Lucky Peak Boating

Sunday, my last day in Boise started out relaxing. I played hearts with my family (and won the first game, losing the second one to my Dad). Then that evening I met up with Kam and we drove to Lucky peak to go boating. Clint, Song and Gess met us up there. We fueled up the boat and headed out on the lake. Aside from some technical difficulties getting the stereo to work- it was a perfect night! We had the tube which Song totally rocked! I had him spinning across the lake at pretty fast speeds!

Here's a picture of Clint:

We also had both skis! YES! For the first time in forever I was able to water ski. Seems like every time I've wanted to there haven't been ski's in the boat or there has only been the one ski. Gess did a great job driving the boat. I was able to get up and out of the water on the first try. I was surprised how quickly my legs got tired though, so it didn't take too long and we were back to the tube.

The whole night Kam was awesome helping manage the deck; pulling up the ladder, untangling the rope, tossing it out to the skiers, etc. The only downside was I couldn't get him into the water... maybe I should have just pushed him like he did to me!

The last go around with the tube Song really bit it hard. I felt bad, and he was definitely done tubing. I think Clint and I just got carried away- I can't remember the last time I was laughing so hard! Song was bouncing along the water, and well it was just absolutely hilarious! Great, Great, GREAT night out with my friends. I hope we can do it again this season.

After boating Kam and I headed back to Matt & Jimmy's house for him to pack up his stuff to move back to Sun Valley. It was nice finally getting to see Matt and Jimmy- they'd been on a military exercise all weekend and were both very tired.

Saturday in Boise

This morning in Boise started with a 10am HOA meeting. Whee- after that Javier, Chelsie and I had a late breakfast at Raedeans in Boise. Always delicious! Then I headed home to find mom making a homemade strawberry pie!

I relaxed a bit at home that afternoon while Mom and Dad went golfing. Then I met up with Andrej, Wes, Clint, Song and Javier for dinner at Pad Thai house off Five Mile. We had a great time catching up. Andrej and Wes had sake and they were pretty funny! Good friends, good food, good times.

Later that night I met up with Chelsie, Andrea, Chuck, Wes, Andrej and Kade at Red Feather for drinks. I had a desert wine from Germany, it was a muscato. I don't recollect the specific name. It was pretty good. It was great to see Kade and hear about his house and what he's been up to. Then Kade had to go home and the rest of us headed to the balcony.

Kam Hart met up with us and we all danced for hours and drank my usual drink, AMF but with a splash of watermelon- delicious! It was another great Saturday night out in Boise.

The Prange's Wedding Day

What a busy day! When in Boise, there's only so much time! I started the morning off at 8am with a four mile jog with Kali. It was wonderful jogging and chatting with her. We planned some more for my New York trip to visit Kali and Andy. After the jog I got ready at my Parent's house then over to Matt's house to catch up with him and see his girls. They were so well behaved and played very nicely together. After the Stivison's house, I went to Boise State and picked up Jami for lunch. We headed over to Papa Joes and got some much needed Jami and Ross time. Then we walked around the campus for a bit before she had to get back to work. I sure miss being able to do that whenever I want.

After lunch it was back to my parent's house to get ready for the wedding. Mom had already ironed my clothes (Thanks Mom!). Dad had an appointment so he headed off to that then the three of us drove out to St. Chapelle nestled in the snake river valley of Idaho for the Kari Schweitzer and Casey Prange wedding. We were a little early, and the wedding party was busy having pictures taken. Here's my brother (aka Best man) and my Mom.


We headed inside and checked out the wine tasting room. Before I knew it, friends and family had filled the area and it was time to step outside onto the lawn for the ceremony.

The scene was very beautiful, with the vineyards in the background and the sun behind us. It was a little warm out though!! As everyone proceeded down the isle it was with much anticipation that we looked to see Kari in her beautiful wedding dress. The officionator did an excellent job with a few jokes about this is the last time Casey would have the upper hand. They're vows to each other were wonderful. One of my favorite lines from Casey was how he was looking forward to making a family; "Someday, but no more than a family of FOUR". It drew giggles from the crowd. Then before I knew it they were kissing and walking back into the air conditioned building for dinner.


