Summer Shenanigans

Yeah, so I really didn't get to enjoy much of the 4th of July weekend. I was sick for four whole days straight, and then some. In fact, I was sick for over half of July. But, despite my incessant coughing and sniffles, I still managed to have a really fun month.

Where to begin... oh yes, of course. Charlotte and Jody got engaged. I'm telling you, this Year of Change keeps throwing punches all over the place. That Thursday night, I had just gotten out of the shower and heard a lot of commotion in the entryway. It was Charlotte and Aleeta, giggling. And then I saw the ring. I stared in disbelief, uttered a few "holy crap"s, and then promptly turned around, went back into the bathroom, and closed the door, just to dramatize my shock and surprise. I of course immediately came out and gave her a big, fat hug... and then the next day, she, Morgan and I hit the road for Denver, Colorado. It was my first official visit to the great state of Colorado, and I loved it. We stayed with Charlotte's family. I always love seeing where people grew up! Saturday we went shopping at this outlet mall in the mountains and went to Charlotte's friend Jonathan's wedding. And we spent a lot of fun time in the car. I tell you what, we are funny girls. I laughed more that weekend than I probably have the whole rest of this year put together. It was great, great fun.

Last weekend was Natalie Sue's bachelorette party and bridal shower. I can't believe my little sister is getting married in just a few weeks! It was a jam-packed weekend, that's for sure. Hillary even flew out for the weekend to join us. Natalie's other bridesmaids Jeanna and Rohana did a great job with the bachelorette festivities on Saturday: we went to a tea room in the morning, played games at Jeanna's house, had dinner at Genghis Grill, went to a Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball game, and then we had a slumber party at Jeanna's. At the game, we wore personalized baseball T's and even got our picture taken with the Kernels' number 15 (in honor of the number on our shirts for the upcoming August 15 wedding). Then on Sunday we followed it up with her Hollywood-themed shower (thanks to Stacy Mackey for all the ideas and all the help!). All in all, Natalie had a great time!






Change has hit me hard at work these past couple of weeks, too. Elaine gave birth to Catherine Hazel a little over a week ago- two days before, Lindsey left for new adventures in Pennsylvania. I miss them both already. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do without my two buddies! And now I've jumped into the Grants Manager position. I officially start August 17, but it's already keeping me on my toes. I'm trying to take it all one step at a time, but it still can feel overwhelming at times. I'm learning to trust that God will give me what I need to succeed in this new role. Below is a picture of the three of us before we left on our very last lunch outing together.

Matthew and I celebrated ten months together last week. It's gone so fast! Lately we've been enjoying the fruits of our garden. We have a lot of eggplant, and therefore a lot of eggplant parmesan. He's been frying some of it, and I eat it with applesauce just like I used to do when Oma made it, and now when my dad makes it. It's been a treat to have a little taste of home in this way. It tastes like summer to me.

And speaking of summer traditions, even though I was sick on the 4th, I did get to see fireworks after all at the baseball game...