weeks pregnant. 

When we returned from the mountains, there were more mountains waiting for us:  mountains of fresh produce from Bruce and Joy's garden. 

My father-in-law has made it pretty clear that this bounteous spread will be a one-year-wonder.  What was supposed to be a family project has really become his full time project, and for that I am very sorry.  I keep hoping, however, that he will change his mind.  He's just so darn good at it! 

And in other news, lest we forget that I am huge and pregnant, here I am, looking strikingly lovely at 37 weeks: