I'm baaaaacccccckkkkk

When I left Saskatchewan this summer, I was all set to be a dedicated blogger, ready to share my adventures from the summer and then keep you all up to date with my adventures overseas.  Here we are, September 30, and I'm finally settling down to write.  It's been a busy two months since I've been back.  But before I get into that, I must share with you all about my summer.

I was happy to arrive home mid-June.   My first year in my new job was really wonderful...most days.  Some days were overwhelming.  Some days I felt like a superstar.  Most days I felt incredibly fortunate to have the team of people with whom I was working.  But it was a good year.  Lots of learning.  I did more than I ever thought possible.

Summer holidays were much needed though.  For the second year, I was home to rest.  And rest I did.  There were some incredible trips, lots of time with family, and a quick trip to camp.  Allow me to take you on the adventure of my summer through pictures!

Nothing better than a cozy Rider blanket to cuddle up under.  And yes, I typically slept around the cat!

Ella got her very own Rider Jersey this year...well a second one.  The one from last year was a little big. And for the record she loves it.

One of the perks of the summer was getting to have spontaneous visits with Pauletter.  Running into Saskatoon for massages (which was needed for my shoulder) meant there were lots of chances to get together for a visit.  

My dear brothers gave bought tickets to the season opener.  Had a great time at the game with Mike.  He'll be mad that I put the picture on my blog, but I don't care.  Thanks Mike.
Fun fact:  Sat through half of the game before I realized that I knew the people who had the seats right behind me.  Small world.

I think this was post hair cut...enjoying the long hair and the layers. 

My dear friend Tina passed away this summer.  We taught together in Surabaya.  Although she had moved on last school year, I still miss seeing her every day.  It is hard to believe that she is gone.  The world lost a shining star.

Took a trip up north to visit my dear friend Adrian and Gisele.  Had lots of firsts on that trip.  Went quadding for the first time.  It was SOOO much fun. 

I am driving the quad.  We just went through a big puddle.

Post big puddle picture

Dirty, dirty girls.  ha ha

This is me fishing.  I am such a fisherman :)

I went fishing with Adrian and Gisele.  I was forewarned that if I caught a fish, I'd have to deal with it myself. I caught three.

I was so brave.  I held the fish...without gloves...it was SOOOO gross

For the first time EVER we took a family picture at Christmas in July.  It was a great gathering with my awesome family.  We set up the tree inside this year as the weather was questionable.  

A very special little boy lost his battle with cancer at the beginning of June.  One of his wishes was to visit Canada.  I was honoured to bring home some of his ashes and bury them at dad's grave.  I had a little tag made and put in a solar light.  Luigi, you are near and dear to my heart. 

An entire summer can be spent documenting the adventures of Ella.  Nothing quite like her.  She is such a turd.  She has her special places to nap when she is outside.  This is in mom's flower garden.  She is usually really good about not crushing all the flowers...usually.

And that, more or less, were some of the highlights of summer.  Since then I have been busy with work, trips to Singapore, and some long-overdue touristy things.  The adventures continue

First day of school.  The polkadot dress was bought in honor of my momma.  She loves polka dots.  I hate them.  I must say that whenever I put it on it makes me smile...

My dear friend Dini and I hopped on a plane and jetted off for a weekend in Singapore.  We had a blast. 

And with every trip to Singapore comes really cute Birks.  These have been shoes that I have had my eyes on for literally two years.  I decided that if they were still there, I would definitely buy them.  So fun

A great part of my job means that to go for professional development I often have to travel.  Three colleagues and I headed to Jakarta for a PYP workshop.  We learned A LOT and had so much fun.  We also were introduced to the wonderful world of Roti-boy.  SO DELICIOUS!

But like all good things, PD workshops in Jakarta have to come to an end.  It was a whirl-wind weekend, but oh so fun.

Since being back one of the best things has been able to spend time with friends.  My dear friend Lolita came to teach in Surabaya this year.  Lolita, Kyra, Arvis, and I headed out for dinner and a movie at premier.  It was so much fun...even though the move was really violent and icky.

Another weekend, another trip.  I headed off to Mount Bromo with Dini, Glorious, and Baby Igno.  You can see that I also brought Grover.  He was well received by our littlest traveller.  When we got to Bromo I forgot to take him out of the car...but he was tehre.

Lots of fun on our first night there...went for a walk up the mountain to see the sunset.  Very beautiful.

Taking a selfie with a giant camera and four people can be a challenge...but no challenge is too big.  Was a great birthday weekend for Lolita with Dini (and Glo and Ino,) and Rhonda.

Bromo was absolutely breathtaking.  Sunrise on Sunday morning meant getting up at 3:00 but was totally worth it.

Sunset

Sunrise

Even our hotel had an amazing view.  Was so glad to celebrate Lolita's birthday.

Those are the last of the steps up to the top of Mount Bromo.  Getting to this point was quite the accomplishment.  The last steps were easy in comparison.

And this is the view from the top looking down.  It was pretty remarkable.