So, I haven't posted anything in a few months. In May, I thought I would post at the end of May, in June, it was the end of the month then...you get the picture. So, wait no longer...here is the post of our crazy-busy summer. Deep breath, please.
The first weekend in May, Kristen and I went up to Megan's apt. at Olivet to throw her a personal shower. I have no pics (as I forgot my camera), but fun was to be had all around. We even got to see our cousin, Lindsey, who happened to be there watching her new b/f play a football game against Olivet. Yes, it was a long day, but Megan was pleased, so who could ask for more?
The second weekend in May, we went up to Olivet again to watch Megan and her fiance, Bradley, graduate. They officially have graduated for college, and upon writing this post, are still searching for jobs. Please keep them in your prayers.
I ran my first 1/2 marathon on May 16. The Geist Half Marathon was fun and much closer than my first two marathons (Arizona, Nashville). I realized that I must learn to run better and strengthen my ankles, but enjoyed it. I should really start bringing more food to races...racing hungry is never good for me.
The last weekend in May, Kristen had her graduation open house. We enjoyed the firepit area we worked so hard to complete before the open house. I hated the tamping. It is incredible that she has completed high school, but it was a lot of fun. It was also, unbeknownst to us, the last time we saw our amazing Uncle Jeff.
On June 2, Kristen graduated from high school. She is now an adult in many senses of the word. I think it is still surreal to me that she is completely done with her required education. Megan and I ruined her glory moment by wearing our purple graduation gowns to the ceremony. However, I did not have enough gall to wear it for the entire night, so I settled on wearing the bib with "2002" on the back. As resistant as she has been to follow in her older sisters' footsteps, Kristen will be attending Olivet in fall to study biology.
On June 4, we received a phone call from our cousin, Landon. He was crying hysterically because they discovered his dad had suddenly passed away while taking a nap after mowing several lawns. We later discovered he had a degenerative heart disease for several years. He was to play the piano in my sister's wedding this summer and had become an integral part of the wedding planning. Over 1,100 people showed up to the viewing, showing a true testament of his life. He was an amazing high school teacher who was only a few days shy of 25 years with the same school district in Ohio. He will be greatly missed.
I turned 25 on June 12. It is kind of surreal to be halfway through my 20's. I feel as if I have so many things I want to do. Some days, I have convinced myself that I want to get as much done in as little time as possible. God is really teaching me that depth is sometimes better than width. Boy, do I have much to learn.
I went camping with the young adults June 19th and 20th. We sincerely enjoyed spending time with one another and it was so much fun to see all my friends and the youth pastor's kids for a significant amount of time. I had to leave early because we wanted to celebrate Father's Day with my dad that night before going to my grandparent's in Ohio the following day.
We went on vacation in TN June 25-July 2. It was so much fun to spend time away from work and in the mountains, but difficult realizing that my uncle was to be there with us. My uncle's dad, however, came, and entertained us with stories about the Bible birds. "Do it again!" :)
We were at my aunt and cousins' home for July 4, where I took several cool pics with fireworks and we shot off bottle rockets in the neighborhood too late. My late uncle's cousin was there from the Adirondacks and we made S'mores in a fire pit. Oh, my, what great summer fun!
On July 11, I completed my first sprint triathlon. I almost couldn't compete, because I couldn't find the Res. Thankfully, no one said anything when I showed up 10 min. late. My sisters were there during my transitions, yelling at me to clip my shoes out of my bike and standing in the rain, yelling at me to finish my run and beat this little 18-year-old who though she could pass me in the last 1/4 mi. Yeah, sweetie, all my runs finish strong for a reason. I may one day decide to do another one, but I am enjoying not being in training at the moment.:) I have tackled 3 5Ks, 2 marathons, a 1/2 marathon, 10 K, and a sprint tri in my first year of serious running. Yeah, I need a break.
On July 17, my mom turned 50. She had a fairly anti-climatic birthday, but we celebrated it with a surprise party at our home following a Co-Ed bridal shower for my sister and her fiance on July 19. It was a very, very busy and eventful weekend, but I was so thankful for everyone who was a part of it. My friend, Jennie, also was married on July 18. It was amazing to be part of her wedding and to spend time with her on her special day. I am so excited for her and Nathan. Congrats! Thanks again for all the tulle! It was put to good use!
I went to the county fair with my friend, Ashley B., the following weekend. All I wanted was some fair food. We shared an Elephant Ear and a Lemon-Shake-Up and people-watched. I was so fascinated who came out for it and what some of the people were wearing. It entertained me for close to an hour.
The next weekend was the biggie. My middle sister, Megan, was married to her college sweetheart, Bradley. The wedding was beautiful and well-organized. We took pictures outdoors before the wedding and I was amazed at the way all the colors turned out together. Megan stated that she was impressed with herself as to how the whole thing turned out. It was exhausting, but so worth it. Bradley cried as they exchanged vows and dipped her halfway down the aisle on their way out. It was so sweet. They honeymooned in TN just down the street bend from where we vacationed. They hope one day to take a honeymoon in a tropical, exotic location. It still is a little surreal for my sister to be married. They came back to the house last night and slept in the same bed. Weird. There are so many adjustments to be made...
Megan and Bradley have decided, with the course of events this summer has taken, to move in for now with my aunt and cousins. They will live in their finished basement while they continue to look for jobs in the Columbus, Ohio area. As much worry and concern that had went into this area of their marriage, I truly believe God will provide (which is what I said in the maid of honor speak I gave last weekend).
We are going to Ohio this weekend to watch Megan and Bradley open their presents. I was to go to Chicago next weekend, but that has been postponed until Labor Day and I couldn't be happier to have a summer weekend without plans. I am exhausted. Two graduations, a half-marathon, funeral, 50th birthday, triathlon, and two weddings...not too bad for a summer.
