All the Joys of July

There are 31 days in JULY and each one was filled with JOY! The main reason is because our house/city has been full of some of our favorite people.

. . .Over the fourth of July, our dear friends Mel and Brandon stayed with us. They have been teaching in Hungary for the past year and we missed them greatly. We had a wonderful time catching up, laughing, and showing them our favorite places (which included the coast, fireworks at lake oswego, hot stone pedicures, and of course some good eats). Our hearts were filled with joy to reunite with these life-long friends.

. . .Next up, one of my friend's since childhood-Heather- got married in Portland. Our whole high school crew was in town for the week of the wedding. From the bachelorette party to the last minutes of the wedding reception-it was a blast celebrating together. We've not all been together for years- so this was a very joyful occasion remembering old times and catching each other up on our current lives!

. . .The night of the wedding my brother Zach and his wife Laura flew into Portland. My parents were also in town. We spent the next 4 days as a family going here there and everywhere. Shopping, golf, dessert, wine tasting, and rook were some of the high points. We were all stuffed into our condo-pete and I even camped in our living room (which was pretty hilarious)! The greatest joy of this visit was anticipating and discussing Zach and Laura's baby girl who is due December 1st. We are a proud aunt and uncle already!

. . .Last, but not least our San Diego friends Bill and Amanda came out for my birthday at the end of July. It was thrilling having them here to celebrate. We did a kayak tour and ate delicious thai food. Then we ventured to the gorge for a three day camping adventure with our dear friends Forest and Ashley. The six of us had a blast and even endured a thunder and lightening storm while camping. I felt complete joy when the six of us did a hike to a beautiful waterfall together. It was awesome.

There is nothing like having close friends and family visit. It has made this summer more than memorable. I cherish every minute of time with the ones I love. It makes our home feel even more "homey" when we house the people who make life more beautiful! SO thank-you to all our special visitors. You are all welcome back to Portland ANY time!