Winding up a fabulous summer

The kids start school in a week, so we've been wrapping up our summer fun. We took another trip up to the Eastern Sierras, to see the sites which are normally closed in the winter, particularly the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and the Devil's Postpile National Monument. We did a lot of hiking, huffing and puffing our way through very high elevations. We even gondola'd up to the summit of Mammoth Mountain. It was all very magnificent. We stayed at Tom's Place again, and this time came across some "wildlife" on our front porch - - scorpions, racoons, mice -- yes, it was quite "rustic"! I highly recommend this area for quick, or even long, getaways, and would love to do it with our group of friends. I might be able to entice some of them with the prospect of great fishing...

Friday night, we hung out with the newlyweds (Julie and Miles), and Jess and Malin, and Nancy, to celebrate all their August birthdays. Near the end of the evening, Jess casually mentioned that they would eventually be moving closer, and I was so excited the rest of the night. On the way home, I described to John how perfect it will be, to be an aunt and uncle and have access to our nieces and/or nephews on a regular basis, and started throwing out scenarios of "you guys go on and have a good night, let the kids stay with us!". He just looked at me funny.

Last night, we attended a small, intimate reunion of the St Bonaventura Class of 1982. It was extremely enjoyable, of course. Bobby and Nora sure know how to throw a party. Their new home is so conducive to outdoor entertaining, it is a fabulous party place. It was good to hang with the friends that know us so well. John and I had so much fun making mix cd's of music from the era (nothing newer than 1982). Here is my favorite photo of the night, compliments of Lori:
What a bunch of handsome, funny, loyal, bright, honorable men. God bless 'em! They all picked such wonderful wives, too! Go figure!