Paralegal Retreat

Holland & Hart's annual paralegal retreat was held in Boulder, Colorado in mid-September.  As always, the best part of our retreat is the opportunity for all of us Boise gals to get time out of the office and to get to know each other better, to relax and ... well, ok, to drink!

This year's retreat was held at the beautiful and historic Hotel Boulderado.

We had some free time to explore the downtown Boulder area - including the Pearl Street Mall.

We had great food -- and great drinks! -- and lots of laughs.

 

A Wedding In the Family

On September 6 I traveled to Colorado where I met up with Debbie, then we traveled to Sterling where we jumped in a car with Sandy, Michael, Emory and Dad to drive to Salina for Matt and Maddy's wedding.  It was a beautiful wedding at Salina's Masonic Temple.  

It was an absolutely beautiful Kansas evening -- perfect weather and a beautiful setting for pictures of the whole wedding party!

It was so great to have my family together.  I just don't get to see my brothers often enough.

And here we are doing our very best rendition of "Call Me Maybe!"

I was definitely in "Auntie Heaven" getting to see all my nieces and nephews (well, all but Adam... we missed having him there!) --- 

Jeff and Deb with their beautiful kids -- Olivia, Luke, Seth, Isaac, Josh & Peter.

My beautiful great niece, Sloane with Maddy ...

Olivia, Emory and the littlest Garretson -- Ledger!

Yep -- Auntie Heaven!!

Had a wonderful reception with a fantastic Mexican buffet and wonderful cake -- including an adorable Groom's Cake made by Jill -- a tribute to all the baseball teams Matt has played for.  It was a wonderful wedding and a true celebration.  Welcome to our family Maddy!

I knew her when....

On September 1, 2012, my friend Kellie Gilbert's debut novel, "Mother of Pearl" went on sale.  How exciting to see my friend's book on a table at Barnes & Noble, complete with a sign announcing her scheduled book signing!  Nancy and I wanted to go to the store on the day of the release to get her book.  It was thrilling.

A few days later, we had the opportunity to spend some time with Kellie.  We got to tell her how excited we are for her and she autographed our books.  My friend the author... Yep, I knew her when!!  Congrats, Kellie -- so very proud of you!!

Alyssa is a Junior!

It's unbelievable that my baby girl just started her junior year of high school.  I think it's because I so vividly remember my junior year -- That was the year that I think I finally figured out who I was.  I found my love of  theatre and as a result, I became more confident -- something that has enabled me to do public speaking, sing, lead organizations to this day.  All because of the growth I experienced when I was a junior -- and thanks to Frank Hunter -- my theatre teacher who saw something in me I didn't see in myself.  I look back at that year as a huge turning point in my life and now my daughter has reached that point in her life.  I wonder what experiences she will have this year that will change her and help her to become the woman she is destined to be.  I can't wait to watch it unfold.  But for now -- here she is on her first day of school -- and her first day driving to school!

August 2012

It's Official -- She's a Driver!!

On August 21, Alyssa got her driver's license.  She's one happy new driver!!

August 21, 2012

Alyssa Goes Horseback Riding

After we left the coast, we traveled to Eugene to spend some time with Shirley, Vic and Sherry and her family.  Sherry invited Alyssa to come out and do some riding on her horse, Sonny.  It was a beautiful day and a lot of fun for Alyssa to spend time with Sherry and to get to ride Sonny.  Even Uncle Vic got in on the act and spent some time in the saddle.

August 2012

Coast Vacation

In late July, Kevin, Alyssa and I traveled to the Oregon Coast for vacation.  We met up with Debbie, Dad, Sandy, Michael and Emory.  We rented a house in Warrenton and spent several days enjoying all the northern coast has to offer.

Our first scenic stop was meeting up with Sandy, Michael and Emory for lunch at Multnomah Falls where I took this cute picture of Emory and Alyssa.

We had a great time learning about the Lewis and Clark expedition at Fort Clatsop -- Adam and Tami drove over from Portland to spend the day with us.

We spent some time enjoying the beautiful views from Ecola State Park at Cannon Beach, and then enjoyed lunch at Mo's.  Yum!

Alyssa and Emory had a great time playing on the beach.

There was kite flying...

and horseback riding...

and collecting sand dollars -- a whole bucketful! ...

and beautiful sunsets.

All in all... it was perfect.

July 2012