a summer time sawtooth adventure

I have been mourning summer since the first day of class when I feel asleep with my face in my books in the library. I miss long days and adventures. And I really miss not having homework to do all day long. Over the summer there were many adventures had and I think it's about time I share a few. The beau and I had a few days off at the same time. So, we filled our four and a half days off work with kayaking, celebrating my sister's birthday, a 4th of July street party, fireworks, swing dancing, and three days backpacking in the Sawtooth Mountains. The beau had never been to the Sawtooths before and I couldn't wait to show him what a magical place it is. These are the mountains that stole my heart when I first moved to Idaho four years ago. We took a trail into Upper Baron Lakes which could be a day hike in and a day hike out. But, we were on vacation so we took a leisurely three days. It was glorious. The weather was perfect. The mountains were spectacular. Only downside? The darn mosquitoes that ate us alive!
An adventure none the less. And a beautiful one at that.

falling into fall

The weather broke here in Boise this week. My mother's response was, "Thank goodness, I have had enough of sunshine". Once a Brit, always a Brit. We need a little grey now and then. The temperatures have dropped and every coffee store is beginning to smell like pumpkin spice and I broke out a warm scarf today. Fall is here, it would seem. This summer has been one of the most magical times of my life - it was a time filled with immense joy and wonder and new relationships. I can hardly believe the richness of this season past, and, because of this amazement I am excited for this new season: fall. God's goodness never ceased to amaze me and I can only dream of what adventures are to come......

VIA

family

I finally got the opportunity to share the river with my family on Thursday. I had a day off work, my parents and sister were free and it was decided that I was going to take them all rafting. Sadly it rained and hailed....but we got out there and had a blast.

When the Sargeant family gets together.....

Dance parties are impromptu and happen regularly. Banana and Walnut bread it baked at midnight. The candy jar is emptied. Great meals are shared. Laughing consumes us. Terrible jokes are told. British TV is watched. Beer is drank on the porch. The sunsets are marveled at. Jesus is thanked for His goodness. The puppy is laughed at. My sister is embarrassed by us. Stories of adventures are shared.

I kinda love these people. Now if only the bro would move over from England, then my joy would be complete.

staying sharp

People often ask me about the differences of living in the USA and living in Europe. One of the things that gets mentioned is people's style. I was mortified when, during my first semester here in Boise, I ended up going to Starbucks in my PJ pants with friends that were doing the same. Admittedly, Starbucks was just across the road from their apartment, but still. Mortified. Such things are just not done in Europe. Europeans are "sharp" dressing people is what I tell my US friends. The girls that I work with often talk about how it's a balance working the job that we do and still dressing cute. In all honesty I kind of miss being a sharp dresser on a daily basis. Simple and sharp is how I like it.
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it's calling

VIA

I have spent this past week in the south. In the deep south that is Alabama. I had a wonderful time and met some great people. I will post about it all very soon.

But for now, I want to talk about adventure. 

I was reminded of the feeling of the new and unexpected and the unknown as I was navigating airports and catching three flights both ways. 

I am currently living in Boise and it is almost the one year anniversary of me moving stateside....for the third time. England - USA - England - USA - England - The Netherlands - USA. 

This is actually the longest time that I have been in one place for the past five years. There are times that I get very itchy feet and I long for a new adventure, a new place, and a big new challenge. But, then again, I also enjoy the way that Boise is becoming comfy and the friends I see every day and share my life with are beginning to feel like family. And this is a feeling that I am willing to treasure for now and cherish with my whole heart. 

But that doesn't mean there isn't room for smaller adventures in and around Boise. It's not required to leave the country to have an adventure. Summer has been so busy and I have quite a few more adventures lined up before school starts again.

Adventures are calling.

coffee date

If you were to stop by for coffee today, I would tell you that....

Europe is on my mind. Maybe it's because I am wrapping up my Art History summer class with a study of European Medieval art, of maybe it's because I have several American friends running around Europe having adventures without me. Whichever reason it is, all I know is that Europe is on my mind. I am missing Paris today. I am missing the Louvre and getting lost in Versailles....I am missing French cheese and bread and men in striped v neck shirts and well fitting jeans.

I would tell you that this last Art History assignment it taking forever. I always find it hard to concentrate on the last assignment of a class. So close yet so far.

I am resting in Jesus. It feels good to be here.

My heart is overflowing with joy and happiness and excitement for the rest of the summer and the seasons to come.

I am overwhelmed by the good people in my life. Yesterday I received a surprise gift in the mail from a friend from Colorado who I met in Amsterdam who then moved to London and then travelled to Paris with me and now we are both State side....what?! Yep. She mailed me a gift out of the blue which is making me smile a lot right now.

I am addicted to ice cream. I know many of my friends knew this already. But it's true.

I am a little worried about my hair during my visited this week to Alabama. This girl doesn't really deal with humidity too well.

I am full. I am fully satisfied with life. And that is one great, beautiful feeling.

a family day out

The summer is speeding by and it's been tough to spend time with the family in between work and....adventures! A while back we spent a day together up in McCall. McCall is a beautiful lakeside town about two hours north of Boise. We all love spending time up at McCall (see here) and this day together was great. We took kayaks up to the lake and spent time on the water before grabbing coffee (go figure) and walking around the town. It was puppies first time on the water in her new little life-vest. It went, umm, ok. She will get the hang of it soon I am sure.

Chacos!

Carabiners make great belts....

Coffee stop...obviously it had to be done 

Then...Father's Day! This guy is the best.