Recalling the longest summer of my life.

As summer is so closely coming to an end, I think how quickly it has come and gone. In May when I was on my way home from school I was thinking "What the heck am I going to do for four months at home with my family in St. John, WA?" (For those of you that have lived away for a period of time and come back to St. John, you know the agony of what I was about to face.) However, these past four months have truly been relaxing, refreshing, nice, and a unique experience - something much needed after four years of craziness. I would almost say I was lazy but I am looking at it from a different angle and taking it as a huge blessing from God! (Excuse? Not sure yet! =)) I just wanted to take time to say a big "Thank you" to God and to reflect on some of my summer highlights:

1) Senior CRUISE. The Monday following graduation I was able to embark on a wonderful mini-vaca with 7 great people from Bethany! We began by road tripping down to LA to board our Carnival Cruise "Fun Ship" - and what a FUN SHIP it was!!! We had a great time in Ensenada, Catalina Island, and just aboard the ship! If you haven't been on a cruise - it would be of my highest recommendation!!

2) Vacationing to FLORIDA. In April, Leigh and I decided...It's time to party and vacation to Florida. What a great idea that was - we had a blast! At the end of June, in between Leigh's quarters, we took off for the Sunshine State: suntanned on the beach in Daytona, swam in the waves of the Atlantic, played Settlers, ran around in the rain, iindulged in Smoothie King, watched movies, slept lots, relaxed and had a great time. A week later we headed home - that's a whole other story! Recommendation: never fly to or thru Albuquerque.

3) Phase one of moving into our new Seattle Apartment (Pictures coming later). On July 5, Dad, Litney and I journeyed over to Seattle to begin moving into our cozy new home. Litney and I are so blessed because my mom and dad bought us all of our necessary furnishings - beds, mattresses, dressers, bookshelves, tv stand, futon, desk, etc etc etc!! (Thank Jesus for parents and their credit cards! =))

4) Days on the Lake. My family (+ Bob) was able to take a few days this summer to go out boating on Rock Lake. It was so great to just sit in the sun, have the wind in my hair and enjoy a relaxing time with people I love. My brother finally tubed by himself for the first time and loved it - he NEVER let go - I am not sure he knew he was allowed to!

5) Surgery. The after part wasn't such a highlight (in fact, it was the lowest low of my summer), but the fact that I finally got it done is great!

6) Helping with Swimteam and Cheerleading. Gosh, I never thought I would come back and be so involved with the community, but helping out with these youngsters was one of the best parts of my summer. It was such a blessing to see these kids grow and accomplish so much in just a little bit of time.

7) Hanging out with my family. I enjoyed the little Spokane outtings with my mom, the sibling "dates", and sports talks with my dad (like always). I am so blessed to have a family whom I love and who loves me! Over the past few days my mom has been transferring all our old home videos to DVDs so we have had the opportunity to watch the "growing up" process all over again. Man, I am not sure I have ever laughed so hard - some moments are absolutely humiliating! Wow!

8) Personal time. This summer allowed me to take a lot of time just to sit back and reflect on my life. Goodness, I am so blessed and thank God daily for all He has given me - especially for this great summer.

Seattle....here I come!!