4th of July Camping

For the 4th of July T and I decided to go camping just the two of us (and the pups of course)! As much as I love camping with a big group - I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE camping with just my honey! It is 10 x's more relaxed and my idea of a great get away! I love spending time with Tren!

Deisel and Roxy were so excited to go!

I love that Tren knows every mountain range. He has tons of great camping spots! (The one perk of being married to a hunter) I love finding some random place in the mountains and setting up camp -- forget campgrounds where you are close to other camps -- dry camping is much more fun! We found a gorgeous spot with lots of shade, by a creek and where the dogs could just run!

Tren took us to this little resevoir! It was GORGEOUS! Even better, hardly anyone was there!

The dogs had so much fun playing in the water! Deisel was a little unsure at first, but he warmed up to the idea pretty quick. (some water dog he is!)
So I thought instead of taking the long way back, we would go through a 'short cut' -- bad idea! I was shin deep in the mud! It smelled awful - T got a few good pictures and laughs!

Family picture! I have no idea what the dogs are looking at!

Tren working on some training with Deisel....one day, he hopes to take Deisel duck hunting.

Catching up on some reading! Sometimes I miss my 3 day work week when I had time to do things I love... such as reading!

Roxy being a princess... and Deisel being a typical puppy -- Chewing on EVERYTHING!

Breakfast the next morning! It was pouring rain and pretty chilly but that didn't stop Tren from making his usual amazing breakfast! I love it!

Packing up and heading home a day early! We were hoping the rain would stop but no luck! It was super fun while it lasted!

G & G Nelson

A couple weeks ago, we were able to have a BIG get together with a lot of my dad's side of the family. Several of his brother's were in town and it was SOOOOO much fun getting to see them and their kids which have grown up SO stinkin fast.

The best part was getting to sit and talk with my grandparents - two of the MOST amazing people I know. I hope and pray that one day, Tren and I will be just like them!

Here is my sweet dad with his parents!

Brandall, Grandma, Dad and Me

Beijing

Sorry, more China pictures!

I had to put this picture on... we had a layover in Tokyo -- I bought my favorite candy bar... kit kat -- yep, there isn't anything wrong with the picture - my candy bar was green and it didn't taste right LOL

Hands down, Beijing was my all time favorite city! We went to the neatest places. We got to see where the Olympics were going to be held and the city was gorgeous not to mention the shopping was GREAT! This was our view outside the hotel! All of us at Ming Tomb in Beijing Hungry anyone??

I loved the shopping! A lot of times, they would make the craft you wanted to buy right in front of you! I can not even tell you how talented some of these chinese people were!

We went a year before the 2008 Olympics. They were just getting everything ready! Here is a sign they had started contructing for those visiting the Great Wall.

Being up on the Great Wall of China was surreal! I couldn't believe I was there! It had the most breath taking views! Isn't it gorgeous!?!

I love these women! They were hilarious! They were attempting to ride the hand railing down the Great Wall!

Having a blast on the Great Wall of China

Lots of people wanted pictures with the 'Americans' - I was able to get this kiddo's mom to take a picture with my camera too. He felt so special! What a cute kid!

This is considered a parking lot

Taxi anyone???

We got to go see how they make pearl jewelry! Super fun!

Not uncommon to see this....

Or this

This was our first hotel! Me and Teri were sharing a room.. she started busting up laughing and told me to take a closer look at our night stand....

Yep, it's condoms and it says in a variety of languages - Love life Refuse Aids.

So thoughtful!!! :)

I had to get a picture! So like I said, most everyone rides bikes or scooters in China. Women shield their skin from the sun (especially their face) because over there the lighter your skin is, the higher up in society you are thought to be. (usually feild workers have really dark skin) It cracked me up the masks they would wear!

This huge Buddha was right outside our hotel!

I love this picture! This little guy was so cute!

This is how everyone sits over in China (minus the umbrella and flag of course) - young or old, everyone is squatting. (and smoking)

Another Palace in Beijing! This one was HUGE!! So huge, we lost my grandma here! I was a little panicked at the time! LOL But it's hilarious now when we talk about it!

My sweet Aunt Frances and I at one of the Chinese shows
One of the Chinese shows we were fortunate enough to attend. These guys were so fun to watch. I loved every show we were able to go to!