A few days

This last week has been quite busy, but incredibly fun. Last Thursday we did Hannah's baby shower for Sean on the way. Tina did a really cute job of setting tables up and baking tons of cupcakes, and Barb, Anna, Mom and I helped with prep and the games.

Me, Anna, and Hannah +Sean

We set up the chairs in a circle out side and we were all so thankful it was such a great temperature outside, not too hot and just enough shade. Tina read two very sweet poems and did a wonderful little devotion.After the games, which I thought were quite entertaining, we put all Hannah's gifts in a wagon mom and I found for her which I think ended up working really well to bring everything over. Baby boy stuff is always so cute, I think Sean will be a very adorably dressed, stylish little boy.Later that night the Takahashis treated us all to bowling. It was so much fun! Honestly, I'm a horrid bowler but at least I improved from a 44 to a 81:) I'm pretty sure the parents were in the high hundreds...

Nick enjoying the couch:) On Saturday we decided to go floating down the Swan River. We had one whole car just to carry all the tubes, I think we had 9, and another for all the people! We were a little worried that it would be too high, but it wasn't. It was actually safer than usual because you were less likely to hit rocks and booty bump, but the water was still, as normal, quite cold.Mitch and TinaUs all coming around the bend to the bridge.Later Saturday night we had everyone over for a lasagna dinner and played some frisbee. It was a great ending to the busy week we had had, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

There goes the groom.....

Well, my cousin Eric is officially wed! Honestly, I always knew he would end up getting married, I just never thought he would, if that makes any sense.... Despite my doubt, on July 23 in Plains, MT, Eric Underhill married Tara Mathers.

We left at 11:00 on Saturday to get down there by 2:00. It didn't take us as long as everyone said though, so we were really early. Oh well.

Hannah +Sean, Rachel, Anna, and me. Christian, Matthew (who was in the wedding), and Luke. Jay and Stacia did the sound.I felt bad for the men in the wedding party who were in black because it was sooooo hot out. We were all roasting in the pelting sun though, not just the party. At one point a cloud rolled in front of the sun and everyone gave an appreciative sigh, but just as quick as it came, it moved away. Haha, I got a really funny sandal and sweetheart tan.

Eric waiting for his bride to be.The wedding party.At the reception they had really yummy pulled pork sandwiches, fruit, and variegated salads. I was (along with everyone else) so glad to be in the shade after the ceremony and it took a good while before I was cooled down enough to even move.

Nick, Luke, Regent, and Christian at the table. The wedding was done in Western theme (no duh), and their colors were blue and brown, which is always a really lovely combo.

Eric and Tara cutting the cake.Ridge and Hannah.After the wedding we were all so fried that we stopped at the river on the way home. None of us actually went swimming, but we walked into to water up to our knees and splashed around. *nice* Overall, besides being really sweltering, it was a fantastic wedding. It went (as far as I know), really smoothly, and everyone looked great:)

Boldly going where no Meg had gone before...

Most of you probably didn't even know I was gone, but late last night I got back from my trip to Oregon and Washington. I went with Steven, his parents, Chet and Sheri, and sister, Lindsey who is 9, to visit with his family. We left Thursday around 3:30ish and took the 6-8 hour drive there. I think we made it in about 7. It was actually a really nice drive. At first boiling hot, but then it cooled down and then at one point even started pouring. We stayed at their grandparents house in Walla Walla Washington where I shared a room with Lindsey. The town is a Seventh Day Adventist town so it was different at times. Like for example they don't sell any meat in the stores and are closed on Saturday because that's their church day.

The next day we drove into Oregon to visit with Chet's parents. The country is really different out there. It's mostly wheat fields on rolling hills, and then some foliage here and there. There were so many little towns I don't really remember which ones we were in most the time so I'm not even going to try. *sorry* That evening we went to a park for a family get together/reunion. The park was really beautiful. Reminded me of a cross between Lawrance and Woodland. I met so much family I was a little overwhelmed, but I think I finally started to figure out who went to who. Everyone was really great and it was a privilege to be able to be there.

