Pirates at 40

My favorite will always be Jack Johnson & Mason Jennings (which I got to see LIVE!!!)

But, this is pretty amazing :)

1 Year in Kansas

Whoa.

I have been SO busy, and I have been loving it!!

I have officially lived in Kansas for a year! I can hardly believe it.

It's fun thinking back to the day I moved. I can vividly remember Spence excitedly loading up the moving truck, our stop at an Iowa winery, and how nervous I was following that moving truck for 7 hours!

I remember moving into my tiny apartment, it took so long to empty my things into that place--we were starving by the time we finished. Every food place was closed. Our first dinner at my new place consisted of frozen pizza, which we ate sitting on the floor.

Fun memories.

It's funny how much has changed in the past year!

A year ago I was so nervous about how life would turn out in Kansas. I was so nervous about meeting new friends, missing my old ones, and being away from my amazing family.

It all turned out 'A-Okay'.

This weekend Spence was in Minnesota for a wedding. I was a little nervous to be alone in Kansas all weekend. Last time he went away for a weekend, I at 1/2 a box of brownie batter.
Not good.

This time it was fine. I obviously missed him, a lot....
BUT...

I was so busy, I barely had time to think about missing him.

My weekend consisted of cheer practice, lesson planning, data planning, running with a friend, meeting friends for dinner, and seeing a former co-worker.

So much has changed in a year. I am starting to feel 'at home' in Kansas (although, MN is ALWAYS my #1). I'm busy with a new job I love, and have made some great friends.

Life is good :)

Oh, Hey!

I have a blog?! What??

Sorry, I have been completely MIA this summer. It has been a very busy summer, anything but relaxing.

IT has been a wonderful summer. Full of new experiences, and wonderful family and friends! Remember that 3 item summer bucket-list?? Ummm....ya. I was pretty unsuccessful with completing the list. EXCEPT yesterday, I defended my Masters Thesis and PASSED!! I'm okay with only completing one item on the list as long as it is that one! What a relief!! I am SO happy I now have every class done for my Masters!!! I still need one more for my new license, but that will be completed on the job! VERY happy!

Speaking of on the job, I started my new job yesterday! It was super exciting! It was so cool to see my new classroom, and also so scary to see how completely bare it is. Time to start organizing and decorating!

The highlight of this summer, was definitely going back to Minnesota to visit family and friends. Recently I was able to have 10 days of pure, busy, vacation bliss in Minnesota. It was Ah-mazing.  My mom and I ventured up to Lake Superior and enjoyed the Superior State Hiking Trail. I have become a major Minnesota tourist. