I confess... I LOVE FALL! The leaves changing, the smells, the cinnamon & pumpkin baked goodies, the cooler weather, and everything else.

Fireworks from our towns 4th of July show. My hubby and I were in our kayaks as the fireworks exploded above us. It was incredible!!!

This week has been a week of ups and downs for me with exercise. My ups were when I just threw out my self conciousness and just enjoyed the beauty around me. The downs were when I was struggling with the drastic elevation increases on the hikes - those were slightly embarrassing when I was the one at the end gasping for air and crying my eyes out because I was so out of shape. But all in all, when I look back at this week I am grateful that I accomished the miles, that I didn't pass out on any of the hikes, and that no one had to carry me back to the car.

One of the best things about hiking in Sun Valley, Idaho this time of year are wildflowers. It seemed like everywhere we went there were beautiful, colorful, fragrant flowers. I am still trying to figure out what each one is called. I had fun taking pictures of all of them. Plus their beauty is so distracting that I forget that I am actually exercising. :)

Best of all I got to do all this with my favorite guy - the one that doesn't make fun of me when I am struggling, the one that encourages me and celebrates with my small accomplishments, and most of all the one that kisses me ever so softly to calm me when I feel like giving up.

One of the things I LOVE about living in Chappell, is the beautiful sunsets that happen every evening. Tonight's sunset was quite spectacular. So my hubby and I went for a drive in the country to soak in all the beautiful colors and to visit the cows at the edge of town. Of course I always have to get out of the car to say "Hi" them. (Yes, I talk to the cows :) They sometimes talk back - of course I can only imagine what they are saying back to me. LOL) It is so relaxing just to sit and watch the clouds and colors change as the sun goes below the horizon. If you have never experienced a prairie sunset, I highly recommend it - preferably near a field of cows :). You won't regret it.