Gorge-ous views from Dog Mountain

Yesterday, my friend (and Confirmation teacher) Carla asked me if I wanted to hike Dog Mountain with her in the Columbia River Gorge. Of course I did! I've always wanted to do this hike, and we had a blast.

The wildflowers were in full force, and the photos just don't do 'em justice. The best part was the fact that there were few people on the summit trail.

Hiking on a weekday = just one of the perks of being in my "transitional phase." Sounds a lot better than "unemployment," eh?

Here we go!

A little Vanna White action showcasing the wildflowers.

Gettin' close.

A cute older couple took a pic of us at the summit ~ 3,000 feet. 

Heading down.

After some moments of doubt, we found that switchback, confirming that yes, in fact, we were heading back down.

Le Tour fever

Taylor had me watch a documentary about Le Tour de France, and I must say, it really helped me appreciate and understand the race. We took this photo at Mellow Johnny's in Austin. He's such a good sport.

The year of the wedding: Troutdale (Edgefield) edition

Taylor had the privilege of serving as a groomsman in his high school and college friend Nick's wedding. The ceremony and reception were at McMenamin's Edgefield in Troutdale Friday night.

An added bonus of this wedding included Mike and Kathleen as members of the bridal party. I don't know if it was the DJ or the company, but we boogied like nobody's business at the Sailer-Parlee wedding.

We have a couple weeks off, and then we're back on the wedding train again. Until then, we'll be bachelor/bachelorette partying-it-up.

Taylor and his 'maid, Stephanie.

Melissa and Nick, 7-8-11.

The boy cleans up pretty good!

The most fabulous bridesmaid in the lineup!

Kat attaching Mike's "BM" (Best Man) patch.

Owen (the ring bearer and smartest six-year-old I've ever met) and his girlfriend, Kat.

Taylor taking part in the Dollar Dance.

Six Hours of Mt. Hood

Before we headed to the Greenbergs' for an all-American Fourth of July party (on the third!), we ventured up to Mt. Hood so Taylor and his buddy Denny could participate in Six Hours of Mt. Hood.

As the name of the race suggests, those crazies rode their bikes for six hours on a grueling course, all for the glory of finishing, as well as a nice pint glass and necklace. ;)

Besides being the (un)official race photographer, I hit up the trails for a run before lounging at the base of "camp" to work on my tan. It was a tough day for all.

The "hand-off" between Taylor and Denny.

What a stud.

It's crazy to think just a few months ago we were skiing here. It looks a little different during the summer months.

Comin' in hot.

Super happy to be done.

Taylor and his teammate, Denny (who, by this point, had already changed and had his post-race beer).

And, the night before the race, we went to the Timbers game! Such a great weekend.

Great seats courtesy of Timbers midfielder Freddie Braun!

Super Sunday in Hood River

A few weeks ago, we drove up to Hood River and headed out on the Post Canyon mountain biking trails with one of Taylor's besties, Ketler. 

Taylor was smart to plan this trip as my first official mountain biking outing because Ketler served as the perfect buffer between my frustrations with being a first-timer and my enjoyment of the experience. I can't wait to go again.

TB, Ketler, and me...with the Gorge in the background.

The happy couple...once the hard part was over!

This is Taylor "looking tough" and me...well...I can't really keep a straight face ever.

Kicking off the Fourth in true Americana style

I can't think of a better way to jump start the Fourth of July super weekend festivities than by going to the annual St. Paul Rodeo.

Allison and her hubby Andy braved the traffic from Vancouver and picked us up en route to St. Paul. This was Allison and Taylor's very first rodeo, and between the fair food, people-watching, and bull-riding...I think we'll all be back again next year.

The wild pig races had everyone is hysterics...and I must say the new rodeo clown had some solid material this year. 

Allison's a girl after my own heart as she took down that elephant ear while Andy got after the corn dog he'd been talking about all day.

The year of the wedding: Seattle edition

Taylor and I decided to turn a semi-local wedding into a fun-filled weekend in Seattle. 

We packed up the rolly-cooler (a fabulous graduation present from my parents) and headed north. My friend Kelle just so happens to live in the same neighborhood as the wedding venue, and although she was headed out of town, she offered up her absolutely adorable apartment to the two of us. We loved running Kelle's route on Lake Washington, walking to the Madison Park Starbucks, and enjoying happy hour at the cute little Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood. Another great luxury included shuffling home from the wedding on foot, rather than having to call a cab! 

We also got to see King Felix throw a great game as the Mariners beat the Marlins Friday night. 

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see some of my best friends as our schedules did not match up, but it's probably a good thing because we were able to just relax and enjoy having no plans. 

Taylor's good college buddy Tim got married at the Seattle Tennis Club Saturday, and it was a lovely wedding with great food and friends. 

Before heading home, we braved downtown Seattle for a quick trip through Pike's Place.

The rolly-cooly-cooler-rolly!

The day started out gray, and it didn't look too promising, but the sun broke just before the wedding, and it was outstanding. So perfect. We are standing right where the ceremony took place. Talk about a view!

Taylor, Kathleen, and Jenna...pikies up!

This is a total framer and classic Mike. I just love this pic.

Mike and Tulls going at it on the dance floor.

The bride and groom dancing their first dance.