Trying Things Out

I thought I would attempt this blogging thing. I am quite terrible at keeping a journal or diary, but I thought I should at least give it a shot. It has been fun checking up on long distant friends and how they are doing. Perhaps, I thought, maybe somebody would like to know what Matt and I are up to. We aren't that engaging, I know, but maybe our everyday excitements will be of some interest to you. However, they may not. :-)
This summer has been quite busy for us. This is actually the very first summer since I've been teaching that I am not anxiously awaiting the first day of school. Don't get me wrong, I am always thrilled to start off the school year and I still love what I do, but I am really enjoying my summer. With all of the traveling we were doing and my tutoring this summer, I really feel like I was enjoying it!

We started off our summer with a trip to PA to visit Eric, Ashley, Auntie Nancy, and Grahm. We had had this trip planned out for awhile all thanks to Eric's grand scheme to invite us to Brewfest, a day of drinking beer from 4 ounce cups until your heart (or belly) is content, and then propose to Ashley. Caralyn, Matt, and I drove up Thursday night after Caralyn's Cub's game and we arrived Friday afternoon. Brandon, Victoria, Jessica, and TJ were going to join us on the Brewfest and engagement adventures as well. They were driving separately and meeting us at Eric's. When we arrived in PA, Ashley gave us the tour of the house and we discussed all of the previous Brewfest happenings as well as predictions for ours tomorrow; unaware that in just a few hours she was going to be asked to become an official Salczynski. It was a great little trip.

Our next trip of the summer was the Tuesday morning as soon as we got back from our weekending in PA. Matt and I left with his mom's side of the family to go to TN. We stayed in this amazing cabin that had four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a living room with kitchen and dining area, a wrap around porch, a deck on each level (there were three), a jacuzzi, a rec room complete with three arcade games, a pool table, a bar area, a juke box (which was a bit annoying), a laundry room, and a home theater room with a ginormous TV complete with Blueray, cable, and a wii. We even hooked up our XBox to play and try to watch Netflix movies. We went hiking and horseback riding in the mountains, we toured some delicious wineries, and went to Gatlinburg, which was a huge tourist trap if I ever saw one. We had a great time.

Our Tennessee Cabin in the Mountains

 Aiden as a Bear

(We also saw two real life bears!)

Our Family Hike to the Waterfall

Not only did we do a bit of traveling, but we enjoyed some spectacular gatherings with friends and family. For the weekend of the Fourth of July we went to Matt's dad's in Logansport and spent some time there. But, before we headed for that trip, we started a new tradition with our community group and had a White Trash Party at the Lesko's. We dressed up in our trashiest garb, shared in delicacies such as cheese balls, PBR, and spray can cheese. We sat in the front yard around a lovely spool table complete with a cable dish centerpiece. A good time was had by all! 

Matt in his White Trash Outfit

The WT Girls

The WT Guys

 We've been able to spend time on the beach at Auntie Sue's, cookout with my parents and swim, enjoy some Polish delights at the Pirogi Fest, and much, much, more. So, as you can see, we've been having a great summer. We have been able to catch up with friends, family, and just enjoy life. It is great! Our next trip is this weekend to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. I will be sure to share the fun when we return!