Life on the Runn...

Courtesy of my new school, I am the proud owner of a MacBook Pro.  While it is not as tiny and aerodynamic as Brian's MacBook Air, it is customized to my liking. The school had Apple trainers come in to help us set up our new laptops, so I know how to use so many tools that I was previously unaware of and I have been making daily use of my new toy in preparation for the new school year.    the box had never been open, and it has MY name on it! 

Brace yourselves... this is a long one...and I'm asking for your help. As some of you may know, someone very close to me, Chelsea Bullis, experienced a life-changing event on Sunday, June 10, 2012.  She and her boyfriend, Kyle, were in a terrible motorcycle accident that left them both seriously injured.   Chelsea and her family have always been a part of my life. Chelsea's Aunt Anita was my first babysitter, and eventually her grandma, Maureen, and  her mom, Lynn,  took turns taking care of my brother and me.  Chelsea's Aunt Lainey is my mom's very best friend.  Chelsea, her brother Chad, her cousins Sam and Rachael and I all grew up together.  We took summer trips together, and when I was old enough, I began taking care of Chelsea, her brother and her cousins.  Chelsea and her family were so close to me that we began referring to each other as cousins...and 20+ years later, it is still how we refer to one another.   So ...

Last weekend, Brian and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary.  It was impossible to top what we did for year five, a trip to ITALY, but we have gotten really good at making the most of all of our adventures, big and small, and this weekend was no exception. Friday I drove Brian to work bright and early at 6:30 am and picked him up after work so we could head north ASAP.  We were in Lac du Flambeau by 8:30 pm, after far too long in the car with air conditioning that wasn't quite working properly.  A storm had rolled in as we arrived, but Mom Sue was ready and greeted us in the driveway with a giant umbrella.     Also waiting in LdF were Papa Bill, sister Becky and our fur-niece, Rosie.  We spent a good few hours chatting and testing out new beverages.   the storm that greeted us in Lac du Flambeau  Saturday The weather was absolutely perfect.  As is typical of our Saturdays up north, we got up and had breakfast, put on our swim...

It turns out a lot  of people I know were born in late June and early July...the birthday love must continue.  On the 4th, my cousin Devin celebrated his birthday.  And now it is his beautiful sister Jenna's birthday. Christmas '91 - I wanted to be just like Jenna! Grown up cousins doing grown up things  Kids' Table at the CO wedding  Celebrating! Jenna is a wonderful cousin, and we have had some great times together (growing up, family vacations, Kenny Chesney concert, Colorado vacay, etc.).  JL, have a wonderful birthday; you've always been a great cousin and have set a really great example for me.  Enjoy your day!  Love ya!

Six years ago, when I married Brian, I could not have imagined what a wonderful ride this would be, and I could not be happier with the life we have built together.  We've created so many wonderful memories and have certainly had our share of amazing adventures.  I am absolutely certain that marrying Brian was the best decision I ever made.  He's truly my best friend, and I cannot imagine life without him.   July 8, 2006  Yosemite National Park - our first big adventure together  Red River Gorge, KY - big day for Bri!  Yellowstone National Park, WY - gearing up for even bigger adventures Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, MT - proving what we are capable of as a team Grey Rock Trail - Fort Collins, CO - making the most of each trip we take  Celebrating our alma mater  Amalfi Coast, Italy - exploring the world together  Venice, Italy - life is better when you have someone amazing to shar...

The string of great people celebrating birthdays continues.  Today I would like to wish a very happy birthday to my cousin, Jenny.   For as long as I can remember, Jenny has been as much a sister to me as she has been a cousin - she has always been there for me and has been a great confidant.  We've had some great times throughout the years, and a wonderful woman like her deserves a very great day, so enjoy it, Jen!! Hangin' out on the lake Eagle River - many, many summer memories were made here Jen and me  - my wedding me and Jen - her wedding 

In my last post, I wished a very special person a happy birthday, and there are a few more Jarvis family birthday shout outs I must take care of now!  Happy 23rd birthday to Rachael! It was so nice to spend part of the day with you yesterday floating in the pool and drinking grown-up drinks...it was almost as great as the days of celebrating with you when you would jump on the back of couches and refuse to sleep! You've become an amazing woman, and I love ya!  Happy birthday wishes are also in order for Lynn. Though I certainly wish it were for a different reason, I have really enjoyed seeing you so much recently. You've always had a very special place in my heart - after all, I wouldn't be Betsy if it weren't for you :) You certainly deserve a fabulous day, and I hope you had exactly that. Happy birthday. Love you!