Summer Fun!

I know, I know.  It's been WAY too long since I actual wrote something about myself and what's going on in my life.  I apologize.  Life has been VERY busy with lots of changes!

Let's catch up on Hollie's Summer Fun, 2011.  I'll just add some highlights aside from the beach, the pool, Disneyland, my tan, etc.

July 4th:
There is no place I'd rather be on July 4th than in my hometown of Huntington Beach.  I have been lots of places for this holiday but NONE compare to HB!

This year, Ashley and her fiance, Adam flew down from Oregon to celebrate with us.  Most of the day was full of lounging, eating and pool fun.  Maybe throw a nap in there as well. ;)  Just before 7:00 pm, we loaded our bikes into Chris's truck and were off towards the beach.  We parked the card and prepped our bikes and blankets (yes, it's still a little chilly in the month of July to me -- no surprise, really) and were off to the the beach!  There's something amazing about riding a bike along the beach as the sun is going down over the horizon.

(Auntie Ash meets Baby Kate!)

(Let's do this!)

(Adam jumps in to help unload.  What a gentleman!)

(Team Jones!)

(Gi, Green and Traci with a romantic sunset background.)

(The rents and I are ready for some fireworks!)

(All the single ladies!  Me, Gi and Green (Chris in the background))

We ended up on Dog Beach and walked our bikes towards the water and found a spot for the big show. This year, we were joined by Traci and Chris's little girl, Kate.  It was her first 4th of July and she had a blast!  I know it's hard to tell in the pictures, but she did.  I promise.  In fact she's in for more fun and get together as she grows older with us. :)  The fireworks began and everyone was in awe at the spectacular show.  It's just under the Disneyland fireworks shows to me.  Just spectacular!

Runs N Goses' Final Show:
I have a bunch of friends that I've known since high school.  They've always played shows and had their various bands, playing various types of music.  They're all very talented and oh, so much fun!

(Runs N Goses)

One of the "projects" that decided to do was a Guns N Roses cover band.  They played a lot of shows, always with a full house.  It was always SO much fun!  They did a great job and poor Rob was always hoarse for 3 days after busting out his version of Axl Rose vocals.  But he put on a great front after studying live performances of the band.  He even got the hips/body swing thingy (I don't know what to call it) down.  AND they all dressed up like the band members, including Gash (Slash).

(Jr. High School BFF and Rachel. First reunion since elementary school!)

(Krista and Paul came out to see what the fuss was about.)

(I like to force Cassie to take pictures.)

(The groupies!)

They played their last show late July.  Now when I say their "last show" I mean their last show until they decide to do a reunion show a few years down the road.  Haha!  I'm pretty sure this is their 3rd last show but we'll see.

(I'm with the band.  Ryan and Doug here.  Oh and my 5 inch heels.)

Steph's visit:
I was so lucky to be able to join up with my dear friend Stephanie when she came down for a few days to visit.  She moved to Ohio a couple of months ago and we all miss her dearly.  I've known this wonderful girl since I started working at ACC.  She is one of the smartest, loveliest women I have ever met and I am so blessed to have her as a friend!  I miss her dearly but get to meet up with her when I go to Texas this next coming weekend. ;)

(My ACC girls!  Me, Danielle, Jaime, Steph and Karen.)

Brudencosas in the house:
The most recent excitement this summer is the return of Tiffer and her family to Huntington Beach!  (Well, that and Ashley and Adam's wedding, but that gets a separate post.)  Anyhoo, Seanie has been accepted into officer training and so the girls have moved into my parents' house for a few months until they make a big move to Wyoming, their next adventure!  Personally, I am very excited to visit Wyoming again as it has so much beauty and places I haven't been to yet!  Yay!

(Jaiden loves to cheese for the camera!)

And so I get to be with Jaiden and Nixe and play with them and watch them as they grow older.  I cannot wait to see their new experiences and learn new things.  I cannot wait to take them to Disneyland and buy them toys and all the things an auntie does!  It'll be so much fun to have them here with baby Kate and watch them interact and have so much fun as cousins!  YAY!

(Jaiden and Nixie.  So excited to have them here!)

Big Move:
Oh yes.  Last but not least, I moved!  I was having such a difficult time with the new roommate that I had to get out.  I relocated to Long Beach in Belmont.  I now live in an apartment by myself and absolutely LOVE it!  I have missed the ocean air and the beach city life.  I can now walk to the beach from my apartment, walk to local shops and restaurants, and even walk to Junior High School Friend's (Jamie) apartment!  I am moving on up and I LOVE it!!! :D :D :D

(Cousins!  Nix, Jady and baby Kate visiting my new apartment.)

And so, that is the latest.  Those have been the highlights of the summer since Costa Rica.  Very memorable times.  All in all, it's been a great summer and I cannot wait to see what else lies ahead!

I'll be honest though...  After seeing all of the Halloween stuff and the blazing heat everywhere I go, I'm ready for fall!