TRUE Aggies.....

Last weekend we had the opportunity to head to Texas A&M with the Rigby's to cheer on our beloved Aggies. NOW, don't get me wrong....USU isn't exactly known for great football, but we were more than happy to throw them our support. Texas Aggies VS. Utah Aggies. Intense. And to be honest, they completely held their own - even scoring the first touchdown. I dare say that if it hadn't been for a bad call or two they would have had it. Here are some highlights.

Cheering on (albeit it quietly at times to avoid confrontation...that is until we moved over to join the handful of other USU fans) our alma mater Utah State! Jamie wore red because she's pregnant and didn't have anything blue that fit....and so that we wouldn't get beat up. haha.



A WHOLE lot of school spirit. Very cool. Slightly intimidating when you're NOT wearing maroon. There's always something a little unnerving about intense team pride mixed with alcohol. Many people had told us about the school spirit at A&M to the point that we ALMOST doubted our choice to wear USU garb. In the end though everyone was decently well behaved, the school spirit/culture was seriously impressive, and we're both just too darn proud to be USU alum to ever back down!

A corner of USU blue in the midst of the maroon sea. And I have to give A&M props - though the picture doesn't do it justice - for one of the most impressive marching bands I have ever seen.

Northern Adventures....

You'd think after or crazy summer C and I would stay put for a while....and that my friends would be WRONG! HA! After being back in Texas for a touch over two weeks we headed North for a Minnesotan adventure. C took to the Boundary Waters with a few canoes, Mike, Ralph, Dave, Mike's Dad and a friend from the ward while LeAnn and I headed to Rochester to spend some quality time with Molls and the kiddos. Such a great week. C and I both had such a great time on our respective vacations. I loved the girl time and C can not say enough about how beautiful the Boundary Waters were and how perfectly Mike planned the trip (with the all-time most deluxe camping food EVER.)

On Repeat....

Just discovered the band "The Avett Brothers" and I can NOT get enough. Who doesn't love a band with acoustic guitar, banjo and upright bass? (Some of you are thinking 'not me!' and that's okay.) Mix in some amazing harmonies and the occasional piano and cello and I'm a big fan.

'I and Love and You' is absolutely gorgeous and in 24 hours I've probably listened to it more than 10 times. 'Tear Down this House', 'The Weight of Lies' and 'Murder in the City' are beautiful as well. Don't forget 'If it's the beaches'.....alright...just so many.

On the fun side of things check out 'Pretty Girl from Cedar Lane' and 'Paranoia in Bminor' and many more.

Finding a new band is such a joy. Unfortunately as is par for my concert course The Avett Brothers will be doing a show in Austin in a few weeks and I'll be out of town. Sigh.

Friday Night Lights....

We recently enjoyed a Friday night Texas style with our friends the Rigby's. A little Whataburger action followed by a local high school football game. I must admit I was quite impressed by the size of the football stadium and the sheer number of locals who came out to show their support. Football is definitely something that IS indeed BIGGER in Texas. Good times.

A visitor and a view.....

A few weeks ago my cousin Michelle was in San Antonio for a job interview (with any luck the Ingoldsby migration to Texas has only just begun!) It was great to see her and to enjoy a great view of San Antonio, good food and even better company from the top of the Tower of the Americas.

Good Times in KC....

We ended our fabulous summer vacation with a stop in Kansas City to visit Larz and Marty as well as Molls and the kiddos who were there for the first few days. I have to say that aside from it being great to spend time with family it was also really great to see Kansas City. I would have never on my own thought about KC being a great place for sight-seeing etc., but it was a super cool city. Cool history, buildings, museums. Natural beauty, church history sites, tasty food....the list just goes on. Here are a few highlights:




Looking out over the Missouri River



WWI Museum
Jealousy-worthy farmers market

Mini Golf!
Beautiful Union Station