Chats in High Places

Russell and I have gone on quite a few hikes this summer. We've been up in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyon and Millcreek Canyon. We also hiked Ensign Peak and are looking forward to climbing Timp when more snow melts.

Every time we hike, we have lots of time to talk. We share dreams, plans, ideas, and funny memories. I love that it's just me and him and nature.

On our recent hike of White Pine Lake, we got so far up that we were tromping through snow and ice. There was such a runoff that most of the trail was covered in water so our feet were muddy and wet and cold. Also I swallowed a whole Life Saver and fell down a lot. Amid my angry outbursts and tears (which Russell handled with kindness and understanding), we had some good conversation. We talked about the worst possible situation we could find ourselves in.

Here's mine: stuck in an elevator with Charlie Sheen and Michael Moore. Covered in a painful sunburn. The floor is littered with writhing snakes and I have no chapstick.

Here's Russell's: stuck in a fabric store. Pine needles and long hair constantly swiping across his face. There's no windows and it's sweating hot. Some giant Celtic woman is dancing around the aisles and playing the panflute.

After that, we started listing topics we always find hilarious:
Segways
Toupees
The word "wet-nurse"
Brass instruments - especially the tuba and French horn
Poop jokes
Medieval times
Jar Jar Binks
Yanni
Anything from What's Up Doc? or It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
Dwight Schrute
Pets that have real people names like Adam or Megan or Trevor

There's lots more, but there was only so much time to for us to chitchat between my crying about the Life Saver lodged in my throat and swearing that I'd never climb a mountain again. I guess I can be a bit dramatic at times.

Couples Retreat

Last week, Russ and I had one of the best weekends ever at a friend's cabin at Bear Lake.

I seriously can't believe how much fun it was.

My Favorite Video Ever

Remember how much I love Corgis?

The City

Our apartment contract is up next month. 

Since we're not sure if we'll stay in the city, we decided to walk down the street and experience Temple Square. 

We felt sort of nerdy, but it turned out to be quite fun.

We ate at the Lion House Pantry and it was delicious.

We went to the top of the Church Office Building and enjoyed the view.

Then we went and took a tour of the Conference Center. 

Did you know there is a garden on the roof? I didn't.

We love Salt Lake City and although we were drenched in sweat as we walked around, we had a great time.

Grandpa Frayne

My Grandpa Frayne passed away on Fathers' Day. 

When I was little, he'd come to my house every morning to spend time with me.

He taught me all kinds of silly songs that I loved to sing with him.

He'd wrap a pillow around the bar of his bike and we'd ride together over the "clink-clinks."

He took me to the park and we rode on the "white lamb" and the "brown dog."

He never missed one of my piano recitals school plays or choir concerts.

When I was at BYU, he came and went bowling with me.

Before I left on my study abroad, he said, "Now, don't get mixed up with Pierre or Jean-Claude."

He'd always say, "What kind of a kid are you?" and I'd always say, "Just Aub."

I felt so special and loved by him, even though he had 24 other grandchildren.

He made me want to be kinder and more gentle.

I adore my Grandpa and I miss him terribly.

I'm thankful for the knowledge I have that I will see him again.

The End

Yesterday was the last day of school.

My classroom is scrubbed clean and completely empty. My voice echoes in it.

I cried as all the ninth graders raced out of the building into the sunshine, never to come back.

This year was full of new experiences, some horrible and some delightful.

I already have big plans for how to make my second year a million times better than my first.

Some jewels from my yearbook:

"Madame Lee! You are my role model and I love you."

"I'm sorry I was so loud and disruptive, but I think it was for the best."

"Thanks for all the funny stories. My favorite was when you told about throwing up in the Frankfurt airport, or maybe Russell choking on his wedding ring."

"You are my favorite teacher with your hair and your clothes and your fun attitude."

"I will miss you next year. You are my favorit teacher in the skool."

"Thank you for not taking away my iPod. Have fun this summer with stupid Russell."

What's next for me?

I will spend this summer jogging, laying by the pool, reading, and maybe a little cooking.

It's going to be glorious.

Gabe + Ellen

Russell's best friend Gabe got married on June 1st. 

To one of the most awesome girls I've ever met.

Gabe and Ellen completely deserve each other.

This day meant as much to us as it did to them.