Top Ten: June to August

Summer is my favorite time of year, I love the weather, food, activites, etc. This is just a sampling of some of the activites we have enjoyed so far. Instead of boring you half to death with all the details of everything I haven't shared for the last two months, I'm counting down the top ten things we have been up to:

10. 50 Mile Hike
Chris was in charge of organizing a hike for the boy scouts in our ward. They spent 5 days hiking around Desolation Wilderness and Lake Tahoe. He put a lot of effort in to this, it was a huge success!


Chris and the boys after the 50 miler

9. Family Reunion
We drove to Altamont, Utah to meet up with Chris' family for a great reunion. 4 full days of playing, talking, eating, sleeping, and a lot of relaxing. The O'Neils always seem so spread out, it is so fun when we can all come together.


Chris learning to play video games with his nephew

8. Fourth of July
For years we have been going up to Lake Tahoe for the fourth. This year we decided to enjoy the water closer to home. We had a nice afternoon, hanging out with friends and family at my parents pool. Chris enjoyed hiking so much with the scouts he and some buddies went for an overnight hike in the same area for the fourth. We really live in a beautiful area.


Beautiful views from the second hike

7. Police Concert
Chris has always wanted to see Sting in concert. This seemed the best of both worlds, a one time reunion tour and Sting. We had a blast. We went to Roseville, CA for the concert, met some friends for dinner then we all headed out to the ampitheatre. It was a great evening. We had great seats, but the screen was so big you could have seen it from miles away. Chris was in heaven, I think it was better than he ever expected.


Rocking Out

6. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Two years ago Chris got a gift for a balloon ride in Napa. We've been meaning to do it, but haven't found the time. After the concert we headed to Napa. We had to be up EARLY, but what a fun experience. Unfortunately, it was too foogy in the Napa Valley, so they drove us about 45 minutes away where there is more farm land and no fog. It wasn't quite the same as over the vineyards, but it was a great morning and beautiful views. So quiet and peaceful.


Waiting while they filled the balloons


You can see our reflection in the creek


Above Haines Nursery

5. Ad Hoc
For our anniversary Chris made reservations at another of Thomas Kellers restaurants in Yountville, CA. It was a little belated celebration, but it worked out for us to go the day we were in Calif for the balloon ride. Many of you know I am kind of a foodie, this restaurant did not disappoint. The menu changes every night and is a set four courses. We loved everything they served that night. It was a fun filled two days, but the best part was hanging with my husband. We hadn't been away together in a while, I had the best time.


Belated Anniversary Dinner


Mushroom and Leek Salad (First Course)


Duck Breast (Second Course)


CHEESE! (Third Course)


Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches (Fourth Course)

4. Hair Cut
I couldn't take it any longer (no pun intended). It has been warm this summer and I was getting tired of doing it every morning, and I was hot. I like it, which doesn't always happen after I get my hair cut. It is nice to make a change occasionally. (I know this isn't very exciting, but I've been talking about it for months, I had to report that I finally did it.)

3. Oshkosh
Chris and my dad, being the avid pilots they are, have always wanted to go to the big airshow in Oshkosh, WI. This was the year, they flew their plane out there and had the best time. The first night I talked to Chris when he was there, it was like talking to a kid in a candy store. They and their 600,000 closest aviation buddies spent a couple days together. I really think half the fun for them was flying out and back. It was a great week for them, I'm so glad the weather held ok and everything worked out so they could go. If you want all the details you will have to talk to Chris.


Chris and Dad were in heaven


They enjoyed a trip out to the Seaplane Base

2. New York
Well if the boys get to play so should the girls. My mom, Cami and I met up in New York to see Whit and Ry before they move. I LOVE NEW YORK. Cami came for three days so we packed in a ton while she was there. Then mom and I stayed to the end of the week while the boys were gone. We shopped, talked, went to museums, ATE A LOT, Statue of Liberty, did a concert at the Today show, packed a little, walked a ton. It was a fabulous trip, I can't thank my mom enough for getting the girls together. Unfortunately, Chris had our camera and I haven't gotten any pictures from my sisters or mom, so I stole some from my moms blog.


The Big Green Lady


Views of Central Park from Whitney's Office







drum roll please.....








1. We are pregnant!