What Sizzles Like Summer??!!

       O my gosh well here we are half way through June already!!! I can hardly believe it! Summer is such a bitter-sweet time for us McCallians because we only get three months of lovely weather and most of us spend it working our bums off wishing we could enjoy it.  I do however love the warmth and the birds and all the general goings on around here this time of year.  For instance all the tourists come back (the people watching is spectacular), the ice rink sells home-made chocolate gellato, the lake warms up, and things really pick up at the bakery.  I was so excited because Stacey taught me how to make the perfect pies last week and we have been bustin' 'em out ever since!! Here they are along with some of our other goodies:

                   
Most people lose weight in the summer because of it being bikini season and all, plus the added hours or daylight allow for extra activities...haha not me, and now you know why!! YUM! ;)
      Also tis the season for graduation!!!! Of course as most of you know (because you were here) my little brother Neil graduated high school on the 2nd!! I am so so proud!
 Look how handsome he is in his spiffy red gown!! He has decided to go to Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon next year and already has his dorm all picked out.  We had a big graduation party for him and some of his buddies and a whole bunch of family came to town for the festivities.  I was so much fun seeing everyone and celebrating such a milestone with my little (not so much) Spud!!! Congrats dude, you made it!!! :D
       Also a few weekends ago Daddy's memorial was finished and there was a dedication ceremony.  The memorial is super cool with pavers, benches, a dog and person drinking fountain, freshly planted flowers, a clock pole, and a really nice plaque.  It's so great to see he was so loved in the community and I think he would really appreciate it.  Thanks to everyone who pitched in, you did a spectacular job!
 
                                                   
       Speaking of flowers and lovely things, another wonderful aspect of summer is the greenery!! Everything is so alive and lush this time of year that it inspired me to create some of my own.  So I planted a vegetable garden!! From left to right I have zucchini, cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli, red onion, swiss chard, beets, spinach, bell peppers, and habanero peppers OH MY!!!  So we will see how it goes and if I have a green thumb or not! I also planted a small herb garden for the kitchen so I can have fresh seasonings!  
                                                                  
       Also, last but certainly not least, I  started my CNA class this past week!  For those of  you who don't know, CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant.  Will I be a nurse someday? Who knows!... but I figure this is a good way to test the waters.  I have to wear maroon scrubs and sit in a classroom for 12 hours/week all summer but by the end I will CPR certified as well as able to work in a hospital helping make sick people better, which sounds pretty darn cool if you ask me! I am less than excited to have homework and lectures again, but so far it is super interesting and I am enjoying it immensely! This is the book we are using for class (just for a visual).

       Well I think that covers about everything....Life is getting crazy hectic with all that's happening around here but everything is going really well and road trip planning is underway!  I will try to get dates of when I am coming your way to everyone pretty soon so be on the look out!  Of course I will end with an ADORABLE pic of Charlie Bean:  
                               We went for a bike ride and a friend took this photo for me.  He loves riding in the basket and gets so excited when I tell him we're going for a ride! ;) Hope everyone is well! Hugs and kisses to all!  "Till next time!! xoxoxo
Side Note: if anyone ever gets a spare moment I would love it if you shot me a quick email to update me on how your lives are going!!!