Saturday we went to the Caledonian Days in Athena, which is a Scottish fest. It goes for a few days in July and they have lots of games and vendors. We spent the whole day there and I met more family and friends of Steven. Sheri had her high school reunion that day too so we walked around the whole town, which didn't take too long. They had a Tattoo, in which they had bagpipers play and some people dance. It was really fun to watch and hear both the experienced and beginner players.

(sorry for the crummy pictures, they're from my phone) Each Scottish clan had their own table with their plaid. We spent alot of time in the park, and then some over at his friend Justin's house playing wii. I whupped everyone at sword fighting haha, but my arm still hurts for it..... :) Tartan ties anyone?

It was funny how many people were in kilts. I would estimate around 40-50 men alone. We didn't know if we would be coming home Sunday or Monday, but they decided to leave yesterday. So after visiting with some more family and dropping off Lindsey at her grandma's house to stay a few more days, we started the drive back. On the way we stopped at this chocolate factory which is the coolest store ever. It mostly sells chocolate, but they also have a huge selection of salsa, produce, ice cream, breads, gifts, amazing sandwiches, just about everything actually. I bought a bag of some really yummy chocolates and after trying just about every sample of fudge, split that with Steven too. Funny, I'm one of those people who if they offer free samples I take them up on it.

*Hint* people don't seem to mind letting you try a bazillion samples if you do it with a smile, laugh, and talk to them.

The rest of the trip back went by way to quick, and even though I'm glad to be home, I'm still sad the weekend is over. This was definitely a great trip that I will remember forever.

two down and one to go

So, not only was this probably one of my favorite 4th of Julys ever, but I also accomplished one of my New Year resolutions! What you may ask? If you remember I had three: first, I wanted to donate blood, second, make a lemon meringue pie, and third, ride on a four wheeler. A few months ago I gave blood, but that didn't turn out to well, and for the fourth I made two lemon meringue pies. I'm beginning to become a little worried about the whole 4 wheeling thing now, because those pies where, let's just say more like lemon pudding:) Although I do think for pudding they tasted pretty good.....At least I know how to fix them for next time: use a double broiler. We started out the day early in Bigfork to watch the parade. I have to say I missed not going for two years and was really excited to go. Steven came over to our house early and even though we were a good 45 min early, we still had to park aways away. Oh, well, the walk was worth it. Sorry I don't have any pictures of the parade, but we forgot the camera.

Oh, funny story.... The last car in the parade was throwing full sized candy bars quite generously and Luke and Steven both caught a few. But was 3 enough for Luke? Nope. So Luke chased the car the rest of the way having the guys on the car throw them at him. At one point I guess the guy told Luke that if he could catch up to the car, he would give him 5. He did. All in total Luke came home with 19 candy bars. Haha, my funny brother, but his insanity paid off in the long run (pun intended).

Steven brought over sooo many fireworks, and then James brought over a load too.

People started coming over to our house around 5:00 and I was really grateful it was such a wonderful temperature outside because in total we had around 39 people come over. Yup, quite the group.We had a BBQ dinner and lots of other goodies. I have to say I'm a bit of a watermelon addict:) We so seldom have it, and when we do only for the few short months of summer, so I love the fresh flavor. *yum*While waiting for it to darken up the boys (and girls), played various things. They even had a short lived game of soccer going. I found out I suck at soccer. It was sad to see, but we made up a pretty pathetic game of badminton too. I guess those muscles are still hibernating:)I think James and Steven were really excited for fireworks because we started them pretty early. They were really great though, we had just about everything you could think of, plus more.Some people tried out the stilts dad made for Luke but none were quite the master my brother was!Poor Cleo was sooooo terrified of the fireworks she hid in the van in the garage. We had to lock Shelby up too because she was barking at every "bang" she heard, which as you can imagine is quite annoying after the second firework.The boys put on a terrific show this year! Steven did an awesome job entertaining us all and even did a fantastic grand finale. You can't see too much in this picture, but if you look close you can just make out Luke, Steven, Christian, and Matthew about ready to do some pyromaniac endeavor.

