The Hazard Chronicles

 It's been a little bit since I wrote a post, and this deserves some explanation. If you are reading the printed version of this blog, then the prologue in the beginning of the book will fill in some details. In short, we've been very busy and active, but our normal range of travel has been cut down a little bit lately. A big part of this is the role that Maren and Lindsey got in a play that is coming up in November. Rehearsals are on Saturdays, and that keeps us in town. Also, Rachel and I (but mostly Rachel) are in the middle of a landscaping project at our church that requires some meetings on Sundays. To top it off, it turns out that my wrist is actually broken from that little bike thing that happened way back in June (finally confirmed it with an MRI), which is keeping me a little bit sidelined for the sake of recovery. So, yeah- it makes sense that things might seem a little quiet.

Behind the scenes however, we have been more active than ever. I built an office area in my gym and have been taking some online classes just because I'm a nerd like that. We went to a play- White Rabbit Red Rabbit- that is a theatrical experience unlike anything we have ever seen and was really cool. We will be thinking about that one for some time. And that is pretty neat. Rach and I have both spent significant time on the trail (she did a 65 mile ride today). We've done a lot of beautiful hikes in the area (6 miles yesterday on a new trail) and the autumn colors are in full bloom. The Wallace house has seen a lot of use recently, both with Marissa and Wesley's family, as well as with my parents.

Oh yeah- my parents came and visited for several days. Lots of games, walks, window shopping, and good conversations. It's been over a year since they visited and it was nice to have them up for a little bit. We went to the high school football game and watched our team lose miserably to the wonderful soundtrack provided by our kids in the pep band. They were able to see a bit of Elf rehearsal, we went out to eat, and, as mentioned, we spent a fun day up in the Silver Valley. It was mostly a pretty good visit. To top it off, as we speak, they are watching Better Off Dead. This movie has become Hazard Family lore, and our kids convinced them to check it out. I consider this a win.

Also- the  most important and exciting news of the week...

Drumroll please....

Evelyn was accepted into Boise State University! 

Not just accepted though. She was accepted in the very first round, on the very first day of acceptances. With scholarships. She's cool like that. For now, she wants to be a CRNA and is going to start down that track with an open mind. She will be applying to other schools, but Boise has the best program for this educational track. Also, Boise is seriously one of my favorite cities and has a really cool vibe and I'm excited to have a reason to go there more often. 

Go Ev! You're pretty cool. 

Ok. That's about it. Have a good week!

Oh- wait. We also bought a couch for the gym and it is apparently the same couch on Full House (remember that show) and our kids are all super excited about it. That is all.

Have a good week!

A hike we went on with Marissa and Wesley's family after an overnight together
 in Wallace

I love the colors and sunsets during the shoulder seasons. This is after a fun evening of pickleball.

Addy took this photo during a class field trip and it totally brought me back in time. When I was in high school I was in a program where we were out in the field 2-3 days/week testing various parameters of Idaho waterways. It was an important time for me. It's neat to see Adalie doing the same things.

It's happening! We are all so excited. :)

Grandma (my mom) and Maren made an apple pie together that was seriously like, one of the best things I have eaten in a long time.

We went on a hike and at the trailhead there was a random piece of exercise equipment. Art? Junk? A nice warmup? Who knows?

Maren made earrings, purchased cardboard backings for them and a rotating stand, and spoke with a local business to get them on the front counter to be sold. This is all so she can earn money to go to NYC and Washington DC at the end of the school year. So far she has made like $60 this week, so it's working pretty well. I think it's neat that she did all of this. Kathy, the owner from Top This, is amazing and you should get all of your fro-yo goodness from her. That is all.

Rachel has been a "cyclist" for like ten years now, and this was her favorite ride. Ever. That says something. It is seriously a beautiful time of year up here in North Idaho.