Crater Lake

It's been awhile since we've been to Crater Lake, so we took a day trip today and went for my birthday. We had a nice picnic lunch and enjoyed the views. It was a beautiful day, the weather was perfect.

Summer fun

some misc. summer pics.

Dusty's new job

Congratulations to Dusty on accepting a position as a Firefighter, right here in Klamath Falls!

It has been a long time coming and we are so proud of him! It was never a matter of skill, as he demonstrated by ranking 3rd out of 60 applicants (even beating out Medford and Grants Pass experienced firefighters) just a matter of timing. Dusty also ranked in the top 10 for the Grants Pass fire dist. twice, being offered a job there last year and turning it down since our ultimate goal was to be here in Klamath...and patience paid off!

Like myself with my mom and teaching, he never wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps and be a firefighter so he went into Engineering. Sometimes, however, it is like there is something pulling you towards a career and deep down you know you are perfect for it and should be in that field. The same thing happened to me with teaching.

I think there is something very rewarding and fulfilling about having done and experienced different careers before settling in on one though. Your eyes are open and you are much more well rounded then if you just started out in the one career and it's all you've ever known. I think you also get your priorities straight and see what really matters in life, yes a career is an important part of your life, but it isn't everything. We are also both very fortunate to have experienced college life and graduated with Bachelor and Master's Degrees as well. These are something we will always have to fall back on and give us options if we choose.

Here's to Dusty! Cheers!

Cousin Ryder Turns 1!

Dusty, Ayla & I (and the scotties) went to Bend to join the family for Ryder's very first birthday party. I can't believe my sister has a one year old already! Time flies...it seems like just yesterday that mom and I were jumping in the car and driving up to Bend when Sary was in labor with him. I kept having to tell my mom to slow down or we would get a ticket, we were both so excited to get there for his birth! We had a great day, the kids played and Richard cooked us all up some of his favorite dishes while we were there (his chef training sure comes in handy, we all get to enjoy the benefits!). Sarah made Ryder's birthday cakes and they were yummy (of course he got his very own)! How fun, I can't wait for Ayla's first birthday in Nov!