*sigh* It was such a great day. I was never bored and I do think that this was my favorite fourth ever. I highly doubt that I will ever have a fourth that will live up to this one: Great day with Steven, great parade, great afternoon, great evening, great fireworks, and overall just a great time with everyone I love.

I feel like any culturing I once had, is now tainted.

*warning: this post contains pictures of dirty mountain people having fun*

Yesterday my brother had a mountain man muzzle loading rendezvous in Marion. We went as a family, and I have so say I was surprised how much fun it actually was. The era was set in 1840'a and although costumes were not mandatory, would I still be me if I let a good dress up opportunity pass me by?

We got there around 9ish and Luke and Christian went straight to the black powder rifle shoot. I don't know too much about it, but I think they both did quite well. The guns are really loud, but if they had a lot of kick, the boys sure didn't let us know. That lasted a good hour and a half, and then (Luke shooting his gun)(Christian shooting his gun. They actually forgot to bring Christian's gun, so I think he was a little bummed, because he had to use one that he wasn't used to)

The next activity was knife and hawk throwing. They had 21 different stumps to throw both their knife and tomahawk at. Some were really hard; like moving targets, through trees, etc. This was more interesting to watch in my opinion than the rifle. They let me try to throw some and honestly I stunk at it. The men there said I threw like a girl and I never once got either to stick. I would show a picture but it's too embarrassing:) Here is Tina Vestal and my mom. I think they both had a lot of fun. They both love to camp and were enamored with all the primitive doohickeys. After lunch the boys had black powder pistol shooting. Again I think they both did good. They had to hit various targets like skunks, frogs, bears, poles, and coils. When the boys were finished they asked If I wanted to try. I had previously stated that If I was to take a liking to any of the three things thus far I would be most inclined to try the pistol. They laughed at me and said that it was the hardest but let me try anyways. Guess, what... I hit the target dead on, first time ever. Needless to say, I was happy . Because the boys had finished all the activities for the day we had a few hours of free time to do whatever. For the moms that meant taking a walk, for dad, a nap, the boys, I think did some archery, and I sat around the camp talking with some of the older men there.Later that night after a potluck dinner they had some contests around the campfire. The first of which was fire starting. Both the boys tried and had a respectable time of both around 40 seconds, it was their first time ever. I think the winning time was around 5-6 seconds.They also had woman's games, which was a rolling pin throwing contest, Tina and I tied for first, and a frying pan throwing contest, Mom won that, (better not get on my family's bad side). It was fun and they had prizes too. (Luke and I)

For a grand conclusion on the day, they had a story telling contest. Some of the guys had great tall tails to tell. Mom practically forced me to tell a story myself and even though it was pretty pathetic (I was not happy to be doing it) They decided I won (I think just to be nice) and I felt bad for doing such a bad job. Oh, well, I learned my lesson.

Overall, it was a really fun looooong day. They have a few every year and I think I might just go next year.

Techno Man Grandpa

I thought when my classes had finished at the college I would have free time. Like I might actually be bored or something. I was wrong. Music Theory was less work than being home. It's amazing how much effort the house takes just to survive, honestly I had forgotten just how much time everything takes to do. Last Wednesday we celebrated my grandpa's 90th birthday! It was great; Darlene and Wayne wanted to talk to him on Skype and he did. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks! They even sung happy birthday to him and watched him blow out the candles.

Not too much else is new. Luke has a mountain man thing this weekend, so I sewed Luke and Christian a Capote (which is a wool jacket) and I got all my grades in for the semester 4.0, YEAH!!!

I filmed myself signing my ASL song that I did for class and I thought it was so funny I would share it with you all. Don't judge please, I know my dancing sucks!

A Pictureless Post

I thought I would do a nice Christmas post like I normally do for holidays, but for some reason we didn't take one picture! This is very unusual for us, but I'll post on it anyway.

On Christmas Eve we went to a service at a Church we were trying with the Underhills and Cunninghams. It was fine, nothing great, but defiantly not bad in anyway. Later that evening the Underhills, James and Stacia, and Tina and Christian came over for a snackish dinner, games, and to exchange gifts. I think we all had a good time, it wasn't a big shindig or anything, it was pretty low key, but still really enjoyable.

