It's been 9 days without....

Internet!!!
And randomly it started working - I'm not sure for how long, but I'm going to take advantage of this moment and email resumes to possible job opportunities....and post a blog :)
It was a pretty slow week - which then lead to a great weekend.
Starting last Friday - Neil and I played tennis for bit, which is our newest thing. I'll post pictures soon, I promise. All of us that hang out here have chosen to get in "the best shape of our lives" and we're hoping we'll achieve that by the end of summer. Tennis is an outdoor activity that we've all agreed on - have rackets to play - and we're all terrible at it...but it's soooo much fun.
On a more "adorable" note: Baby Arrival!!! Evelyn Louise Beckman is here...This is the only picture I have of her, more to come of course...
6lbs 11oz at 1:08pm on June 20th, 2008

We went to visit her at only 4 hours old, and she is precious. I almost set up camp in their room because I didn't want to give her up. Congratulations Laura and Jon!!!!!
Saturday, we played tennis again - this time with Adam. We dealt with some light rain, but then called it a day when it started to pour. Life in Erie...I'm getting used to such circumstances. Later that night we went to the Atzerts home to watch some UFC fight, and better yet - to play with their son Owen who is so much fun.
It is now Tuesday, and I'm completely sore all over. We've played tennis 3 days out of 4 - and I'm totally addicted. I want to play every day!! Maybe I'll lose some weight...maybe 30 lbs to be exact? :) What do you think? Is this possible?
FYI. I've now watched 5 seasons of "24" in 4 weeks...with one more season to go to be all caught up.
I need a job, don't I?

24 - I "heart" Jack Bauer

My man, Jack Bauer

Just so you all know, I've been completely obsessed with this show "24" - Our good friend Sean bought us the 1st season, probably 2 years ago, and we only sat to watch a couple episodes. A couple weeks ago I decided I'd try it again, I have NOTHING else to do. I was hooked. Since he owns all of the seasons on dvd, I've had access to watch this show to catch myself up until the new season starts. Believe me when I say, I'll have plenty of time before the 7th season comes around. There are a total of 6 seasons, and I'm already on season 4. I can actually re-watch all of them again if I wanted - which I think I'm going to do....

I love this show...

Week of events...

This week was pretty productive. Riding bikes around the peninsula...playing with Andy in the yard...going out on Lake Erie...watching our favorite Erie band...
I think this non-working life is starting to get a little too comfortable for me.
Some pictures to highlight these events...
Neil grillin' on the back porch:
Ridin' around the lake:
Playing with Andy in the backyard:

Enjoying Lake Erie:
Jonathan. cruisin' along the coast...
We ended the week by going to Forward Hall to see Jesus Wept play... it was a great week.

Rivalry continues!!!!

Tonight, we go back in history to one of the oldest rivalries in NBA history. The NBA championships go underway between the Boston Celtics & Los Angeles Lakers. Larry Bird versus Magic Johnson - now, Kevin Garnett versus Kobe Bryant. No question, it'll be a fight to the end.

Stay tuned.

Go Lakers!!!!!

The Sun-sets at 9:00pm here....

Hanging out at the Lake is so awesome - I LOVE it. During the day, at night....at all times I want to be there. There is this restaurant called Sara's right by the peninsula that sells the most amazing ice cream. Beach + Ice Cream Sundaes = a freakin' good time!
Now if only I can find a bike to my liking...I'd be all set.
Here are some pictures of sunset from Memorial day night.
It was 80 degrees out, good company on hand, and an ice cream sundae - perfection.
(Of course I didn't get pictures of Adam & Joel that joined us, or my awesome ice cream...)

Hamps to the 3rd

Leroy (the 3rd) & Erin Hamp

These two are toooo much fun, so I wanted to throw up a few pictures of our time we've been able to spend with them.

At the Lake: Erin & I Neil & Leroy
We have some AMAZING friends here in Erie, and these 2 are always fun to have around. Leroy is about to go rock the U.S. here pretty soon, so we're trying to eat up as much time with them as we can.

Living a new life...

...our new life started off pretty awesome. My brother-in-law Nathan, and his new wife Linda were in town just in time to greet us. My mother-in-law Cindy threw them a reception in her home, and invited all of Nate's old and dear friends, and the entire family to join in celebration - and to welcome Linda. It was really nice to see them, and to spend time with them.
First day in Erie, we went to the zoo - the weather was amazing!


1st day in Erie, not bad.

May 8th, 2008 - Arriving into Erie, PA

Our new home...here we are:
Neil texting + driving - scary, I know.
all gone. Lots of help... our new home-->

May 6th-8th, 2008 Traveling (Tues. - Thurs.)

Highlights from our travels.
Leaving Beaver, Utah - Neil preparing himself




...we tried.
So random, right? This is what we saw in South Bend, IN.
Almost there:

May 5th, 2008 - Leaving California

I was so glad to finally be moving out of that apartment, but as Neil locked it for the last time I couldn't help but feel super emotional. Here we were, heading out to Erie, Pennsylvania to start our new life - it all came together so smoothly. Back in January of this year Neil and I had to make a decision - California or Pennsylvania. We chose PA. And it was a whirl-wind ever since. Telling our friends, putting in my notice at work - Neil taking the proper tests to teach in PA school district... and making the proper living arrangements in Erie. God was on our side through the entire thing. He blessed us completely and guided us through all of our decisions...

On our first day out, we ran into some issues. But by the end of the day we felt the "issues" were a good sign that we were doing something right. We made it to Beaver, Utah - not as far as we had hoped...but we were okay with the progress.

Pictures from our first day:
Neil & I in the empty apt. Outside of our place... Back seat of my car - crazyness...

The truck: Neil all ready to go:

On the road... Last Del Taco...very sad moment.
The necessities for the next 4 days:

What we saw for hours...