cookies

Summer 2013

One of my favorite things to do is look back though past events and times in my life. I thought it would be fun to do a recap of all of the wonderful (and not so wonderful) things that went on for me this summer.

May

I shared some articles that I wrote for the school newspaper, my brother moved back to Pittsburgh, and I made Jimmy an Oreo cake for his birthday. Yum.

Oreo cake

I answered 12 questions about purity rings and got super muddy at MuckFest MS Pittsburgh.

10

June

My family went on vacation to the Outer Banks and we rode horses on the beach. That was definitely one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

10

I also wrote a super random poem about swimming.

July

I took two weeks off of blogging and social media. It felt pretty amazing. I also competed in a triathlon and began working for my parent’s real estate brokerage during that two week period.

triathlon

Hannah did some modeling for my blog and I struggled through a dry socket after having my wisdom teeth removed. Worst time of my life. I also baked 763 cookies for my brother’s wedding during the week that I had a dry socket.

IMG_57299

My brother married the love of his life, Racquel. They’re such a beautiful couple!

wedding

Hannah got the cutest puppy for her birthday and I made a lot of pickles! The pickle recipes can be found here and here. I promise they’re super simple.

Jimmy proposed to me. That was hands down one of the best moments of my life! What a blessing.

6

Last but not least, I started a crazy busy semester at good ol’ Penn State.

*

So that’s my summer in an nutshell. I had my ups (getting engaged, watching my brother get married, and baking a ton of cookies) and my downs (wisdom teeth removal+ dry socket).

All in all, I’d have to say that it was a wonderfully perfect summer.

I’m sad to see my summer break end, but I’m also extremely excited to see what God has in store for the future!

How was your summer?

Hello from…

Hello from the Outer Banks of North Carolina!

IMG_5563

I’m on vacation with my parents and sister. I just wanted to pop in and share some pictures!

IMG_5531
Before I even left for vacation, Jimmy drove out to my house and gave me a care package for the trip (sorta like I did for him when he was working a few hours away for a week). He included all of my favorite things: sun block, peanut butter, snacks, gum, stickers, and Sharpie markers. He’s the sweetest. I’m glad he doesn’t judge me for loving stickers at age 20.

IMG_5536

Hannah and I watched Eclipse during the nine hour drive from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.

a3

I’ve been enjoying plenty of raw oysters.

IMG_5544

My mom loves sipping coffee on the deck of the beach house we’re staying at.

IMG_5560

I love the deck because I can hear the ocean while I read my Bible.

a1

Hannah looks older than me. Nothing new about that.

a2

I played skee ball in the local arcade and turned in my tickets for stickers. Best. Prize. Ever.

IMG_5562

We’ve been saving money by packing lunches each day. Tuna and turkey sandwiches for the win! Yes, my nickname is Stitch.

IMG_5550

My dad is in fishing heaven. I spent about 30 minutes with him in the fishing aisle in Kmart. He was so “in the zone” that he didn’t know I took this picture.

a5

Cookies have been baked. Coffee has been thoroughly enjoyed.

IMG_5558

IMG_5568

The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. I just gape at everything.

IMG_5540

The fish are biting.

IMG_5571

Lastly, what kind of journalism student would I be if I didn’t read the local newspaper?

*

Well, that’s all the pictures I have for now. I can’t wait to take more because I’m going to be going on some fun adventures this week.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?