From Kelly:
I hope you are all enjoying your summers and the heat. I decided to try to make it without a/c the last couple of days and I succeeded for one night! It's been hot out. . . Well, here's some of what's been going on with us:
One of the biggest things we've done recently was take a trip up to Wyoming over the 4th of July weekend. My dad and stepmom have two houses there on a single lot and so we go up once a year to visit and relax in the slower pace of life in Saratoga. We headed up on Thursday night and arrived late so we went straight to bed in the "guest house". The next morning we woke up early only to find it was raining. Our plan had been to float the river and we decided that we were tough enough to handle it in the rain, so Mike, my dad and I headed on out. The river ride was great. We saw pelicans, bald eagles, deer, and lots of ducks. While I spent my time watching the wildlife and enjoying the scenery, Mike was busy reeling in the fish. He caught six fish, the largest of which was a 15.5" trout. We decided not to keep his fish, though, because none were really weighty enough, so we released everything he caught.
After the boat ride, we went to the lake to take the big(ger) fishing boat for a spin on Lake Saratoga. Our main goal was just to make sure it was going to be able to make the trip to the reservoir the next day, so when we got out to the lake we just made a few speedy circles and came back in to the dock. Mike got to drive the boat, which he really enjoyed and I just enjoyed going fast! That evening, we met up with some of dad and Crystal's friends for happy hour at the American Legion and then headed down the street for some prime rib/salmon at the best place to eat in town.
On Saturday, my dad managed to get me out of bed by 5:45am and into the car by 6am to go to Seminole Reservoir. I slept for most of the 60-mile drive and when I woke up, we plopped the boat out on the reservoir and drove around looking for a good spot to fish. This time I had decided to try fishing a little so I did the hard work of letting my dad set up my fishing line and then putting my pole in the holder for me and then I sat next to it and waited for my bite. I didnt have to wait long for a 16.5" trout to grab the hook. I reeled him in and was very proud of all my "sitting there watching the pole" efforts! We decided to keep him and so we strung him on a line behind the boat. He didn't end up making it there long, though, because we later sped away to another spot on the lake and forgot about him. He was long gone by the time we stopped to check. Oh well. . . Mike wasn't having much luck, so we decided to head near the shore and try a more practical way of fishing-- shooting Carp with a bow and arrow. Mike and dad had a great time taking shots at the unsuspecting carp and it was pretty entertaining to try to find them and then watch as the guys tried to get the perfect angle. My dad eventually hit one. It was a huge, 5-lb carp that thrashed like crazy when the arrow hit it right in the back. When dad pulled it into the boat, though, I had to spit my sandwich into the water because I was so grossed out by the fish that I thought I was going to throw up. It was a disgusting sight!
That afternoon we headed back into town and went downtown to participate in the 4th of July festivities. There was a band and car show at the American Legion so we checked all of that out and then went to a local bar for a drink when it started raining. After dinner, we drove up a hill just outside of town and had the perfect view of the fireworks show. Mike and I sat (freezing) on the tailgate and enjoyed ooing and ahhing at the spectacle.
We headed home early on Sunday because Monday morning Mike headed out to DC. So, this week I've been a DC-widow. Because of our schedules, we weren't even really able to talk while he was gone, so that was upsetting, but I had a fun week regardless. Monday night I went to dinner with Beth and Lindsey, which was nice because Lindsey is living closer now, so it's easier to facilitate getting together than when she was in Ft. Collins. Tuesday I had Bible Study. We are doing a Beth Moore study on Daniel and I am REALLY liking it. It has already helped me handle some work situations. Last night we had a kickball game. Since Mike was out, I took over captain duties, which was kind of fun. We ended up coming back from a score of 0 to 5 to win the game 9 to 6. It was an awesome victory!
So, that's what's been going on with this branch of the Nishis. Tonight we are going to dinner with my cousin Andy and his grandma and aunt (my dad's aunt and cousin). I am really excited to see them since it's been so long since we've caught up with one another. We are also super excited to be expecting a new nephew this November! And are headed out to Ben and Nicole's wedding in Napa Valley next Thursday.
I hope your summer is going well and that you are keeping cool. Be sure to update us on what's been going on with you!
