People need a passport to come down here...

First of all -- my sister is the new national representative for Distinguished Young Women (formerly known as America's Junior Miss)! Stories here, here, here, video here. (I can't help myself -- it's like a unstoppable rebel force of brag-i-ness that I know will only be eclipsed someday by my own children)

Congratulations Madison!

Needless to say, my family and I had a great time in Alabama last week -- despite the heat, the quasi-beach cleanup, and the US World Cup loss. We were so proud of Madison on the first day of competition - simply because she had gained so much from the experience by meeting new friends, stretching herself and generally benefiting from the best the program had to offer.

She would have been happy to come home with empty arms and two weeks full of memories - its a tribute to her that she was able to accept this honor and new adventure with as much enthusiasm and grace.

Here are some other pictures from fun stuff over the past few weeks. I have been flitting from Idaho to Utah and back for work and play. The only constant seems to be my ever growing belly and appetite.

Showing off my new skirt I made (I couldn't stomach paying $$ for a simple cotton skirt with an elastic waistband, I was just happy they're back in style).

Madi's graduation.

My beautiful backyard...Hayden Lake looks great in rain...

Or shine.

Dressing up like hippies for the farmers market. Don't you dress up for Saturday errands?

Amazing costumes from the Mardi Gras Costume Museum in Mobile, AL. They are insane. Especially when one considers that Mardi Gras usually connotes people taking off clothes...not doing a Quasimodo-like stagger to carry their massive jewel-encrusted weight across the floor.

Enjoying some HOT Alabama sun at our Mobile pool. The pool was more like a bidet than a Olympic regulation size, but I did get a few laps in -- that is until my swim cap flew off my giant noggin. This shouldn't come as a surprise, but I am not the only one in my family who struggles with a giant head -- or ill-fitting swim caps.

Here's to a great start to summer!

Ironman and family

2.4 mile swim.

The Leonard Ironman groupies! Team B-L-A-S-T (Barnes, Leonard Astine Support Team)!

112 mile bike.

26 mile marathon run.

I am so proud of my little brother - he did awesome! Trey...you are an Ironman!!

Cathie and I going out on the town - nothing like bar-hopping Sherman to bring some HS memories back. Along with half of your high school classmates.

Went to Hannah Banana's dance performance -which was sweet! Seven dances later (and those were just the ones SHE was in...I felt ready to bust a move as well.)

Look at those legs in their Chorus Line number??! Amazing..not a whole bunch of people who can look good in high cut gold spandex, I tell you what.

The Summer of Coeur d'Alene

Madison and I on a hike on a overnight trip to our Schweitzer cabin.

I chose to channel Julie Andrews in Sound of Music at this particular moment. I think it worked, albeit more hair and less Nazis skulking about.

Michael wakeboarding on his new board--Happy Anniversary/Birthday. The size of the bindings...Magnum. Didn't even know that was a size...sounds like something from an Austin Powers movie.

My back from Brazil RM brother Trey "surfing" behing the boat with my Dad's latest water gadget. Trey is undoubtedly the best surfer in the family, although having Mike as the amazing-movable fat sac certainly doesn't hurt.

My good high school BF Cathie's wedding in Boise on August 9, 2008.



The rest of the Fabulous Foursome from high school, my friends Grete and Emily. We were nostalgic about our HS memories...when we debated, vandalized, ate amazing amounts of ice cream at Dockside and once stole a penguin from a teacher's yard. Life was good.



The sunset view from the reception site.

The wedding site, St. Mark's.

My little sisters getting to ready to go out on the boat (Madi had straightened her hair the night before and opted to wear a snazy swimcap so as to not get her hair wet while wakeboarding). And apparently Madison is eating Hannah.

Me on a friend's jetski.

Mike--he did a bit more submarining on his ride...but did you expect anything less?

My little sis Hannah and I getting ready to wor---I mean---eat, Costco's amazing chocolate cake. Apparently, they call it the Holy Grail. Amen indeed. Pretty much the whole cake disappeared under our evening-out of edges.

My Mom and I took a side trip to Jackson Hole to see our cousin Mallory perform. On our day out we took a ride up the mountain that abutts the main town.


We also sucessfully found our cousin (lured into her saloon by her southern yodeling) and watched her cheese-it-up at the evening shootout.

It was wonderful to see Mallory and to take our time in driving back to Utah. Since Michael was still in CDA helping out with a kiteboarding clinic for friends, I ended up getting some quality time with my madre.

Being home was wonderful--simply without words. While shuffling family traditions/recreation activities/outings isn't always easy between two highly possessive families, it was a good problem to have. Much love to everyone we were able to see and those who we will have to catch on the flip side.