On Christmas morning we had a nice family time. Just doing what we always do: bumming around in our pajamas until it was getting close to the time when people might start coming over. My dad went to get Grandma and Grandpa, we all took showers and got ready, and the Underhills came over again and we had a Lunch/ Christmas dinner. We didn't do as much as we normally do as food goes, but we were all still stuffed by the time dessert came around. Mitch and I played on the WII for around an hour and a half, which actually was a feat to try to pry the boys hands off the remotes. I think we must have looked funny flinging our arms around and getting a little competitive (I beat him at sword fighting!). Hannah and Ridge and the Tina/Kathi bunch came over later and we had more dessert, talked, and played games.

Sorry if this was boring especially without pictures, but like I have said before I use my blog for more like my personal journal so I can look back and see what I was doing at that time in my life.

79-61

For my birthday I only had one request, I wanted to make myself a cheesecake. So I found two recipes that sounded great. The first one was for a generic cheesecake with a ginger crust with chocolate chips in it and a cream topping. The second was for a pumpkin cheesecake also with a ginger crust. Well, after seeking many opinions and getting mixed answers I finally decided just to make both. Enough people were coming over to need two anyway. So on Tuesday I got the ingredients I needed and went to work. For me cooking and baking isn't a chore, it's how I relax. Like when I got my wisdom teeth out all I wanted to do was make dinner, or if I'm not having a good day the way I calm myself down is through stirring anything over the stove. I could saute or stir forever. Anyhow, I made the first one well, first. It went together pretty easy, I even baked it in the water bath like it said (which I was worried about). Next I made the pumpkin one which came together much more simply than the first. They both cracked down the middle which I was disappointed about. If any of you know how to get a cheesecake not to crack please tell me. So when they were both cooled I stuck them in the fridge for the night.

Yesterday, I had to go to town to register for my next semester classes. When mom and I got to the college we were supposed to meet Brian Bechtold, but he had gone to the cafeteria for lunch. So most of you know my mom, so of course we had to walk over to the cafeteria, not wait. We get there and I see him finishing his lunch, mom said to go over to him. So after the hushed "no" "yes" "but" "just go" that I'm sure everyone has done at some point in their life, I finally lost and walked over.

"Are you Brian Bechtold?" I asked.

"I depends on why you ask, what's your question?"

"Well, um, I don't really have a question, um, you are my advisor, um, and I came to register, um and they said you were here, and um, I'm sorry to bother you, but..."

I think is the first time I got the you have no clue what your doing stare.

He was mostly done eating so we walked over to the AT building. He asked me what my plans were and I think he quickly determined that I had none. I did know what classes I wanted to take so when we sat down at his computer I had a huge shock. I only go into town Monday and Wednesday and so far my schedule has been working out great. So when we saw that sometime between Monday and Wednesday they had switched ASL to T, TH, I was floored. After some mumbling and just being so shocked, mom and I went to find a computer that we could figure out how to make this all work. I absolutely wanted to do ASL so I had to work everything around it, which wasn't easy. Right now I'm signed up for Music Theory II on Monday (which is going to be difficult considering it's my only class on Monday) Intro to Fiction (which sounds horribly dreadful, but I need the credit), ASL, and then Public Speaking (which I'm actually looking forward to, because my speaking skills are lacking:). Later in April, I'm taking a Field botany class that last two weeks. I'm really looking forward to this class, and the class is already completely full.

So after all this, we got home around 4ish, Hannah came over around a half an hour later. I made dinner (Puttanesca sauce, yum..) Grandma and grandpa, James and Stacia, Dad, and Rachel, all got here around 5:30ish and we ate a little bit later.

The Underhills, Ridge, Kathi, and the Vestals came around 6:30 and we had cheesecake. I'm glad I made two because we ate almost all of them, The first one, in my opinion, was better, but not by much, and the pumpkin one was really yummy also.

OK, funny story. Mom couldn't find an eight candle, so being the math brain she is, I was 79-61. I think this was probably a first ever. James, Ridge, and Eric, who graced us with his presence.And how could I not end this post but with a horribly unflattering picture of me at my eighteenth birthday party.