Summer fun in the 'Burg

This summer has been a mix of fun, work, and money-saving. Work-wise, we've been busy with a summer teacher's institute and also producing podcasts and videos for the Foundation (check JYF's website, linked on the right of my blog, and look for our passionality videos!) On Flag Day (the day I came back from Beth's wedding), we had a cookout at our house, complete with encouragement to guests to dress in clothes inspired by Flag Day. While I wore overalls, a bandanna, and pigtail braids, others got a bit more creative with their outfits, as you can see in the photos...

photos: Mark Summers embraces his flag day outfit; Carla, Matt, Mark, and Mark Summers; Mark and Summers apparently having fun; Ryan, Scott, and Joe also apparently having fun; and Caroline, Green Mark, and Jack definitely having fun.





Also, one weekend day we did some festival-hopping, beginning with a microbrew festival at Colonial Downs, one of the main horse racing tracks in Virginia. I'd never been to a horse race, so it was a fun atmosphere in which to enjoy it (live music, microbrew beer tastings, and festival food). Later, we visited a couple of cookouts before attempting to go to the county fair (turned out to be cancelled...). Still, good times all around.

photos: Jack trying to figure out his bets; and Mark and Jeff getting ready for their pizza-eating contest (Mark in plaid, Jeff in yellow) -- they didn't win, but they got a free meal.


By mid-August, we had a party at Mark's house featuring a band of our coworkers. They hadn't played in public since the last staff picnic, so it was fun to hear them again and to hear their improvements. Also, a couple of weeks later, Dirk (a coworker) had a kind of housewarming party, fitting in the pattern of summer cookouts and gatherings.

photos: Sally, Kris, Varia, and Jamie at the Lords of Misrule party/concert taking a break from all of their dancing; Jeff enjoying some Mexican candy that paints your tongue; Scott, Green Mark, and Jack trying to stay out of trouble; the Lords of Misrule (Duane - Guitar, Jaie - lead vocals and keyboard, Todd - drums, and Graham - bass); and the guys getting into trouble at Dirk's house.