The Reunion

So my high school reunion was more enjoyable than expected. I really was using it as an excuse to see my mom and my cousin Amanda, but ended up reconnecting with some good friends. Amanda and I got ready together beforehand and it was so much fun. Totally reminded me of high school giggling in the bathroom, helping each other with our outfits, and going silent when my uncle came in the room and giggling when he left. Aw, I guess a part of us never grows up. Being a little nervous we wouldn't have anyone to talk to Amanda and I were ready to go as soon as we walked in the room, but ended up having a blast. I took a few pics but mostly was too busy chatting and laughing. I have known some of these people since I was like 5 or 6. I have to mention that seeing my mama was the best part though. She's wonderful and I miss her so enjoyed spending every minute with her.
Tara, Amy, me

Kristal, Amanda (with baby on board), me

A Long & Winding Road

Last weekend I went up to Montana for my high school reunion. The drive there was about as memorable as the reunion itself. Missoula sits in a valley and isn't that easy to get to no matter what time of the year. In the winter you have to go around the mountains and it takes 9 hours. In the summer you go over the mountains, but it's constant climbing and winding for 7.5 hours. Usually I drive with Ben and Becky so I don't pay much attention. But this time I drove all by myself. Between the constant weaving (at one point I got myself a little car sick, didn't even know that was possible), the steep drop offs into the river far below making me feel like I was about to fall in at any moment, the deer jumping in front of my car, and the rain I was a wreck when I pulled into town. I have also concluded that getting up at 5:45 to go to school for 5 hours and then work before hitting THAT road is less than ideal. Knowing the road a little better made the drive back a lot more enjoyable. If you can actually look around it is one of the most beautiful drives anyone can take. On a side note everyone in Idaho has always wondered how I could drive by Stanley and not marvel over the mountains. Now I am not at all down playing the beauty of those mountains because they are indeed breathtaking, but hello I grew up in Western Montana, there's mountains everywhere. I forget how amazing they are and what a small little valley Missoula really is. A lot greener than the sage brush of the foothills in Boise.