Summer 2016

   

    I feel a little like Olaf out of Frozen singing an ode to the wonderful sun-baring season, but it's just nice you know? As a Floridian I can absolutely say that when Fall comes I am quickly trying to usher it out the door, a little spent from the raging heat. But every year as soon as Spring slides past and Summer is born I am reminded to when I was still just a little ragamuffin, wearing oversized tee shirts and Nike slides, thrilled school was over and laying out on my trampoline basking in the sun. Summer was equated to having fun, swimming and running wholeheartedly through the trees when I was growing up.

    Summer as an adult is different. But I think we are lucky enough to still enjoy it for what it is. First up- concerts! Graham and I joined friends in visiting Orlando for Ellie Goulding. She was really fun! Although Graham sure didn't know many of the words to her songs. The next was mine and Listi's tromp with Justin Beiber. For so many years I was a hater, but his newest album Purpose made me see the light. Don't get me wrong, he is the biggest jerk in the history of musical artists, but he sure can put on a show! At different points he floated in a glass box like Willy Wonka, walked up stairs onto a trampoline above his fans where he flipped all over and danced in the middle of a mock- rain downpour (and tripped). It was the most entertained I've ever felt at a concert. And to watch Listi nearly lose her mind when he sung 'Baby' was something I'm pleased to have recorded ;)

    My Uncle Luke, 13 years my senior, and I have always been close. When his children were born I was 14, 17, 20, 24- more like an aunt's age, right? That's exactly what they have felt like to me, we just have a special bond with each other. My darling Lillian Claire made her debut in May and it's been a joy to be around her. WL and Cole came over to stay with me, as part of Cole's 7th birthday request, and we went to every water entity you can imagine: pool hopping, the beach, the water park and they even scuttled around the river hunting for little crabs and minnows. In July we went down for 2 days to stay with them, Kellan, Grandma Marilyn and their parents in their Saint Augustine condo, which was so much fun! We all left with sunburns and smiles.

    As the counselor in Young Women who is on summer vacation, I ended up going out to St. Cloud, FL for Girls Camp. It was EXTREMELY hot, 100 degrees every day I'd say. We had a slammed schedule full of all kinda of camp certifications, spiritual experiences and really neat activites! The girls went horseback riding, axe throwing (that's me with my lucky toss below, I made 1/3 which was a big deal for a weakling like me), archery, shot guns, canoeing/paddle boating and a huuuuge natural waterslide. The girls in my ward are so cute and fun, they better know I love them a whole lot to go without (1) melting into a puddle or (2) leaving to go to Carrabba's. I almost got a picture of everyone, except Sophia who had a bruised clavicle at the time of our boating experience.

    That's been my summer up until now. Lots of hustle and bustle & a few moments of just riding along.  As months roll by, I find myself so much happier and with a better determination for the things I want to achieve. I'm working on a bucketlist, one that I can vigorously check off, and no, it isn't just traveling related ;) Graham and I have started back with our fertility treatments (we took a break for two months while traveling and enjoying each other without the stress of it) and things are going as good as can be. I have been asking for more faith and confidence in the process; I haven't spoken of it much since my last post on it, December or so, because it's hard letting everyone in on this rigorous, personal chapter. Yet, it's been easier knowing others can help bear my burdens. So send up some prayers for me, if you will. And as for the other not-so-great parts of myself- I am trying to become more self aware of my faults- isn't that the hardest? It's easy to analyse everyone else, but, dang, if it's not hard for me to see it in myself. Maybe a little bit of growing up will do the trick? I will be (gulp) 25 soon afterall. But life is good, so good and I'm happy.