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This year is a significant year in our (Mike and Lesley's) family history as we will acknowledge the twentieth anniversary of Ashleigh's death this September. I have been contemplating for a couple of years the idea of starting a new blog about Ashleigh's life, and sharing some of the experiences we had as a family in happy times as well as in difficult ones. I actually started organizing this blog several months ago and have been going back and forth with "do I?" or "don't I?" But apparently... I do. So if you are interested in reading this new blog you can find it here.
Last weekend Michael and I traveled to Reno to attend a memorial service for my cousins son. We decided to extend our trip and visit Alan and Marivic who live just across the Sierra Nevadas in Rocklin, CA. We left home Friday morning and returned Monday night, so it was very quick, but we were able to see many of our extended family at the memorial service and also spend some quality time with Alan and Marivic.
On Saturday morning we took a drive from Reno to Virginia City. This is a last peek at the city as we climb to the top.
When you watch Bonanza, and the Cartwright's talk about Virginia City as if it is just a couple of miles down the road... it ain't so. I've been to the Ponderosa (previously) and you have to travel down one mountain, cross the valley, and then climb another mountain before you get to Virginia City. It's worth the trip... in a car!!
Later in the day when we were with Alan and Marivic, we got off the main road and drove along Donner Lake and then drove to the Donner Summit. It is a beautiful area surrounded by amazing views.
We spent two nights at the Embassy Suites in Sacramento, which is across the street from Old Sacramento .
We had a corner suite on the 7th floor. This is the view from our living room window, it's the Tower Bridge and the Sacramento River.
From the bedroom window you can see Old Sacramento.
Tara and AJ joined us for breakfast, and then Mike and I and Alan and Marivic headed for the Monterey Peninsula.
I love the natural, undeveloped land along the coast of Monterey.
I love t'ocean (and I love Mikee too of course)!!!
The Lone Cypress tree on 17 mile Drive. It is the symbol of Pebble Beach.
A walk-about at Pebble Beach.
Mike's reaction to seeing and being at this famous place.
Standing in front of the 18th hole.
It is a beautiful piece of earth.
I'm just happy standing at the beach.
The circumstances that brought us on this weekend trip were very sad. But seeing and being with family, and enjoying the beauties of the earth, are a very real reminder of our loving and merciful Father in Heaven's plan.
It's JULIO!!! My birthday!! That seems like the perfect excuse to post this picture that my niece Megan took in Britain last year. Happy birthday to all of my birthday buddies too!!!
"When everything seems like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top." Anonymous
Usually I blog about what's happening in my life. Just the day to day things that go on, things that I want to remember, the occasional "freckle story" or the "I-can't-believe-that-I-did-that-but-you-probably-can-believe-that-I-did-that" in other words... a Lesley story. I don't think that I've really ventured into the TMI department yet (remember how hard it was for me to publish my pet peeves?), so I hope I'm not too close to the TMI line now.
When I did a post on hobbies during my 30 day blog challenge, I was really bugged that I couldn't write about one teeny, tiny hobby that I was currently involved in. I decided that I was certainly the most pathetic (sorry Lilian) and that I needed to change that asap. As I contemplated this I recognized that I've been in a bit of a rut, and so I decided that I needed to make "Me" my new hobby. Although there are some things that I need to improve in my life, there is one in particular that I have had some concern for, and that is my health; and the fact that I want to keep it.
For over twenty years I have been an avid walker, it is my favorite form of exercise, but for the past couple of years I have been a real slacker (not completely; but a slacker nonetheless). I am also a lifetime member of Weight Watchers but I have been a slacker there as well. So I decided to pick up the slack and six weeks ago today I started my new hobby by going back to Weight Watchers, and Mike came along too. I can honestly say that it has been a happy and productive six weeks, and I'm happy to report that a week ago today Mike and I reached our first milestones together.
Last week as Mike and I were having a conversation about our "milestones", I shared with him my personal mission statement about Weight Watchers (or whatever healthy program people are involved in):
"When I follow a healthy lifestyle through daily exercise and eating right, I feel good about me... and losing weight is a bonus." Lesley Leger
My goal for reaching my next milestone is Labor Day weekend and I feel confident that I can accomplish it. And by the way; if you happen to see me eating chocolate, don't worry... I worked it into my plan.
My friend Ashley over at Lovely Lorraine's Cupcakes is have a blog contest and I wanted to give her a "shout out" on my blog. Check it out; the contest ends on July 5th. I've tried the cupcakes in the photo and can I just say... FABULOUS!!! I seriously want to be a cupcake maker.
Endless Summer performed at the city park for the Independence Day celebration.
It was my brother Tim's 50th birthday, so he was invited to be a guest performer. You should hear him sing Neil Diamond!!
Adam, Zach, and William got in on the act as well. We like to get them started early in our family.
We had a BBQ at the Nielsen's on the actual 4th. They always host a great party! My mom had hip replacement surgery 6 days before. Doesn't she look great! My parents are a wonderful example to us all, they both have a cheerful disposition and a positive attitude.
Caitlin and I spent a day at USU being oriented and registering for classes. This is the only picture that I took. I don't usually like this word, but the fact is... it is really true. They do sell it!!!
We got a front yard. Just the beginning... but I sure like looking out of my window and seeing it.
Adam and Zach had a sleepover, and I can say with no doubt... a good time was had by all. Previously I asked them for ideas for food and fun. They brought these notes to me a few weeks before. I think I followed through pretty well.
I had my birthday!!!! Here are my 5 oldest grandchildren, sorry... no pictures of the birthday girl.
Caitlin had her wisdom teeth out. What a good sport posing for a picture. She was a trooper!
Mike and I saw t'ocean. Just for a few hours... but I'll take what I can get.
Caitlin made bread for the first time (I think it might've been my second). She did a great job!!
She also mastered the fine art of multi-tasking. While her bread was rising she went on an 8 mile bike ride. Although, she found out the next day that it was really only 2 miles... when Hayden took her on a real 8 mile bike ride... oops, 8.5. She won't let me forget the point five!
