[The Last Days of Summer]

Here we go!


The last two weeks of my life have been a wonderful blessing. Somehow I have been able to do everything I want and spend time with all of the people I love before we go our separate ways for college.


Some memorable moments(life according to my pictures)...

I went to this lovely's grad party, found a hilarious picture of 7-year-old me, danced in the rain, and felt completely happy and at ease with how the evening turned out. Plus I had chinese for dinner, so that helped. 

The next day I had my grad party, about two weeks ago. The only way I can describe it is full. It was full of people and conversations and games and laughter and tacos. It was also full of half-conversations, running around trying to say "Hello, Eau Claire, Elementary Education, August 30th" to everyone I knew.  I would count it as a success, and a wonderful way to say goodbye to those I love and don't get to see very often.

One night, I had a killer Mall Madness party, which of course, my team dominated at.

More important than winning however was listening to these two hooligans, 

competing against the tough red team, 

eating more mints than an human should, 

and spending one more wonderful evening with the people I love.

Our bikes against the stormy sky. 

My Jamie. I love her laugh.

Getting ready for the biking expedition.

Ending the summer traditionally, Jamie, my mom and I headed to Algoma for our annual camping/biking trip. It was great to get outdoors and ride my bike until my butt was bruised. I loved hot dogs(okay, soy dogs) over the campfire, loads of SPF 30, climbing rocks at Lake Michigan, hunting for ice cream, literally running into the pool to try to cool down, apple walnut salads in town, late night games of nertz, and of course, sleepless nights in the tent. I love this place so much. 

The night we returned home, Jamie and I went downtown with Mara for copper rock and some "Art in the Chalk Park."I took this Beatles-related photo to show Jillian later that night. 

Mara and Jamie, hard at work. 

"Welcome Home Garrett!" The finished piece. My favorite part is "Our Family" on the right, the gangs all here.

 The next day, craziness ensued at Hetricks. A riotous music video set to this song, complete with exclusive set photos, and hilarious old people costumes. We had delicious homemade grilled pizzas compliments of the Hetricks and their garden. Stay tuned for the final product of the stellar video. If you missed it, check out last year's edition. 

Austin snuggling with his frisbee. He was thoroughly mocked for his love of flyers. 

Just one of the many meals spent here. I am in love with the silverware holder.

After dinner, sitting around talking. The happiest I've felt in a long time. 

The next few days were spent at Hetricks, watching movies, cleaning out their refrigerator, making fun of Austin, singing dumb versions of songs, and just having an amazing time with this family. These people are superheros I swear. They have company over nonstop, are always looking out for others, and give tough love when necessary. They also know how to laugh, how to love, and how to cook! We enjoyed 3 dinners there this past week, and they managed to feed deluxe meals to 6+ people every time.

Paul, Finn, and Olav slacklining at the picnic.

I also managed to have a bit of a life outside of the Hetricks, donating plasma and going to a picnic. 

Jamie and Ellie at the grad party. I am in love with this room.

It may be creepy, but this is the coolest decorated house I have ever seen. If I have the opportunity, this will be my future.

Spent date night with these two goons.

Tuesday I ventured out into the real world again, seeing my friends at the last grad party of the summer and having date night with Mara. Although we didn't stick to our original plan, reading 12 dancing princesses and making cookies by candlelight was pretty amazing. 

It was sooo tiny!

Austin, looking hella fine. 

Wednesday was shopping with Austin, Garrett, Mariah, and Jill in Oshkosh. We stopped at Ardy & Ed's for some old fashioned(greasy) dinning. My favorite part was the "baby" root beer. 

My tree bag! It only took me 14 tries to get a dang tree on a canvas bag. 

Garrett wearing his favorite hooded, sleeveless top.

Me, pre-nose piercing. Soooo nervous!

Jill and Austin at his cross country meet. GO AUSTIN! WE LOVE YOU! He did super well, especially for his first meet of the season with the sweltering heat and hilly course.

To end the post are some random photos from the last few days. It has been a wonderful summer wrap up, seeing all of the people I love. Although it was harder than ever to say goodbye, I feel so blessed to be able to spend so much time with Garrett, and to once again be able to spend days and nights with one of my closest friends. I also got to see Emily, go to Subway, and have late night couch sits with Andrew again. The next few days include more goodbyes, much needed packing, and then the exciting ride up to Eau Claire where my new journey begins. Stay fresh!