Summer Happenings.

Want to know my top three reasons for becoming a teacher?

June, July, and August.

Haha! Don't worry, I'm just kidding. But we have had a pretty fun and relaxing summer so far. Here are a few snapshots of what we've been up to. This summer, I have...

Spent hours and hours setting up my classroom and getting organized for the school year.

Gone on a handful of fun adventures, including getting glitter strands with Lizzie, a hike to donut falls, and swimming/volleyball at Grandma & Grandpa's pool.

Discovered a new hobby: gardening and keeping houseplants! My very first tomato plant was a success.

Gone on several dates with my handsome husband. Going anywhere with D is my favorite; whether it's to the movies, the cabin, or getting shakes at Iceberg.

Said goodbye to my little brother, and it was not fun! In case you're wondering, he's doing exceptionally well in the MTC and has picked up Spanish quickly. We're all so very proud of him!

Eaten a lot of way too much good food. The Sweet Tooth Fairy is too good to pass up, peach shakes are my favorite summer treat, and I make a pretty tasty loaf of banana bread if I do say so myself.

Gone to three beautiful weddings with great friends. Congratulations Allison, Marianne, and Maria! 

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Disneyland.

While we were in California, Daniel, John, Emily and I got to go to Disneyland! It was pretty much my favorite thing we did while we were down there. I can't get enough of Disneyland.

We made the most out of our day by getting there right as the park opened, and wasting no time getting on every ride we could think of. We were lucky that it really wasn't crowded at all while we were there. The longest line we waited in was less than 15 minutes!

Look who we found! We missed Lauren by one day (sad face), but we got to see Lizzie while we were there. It was epic! I'll have you know that Daniel, Lizzie and I all squeezed into one of those little chair things on Haunted Mansion. And we loved it.

The gang.

The only ride that was closed while we were there was the Matterhorn. Sad day! It's one of my favorite rides. When my siblings and I were little, we used to be scared of that white snow monster. So every time we rode the Matterhorn, my dad would scare him! I'm sure the other people on the ride thought he was crazy, but it got us to go on it again and again.

Daniel got his churro fix while we were there.

And I got a Mickey ice cream bar!

And Emily took a shower on Splash Mountain.

Why hello there creepy Daniel.

Class of 2012!

Daniel creaming everyone on Buzz Lightyear.

Space Mountain. Daniel is drunk and I am terrified?

John and I took one look at California Screamer and decided it wasn't happening. So these two experienced it for us.

 Possibly my favorite photo of the entire trip? Yes.

We stayed at the park until all the rides were closed, and then we hit the little souvenir shops. Daniel got a T-shirt with a Dole pineapple whip on it, and Emily and I got matching neon California sweatshirts. And accidentally wore them with matching shorts. You know how it is.

Disneyland is such a magical place! Although Daniel and I had both been there before, this was our frist time at Disneyland together. There's something so enchanting about being in the happiest place on Earth with your lover and your best friend. Walking down main street at night holding hands with my husband reminded me that this life is pretty amazing.

We hope to see you again soon, Disneyland!

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C A L I F O R N I A

Here are a handful photos from our trip to Newport Beach!

the boys in the back  //  California cacti

double glasses situation  //  sleeping over in Vegas

lifeguard tower at night  //  watching the sunset

a night at the beach // watching the pelicans "synchro-dive"

 celebrating graduation at Disneyland  //  park hopper ticket

matching outfits  //  first of many Disney churros     

beach hair  //  Newport Beach

 In - n - Out  //  friends reunited

starfish and anemone  //  beach day

late night Seaside Donuts run  //  fresh glazed donut holes

laying out on the beach  //  gorgeous sunset

husband and wife  //  our cute beach house

Needless to say, we had an absolute blast in Newport! We relaxed on the beach, had the best time at Disneyland, ate amazing food, and spent time with wonderful people. We had lots of adventures, and I can't wait to go back! 

I wish we could have stayed forever.

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