Dinner was delicious- it was catered by Goodwood Barbecue with all sorts of meats and sauces to choose from. And of course there was the St. Chapelle wines! Wonderful! I was enjoying one of the late harvest wines all night. I was surprised to hear that someone from outside the country had purchased all their stock of ice wines, so I wasn't able to buy any to take back home.

Then came another moment of anticipation- the toasts. The maid of honor did a very nice job, and then handed the microphone over to Chuck. Right from the beginning Chuck had the crowd laughing and it kept up through most of the toast. He did a great job! Way to go Best Man! :)


Kali and I had a great moment on the dance floor with Britney's toxic love. I don't know the dance, but I just had a blast dancing around with Kali who has the dance down seemingly perfectly! Before we knew it, the Limo to take us downtown was there and it was time to go. When I got inside the Limo Kali was already there, looking so relaxed and at home! haha! When I sat down and saw Chuck get in, surprise! He'd brought along a bottle of wine to share and one for him... The whole way downtown we took funny pictures and drank the wine. It was a great time. Downtown, we went to the Balcony and danced for hours. Since it wasn't too busy, Kali had a great time showing me how to do a runway walk up and down the dance floor. We'd get to the edge, pose, then walk back. It was hilarious fun!

Casey & Kari Reception Dinner

Tonight I flew into Boise at 6:30pm, just in time for Kari and Casey's wedding reception dinner at La Tapitia on Parkcenter. It was a nice evening with the wedding party and both Kari and Casey's family. Rick Prange gave a very nice toast to the couple. Casey and Kari gave out novelty gifts to the wedding party participants. Chuck received an engraved "Best Man" mug. Kali, Chuck and I caught up with each other over dinner. Kali and I decided I would visit her in New York very soon and we'd go see The Book of Mormon and Avenue Q!


After dinner, the three of us went to Erni and Doc's house and watched old family videos from when we were toddlers. It was very enjoyable watching Chuck, Casey and Kali as pre-teens re-enacting court TV. My favorite clips were from the mid 1980's seeing Casey about 2 years old playing with basketball; Matt and me hunting for Easter eggs; me out in the field picking flowers (haha!).

It was a nice beginning to a family centered weekend.

Houseboat 2011

AWESOME trip. I drove Katelyn, Adam and Alex up from Rohnert Park through Sonoma and Napa up the 5 past Sacramento until we got to Lake Shasta (just past Redding). Similar to last year, we met up with our friends Tyson, Alena, John, Ashley, Bill and a few new faces Nicole, Jill (aka bestie! or honey-bean!), Michelle, Austin, Josh, Brad and Aimee. Different from last year- I slept a ton! I guess all the traveling this summer must have finally caught up with me, or was it the 20 miles I ran that Monday 0_o'? Pictured in the pyramid is Alena on top, then Nicole and Adam in the middle with Austin, me and Josh forming the base. We did that on the top of the second story of the houseboat. It was scary and fun! Then Nicole and Adam did some owl poses and we also tried some human body planking which I hope to get pictures of from John soon.

Ashley and Thomas also had a boat this year, so there was plenty of fun to be had on the water. I got some great pictures of Alena and Adam catching some air on the wake boards, and Tyson doing some surfing. Cooking with everyone on the boat, having drinks and playing cards was such a relaxing weekend. I also got plenty of time in the relaxation station enjoying a mikes light blueberry lemonade. Both Friday and Saturday night I was the last one up- closing down the boat! I think it was because I was mixing my favorite vanilla vodka, 7up and cranberry drink with red bull.

It was another great houseboat trip and I'm hoping next year Evan, Emma, Peter and Michelle can make it too!

Mom's 60th & 20 Mile Jog

I flew back to Boise this weekend on Saturday to start getting ready for Mom's 60th birthday party on Monday, 7/11/11. Saturday night I went out to the balcony with Chuck and met up with Chelsie, her sister Andrea and their friend Chelsie. We had a lot of fun having drinks and dancing the night away. Sunday morning Mom, Dad and I went to church. It was a good sermon about letting your true talents shine and to share them with the world. That afternoon we ran some errands for the party and then played some cards. Then we headed out to Jim and Nancy's house in Star and did some preliminary party setup. Chuck setup the flags indicating the way to the back yard where the party was held.

Sunday night I went to bed early so I could get up at 5am to go jogging. I'm training for the Santa Rosa marathon at the end of August which is 26.2 miles. So I wanted to run at least 18 miles this weekend.
The morning came all to soon and I forced myself to get up, and put on my jogging gear. I was on the greenbelt from my Parent's house by 5:40 headed towards Boise State University. The sunrise was very pretty about an hour into my jog.

It was only 8 miles to the University, so I decided to go further. Albertson's was 9 miles and I was still feeling good so I jogged 10 miles out, to loggers creek apartments. Then I turned around and jogged the 10 miles back for a total of 20 miles- the farthest I've ever jogged! On my way I saw Bonnie, Scott and Cindy Anson. It was fun saying hello to my old co-workers, surprising them as I jogged by. My average pace was sub-10 minute miles so I was thrilled with that. I did have some shin splint pain after mile 17 and had to run-walk the last 3 miles whenever my leg started to hurt. One spot along the greenbelt was completely flooded over and I had to hop skip and jump my way across on the way out and back. This picture shows how high the water was near Boise State, right up to the edge of the pathway!

After the jog I headed out to the mall and picked up some red, white and blue swim trunks and a Captain America shirt so I could be in with the theme of the party that night. Then I met Mom at Costco and we loaded up the ice and drinks in the coolers. Then I went to meet up with Jami, Camille, Steve and Evelyn at Flatbread in Bown Crossing. Jami was really excited about the last Harry Potter movie being released this weekend. After lunch I headed out to Jim and Nancy's place in Star to finish setting up for Mom's party that night. We put up shade tents, a fountain in the pool, tables and lounge chairs and all sorts of red white and blue decorations. It was a busy afternoon. We were just finishing up as the guests started to arrive! Chuck brought out Mom's birthday cake; an "Uncle Sam's" patriotic hat. It was very cute.

It was really nice spending time with so many of Mom and Dad's friends. Some of which I hadn't seen since high school. It wouldn't have been a pool-party birthday without the birthday girl getting tossed into the pool. I didn't know it was happening so I missed the actual push, but here is a picture of Dad's celebratory moment after pushing Mom in and her still submerged in the water!

At the end of the party one of the guests had brought along an old model T (I think that's what it was?) and Mom got to have a ride in it. It had the funniest horn I've ever heard but it sounded like it was in great condition.

After the car ride I realized how exhausted and sore I was, I'd been up on my feet all day and needed a rest. I went downstairs to Jim and Nancy's theater room for a rest.

All of the preparation and work we did paid off. The party was a success and everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves very much, especially my Mom and Dad. I'm so very glad I could be a part of this and celebrate with my family and their friends for my Mom's 60th! All I'm wondering now is how can we top this for her 70th!?

Fourth of July and Housewarming

Evan, Emma and I invited some friends over for the fourth of July and as it was our first event in the new house, it was kind of a housewarming, too. We spent the previous two days getting the house ready. Evan and Emma finished up some painting. We moved the rest of the boxes to the garage. Organized the furniture. Emma bought and assembled a grill on the back patio. I think we took about four trips tot he grocery store- I couldn't believe how much food we had. I helped make margaritas and I also made grandma's watermelon dip- Mmmm good! Tyson helped out on the grilling. Peter brought some delicious salsa dip. Amanda made some holiday red white and blue vegan cupcakes which were DELICIOUS! The back patio proved to be a perfect place for cooking and relaxing with beverages. I'm looking forward to more nights out there grilling. Once the sun started to set we got the fireworks out. It was fun lighting off fireworks from the ladder, as Emma suggested. With help from Peter and Ian, i setup the fireworks and they lit them. We had a pretty good show! Then I even got in some guitar hero with a few people before everyone headed home for the night. It was a fun and memorable fourth of July.