Wow To This Weekend

Yay for next weekend! But before we get there, let's review this last weekend. So, we decided we wanted to go on a hike. We really like trying new hikes even though we've found some that we love. Jacob told me about a hike I've heard a lot about, Table Rock. What he didn't tell me was it's difficulty level. I'm actually quite glad I went unaware, otherwise I might have not gone.

This is Table Rock, in all it's granduer and majesty and difficulty.... ok ok, this is just a mountain view we had from our trail.

THat is table rock (designated by the tiny red arrow). So it doesn't seem that difficult, but it really was. In fact, the view you see from here is from where we decided we had had enough. This hike takes a typical person 4 hours up and 4 hours back and takes them up 4,000 feet of elevation. I enjoyed the hike, but it was pretty grueling, definitely the hardest hike I've ever undertaken. I loved it though, pushing myself past my limits and I told Jacob we'd do it again two weekend from now.

No, I wasn't naked in this picture. I had a pretty good laugh at it though. I had a tank top on which I had only removed my over top for a bit of the climb to release some heat and of course got caught in the picture. After going steadily up for 3 hours, we hit a patch that was pretty tough, basically going right up the mountain. We decided after that hike, we'd call it a day and we were glad we did because of the spectacular views.

We were also glad we called it quites the day after, I could hardly walk. Jacob took it just fine though. It was the elevation that put a stop in his step.

We were constantly confronted by beautiful streams and tiny falls. Nothing can compare to the beauty we found at Kilgore though, I was spoiled by that trip.


We always take time to sit and enjoy nature, one of our favorite aspects of hiking.

You could definitely tell it's fall out there. Half depressing and half wonderful, these fields were like nothing I had experienced coming from a place where nothings supposed to change color.


After the hike, we got home and decided to undertake an oil change. Neither of us had ever done an oil change, but it can't be too hard right? After both of us trying about six times each to un-do the cap underneath the car, we had to go buy a wrench. After getting it off, I ended up spilling oil out of the oil pan. Then we couldn't get the oil filter out and now we have to buy a special thing to get that off too. Overall, a much more expensive and time consuming project than I had originally thought. I'll think twice before trying that one again.

Check This OUt

We're back. I think everyone deserves an explanation to why I haven't updated our blog. I accidently threw Jacob's camera off of a cliff while hiking and had to wait for a replacement. Pictures make up 70% of my blog entries in length and 98% of the entertainment and intrigue.

I have to say that the last month and a 1/2 has been one of the most entertaining month and a 1/2's of my entire life. We spent three weeks with Jacob's family in Tacoma and then two weeks with my family in Naples. In Tacoma, we had a fabulous reception thanks to everone. TUrns out Jacob has some ridiculously talented sisters too. We got to clean a bunch and organize things which is something I actually enjoy quite a bit. We visited Mt. Rainier with the parents and played guitar hero with the Shumates. We jumped in the bounce house and ate popcorn and cotton candy at the Dooleys and then watched movies and ate good food with the Chandlers. Not to mention the lake and picking black berries. Overall, a good time, the best of times.

After Washington, we made our way over to Florida to celebrate the wedding of Layna and Tony. It was a wonderful celebration and the reception turned out great! Sadly, my time with Layna was short lived, but I was made happy again knowing she was happily starting her life with her man. Jacob and I went to the Keys with the parents and had such a neat time. We stopped at Skunk Ape, ate at one of the best authentic Mexican restaurants, stayed at the Hilton Beach Resort with the clearest and warmest water I've ever experienced, and went Snorking along the Banana Reef. We also enjoyed going along the pier and came across a pretty neat show from a man completely covered in silver paint, he put on a pretty good show. We enjoyed the hospitality of Chris and Lisa and Children and ate good food with them (i.e. Buffalo Chips, Passage to India). One of our favorite activities was the fishing, it felt good to bring in those monster snook. Overall, the last month 1/2 came and went too quick.

I made Jacob be the girl

Jacob's growth he developed in the keys

I told Jacob to stick his head into the sharks mouth and he did

The last couple of days have been pretty good. Jacob went back to school and has felt positive about his first couple classes and I've resumed my plasma donations, daily deep cleaning, and applications at some of the more promising work options.

We had a relaxing walk to the park and read our books and are happy to be home, but sad to leave our families. Thank goodness Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner.