Saturday, August 29, 2009

beauty at the ranch

Matt and I are by no means true photographers, but we still find pleasure in using a camera to remember what we've seen and enjoyed! So even though pictures will NEVER do justice to God's artistry, we hope that pictures we post now and then will be inspiration to worship Him more!







COWBOY MATT

We have a list of things that we want to do before we die...one of matt's was to learn to ride a horse. Last month he got that chance....and he had a great time!!!
The ranch was only about 1o mintues from our apartment.
He "rented" a horse for 3 days a week for a month. Her name was LUCY!
He learned the important things (i don't know the termonology), so that he could show up at anytime on his 3 days, get her ready, and go for a ride.
My Cowboy! :) I LOVE HIM!!!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Camping at Tahoe!

I finally got to see what everyone's been talking about...Tahoe Lake! Matt found a great camp site right between Tahoe and another smaller lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, where we spent last weekend. Here's some pictures...
Our morning visitor helping to clean the pan that didn't work too well for bacon...but GREAT for popcorn over the fire saturday night! A good S'Mores replacement since I can't have sugar!
There were random thunder clouds and storms coming through on Saturday, so instead of resting by the lake we decided to explore. Our favorite part of the trip was discovering this AWESOME place! Pictures don't do it justice. We could have spent all day here.The sun came out now and then and everything lit up! We climbed all over the rocks and played in the water!The colors don't show well in the pictures...bright oranges and reds.
We want to go back on a hot day and just hang out and sit in the pools of water!
Matt stuck his head in!
Next, we drove around Lake Tahoe. Here's Emerald Bay. Again, pictures can't capture the lake's size or beauty.
There's a little island you can see behind us. On the top of it stands a little "Tea House" that someone built years ago. There's also a castle down by the water that we weren't able to go see since it's only accesable by boat or climbing down. Flip-flops weren't good enough. :)
Even tho it was overcast, the lake was beautiful. We found a place to stop and enjoy what little sun was out...and matt was the first to brave the COLD water. I finally gave in as well! BRRRrrrr....but fun! We were both a bit freaked out by being able to see so deep in the water since it's so clear! It's a wierd feeling!
My first time in Nevada!! Welcome to Casinos!

The map!
We loved our campsite! Really nice...but next time we need company to join us!The "Bear Box" was new to me...we had to put all of our food in it at night to keep bears away. I was tempted to leave it open...cuz I've never SEEN a bear before!
Sunday was a bit warmer so we walked over to Fallen Leaf Lake to relax! It was also totally clear...but since it wasn't so HUGE it didn't have the "freaky" feeling while swimming...I think all the sea monsters are in Tahoe!
Our beautiful, fun day ended in a sad way...matt's ring fell off and sunk to the bottom. We looked for it for a long time since the water was so clear, but finally had to give up. So if you're ever there, just let us know if you find a ring! :)
The drive home was beautiful...again, pictures can't adequately show it...you'll have to come!
Now we're addicted and ready to go explore the next lake! There are tons...so let us know if you wanna join sometime!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

It was GLORIOUS!!!

VISITORS FROM OREGON!!! Our first were Eric and Kisha, who were on their way somewhere else, but took the time to stop and have dinner! We can't explain how great it was to see friends who feel like home to us! Thanks guys!
And next was MOM AND DAD BOERSMA, just a couple weeks ago!!! Perfect timing for a daughter who was starting to wilt from lack of Mother and Fatherly closeness!
It was fabulous to be walking home from work only to see mom and dad coming from the apartment!
We visited old town Folsom...little shops that drove dad and matt outside into the 105 degree heat, while mom and I looked for cute little birds!
We went to Folsom lake, just 10 minutes from our place. Enjoyed warm water and fun on air mattresses! It brought back memories for me (cheryl) of so many good memories with family on the lake growing up.
And an AMAZING house-warming gift that we will use and use and use! YUM!!! Thanks mom and dad!
Wish we had more pictures but I forgot to take them. I guess we need some more visitors!!


Life in Cali so far...

Her'e's a look into a few things we've been up to for the last couple months. We've especially enjoyed spending time with Matt's family.

I can't remember how to post pictures with captions next to them without deleting the pictures, so they will have to be here...in no particular order...

* We went to Matt's cousins wedding and got to hang out with MomO, Beth (his sister) and Nanna!
* Matt's sister, Beth, and bro-in-law, Bob, live about 5 minutes from us, so we get to spend lots of time with them and their kids, Zoe and Joshua. DadO also lives about 20 mintues away, so we're enjoying more time with him as well!
* Beth planned a "Matt's Birthday/Welcome to Folsom" party at the park! We got to hang out with more family and friends.