And if you claim to know me well, or let's be honest, really at all, you would know that an adventure-packed 5 years complete with moving to three different Countries and 3 different States in the first 4 years would not have been my first choice. I very vocally and publicly do not like change and prefer to keep things the same and familiar, but this kind of mentality does not coexist with a growth-centered, faith-driven, life giving approach to living and truly enjoying life. So here I am, slowly but surely making the switch to a different kind of approach to an ever changing and often surprising life, with my Husband and of course my God by my side through all of it. All this to say, we never expected that our 5 year wedding anniversary would be celebrated in Waterloo, Iowa! But are we ever thankful that it is!
We started out the weekend celebrations by making a trip to Lost Island Waterpark in Waterloo, and had a wonderful time enjoying water slides, the wave pool, and the lazy river, as well as a relaxing lunch and lounge by the pools! It was a gorgeous hot and humid day in Iowa, and enjoying a day filled with sun and water was just the perfect way to celebrate! We ended the evening with some take-out Chinese food and watching Blue Jays baseball - a prefect day!
The following day we made the pilgrimage to Des Moines to take part in a yearly Iowa tradition - the Iowa State Fair! It was a tad bit toasty to be away from air conditioning and water, but we were able to enjoy some shows, the infamous Butter Cow, and the seemingly limitless options of fried food, often on a stick! Glad to say we made it to the State Fair! We then ended up at the Jordan Creek Mall in Des Moines (mostly for the air conditioning!), and enjoyed some delicious local cuisine - Zombie burger! Because we hadn't eaten enough fried food yet!
A wonderful weekend, even dealing with a horrible head cold! Dr. Luke prescribed a steady diet of Advil cold and sinus, vitamin C, NyQuil, and nasal spray until better; and who am I to argue with the Doctor? It worked! My Dr. Husband always taking care of me!
So what have we been up to for the past month and half other than this weekend? Glad you asked! Amongst the business of work, and general summer business, I have been enjoying my frequent trips to the pool for some lane swimming and enjoying the hot weather! I have also recently had the opportunity to volunteer with a W&P conference event, and to lead some worship songs at PLC! It just brings me so much joy to be able to worship our Creator and our Saviour in the best way that I know how - to sing!
Andee has been generally pretty busy with Residency, and has been involved with lots of different rotations so far in his new role as a Second-year Resident including inpatient team, ICU, orthopedics, behavioral science, and wound clinic, as well as his standard Family Practice clinic hours and working on his year-end project. He is managing well (as he always does) and still makes time to spend with me and our friends! Although we have not had many weekends off together this summer, Andee and I have made many trips to the beach to soak up the sun and go for a swim, and we recently had the opportunity to try out paddle boards for the first time! A definite purchase consideration for the cottage! We have also spent some summer days and evenings with our Small Group enjoying the beautiful weather before it passes us by!
And let's not forget watching those Blue Jays making some serious contention moves and getting the Toronto fans all fired up! Who knows, we may end up back in Toronto earlier than expected for an emergency playoff trip home! But not before we welcome a few repeat guests back this September to Iowa - my parents! Hoping for some seasonably high September Summer weather while they are here so we can enjoy the last of Summer with our family!
That's all to report folks! And as usual, I will send you off with an adorable photo of my sweet boy Aloe cat! Until next time!
