Seattle.

The place where my maternal family became possible. It was here that Chickie (Grandma) met Swede (Grandpa) in high school--initiating a whirlwind romance that has lasted a lifetime. Over the years I've loved hearing the stories about the parties, the picnics, the diners they used to go to....so it was incredibly exciting to be able to go with them to see their dating playground first-hand (though I wish the circumstances were a little different. We miss you Uncle Dick.) 

Seattle and surrounding areas do NOT disappoint. It's so charming! And of course, it's always great to be reunited with the entire family.





**I've never been terrified and excited by birds until this day. They fly and OUT OF NOWHERE take the food from your hands like a pack of wolves. It's insane.



I also got to sneak away and bond with my brothers over guitars, Hendrix, and sci-fi at the Experience Music Project museum. So fun to see them in their little music element.

Summer sun.

Spending lots of fun in the sun with this cute guy as of late.

Sun bathing is usually my desired summer activity, only it became a much more pertinent hobby when Trav so lovingly informed me, "You're really white, kid." It was strangely familiar to the time he took me home after a full day of being together, kissed me goodnight, and whispered in my ear, "You need to brush your teeth, kid." I'd only ate the onions he was referring to AT LUNCH.

He loves me. Seriously.

His family has a river house and he's convinced that the canary palm tree above will make him rich. Only he would know that there is a lucrative market for them....and only he wouldn't care that the Colorado River Indians will come after him for taking it!

For now enjoying my free-from-chains, rich-in-love boyfriend and steadily increasing tan. Life couldn't be better.

Prodigal blogging daughter.

How does one come back from a long hiatus?

That has been the question I've been asking myself for MONTHS. I've been taking notes from Tia & Tamera on their E! reality tv show...and I figure if they can do it, so can I. (Can anyone else believe they pulled that one off?)

Anyhow, it was my senior year and it was nothing short of fast, stressful, and amazing.

The highlights:

• Parachute at the state fair
• Many nights' helpings of pazookie
• Bundled football games with FRONT ROW seats
• Knowing the true identity of Cosmo our beloved Cougar ;) 
• Election-year political rally
• Kenzie's 90's-themed surprise birthday party
• Dating my best friend of five years
• Falling (a lot) at disco skating
• Meeting lions, tigers, and bears at Utah's Hogle Zoo
• Getting back on my snowboarding horse - also falling (a lot)
• Spending time with my family peeps
• School projects with my BSBF's (business school best friends)
• Going to my last class---EVER. 
• Babysitting my little loves
• Living with my little sister for the last time
• Walking in commencement

**You know he's a winner when he'll take a pole picture with you.



Thanks to everyone who loved, helped, and supported me through the journey. I can't believe it's already over!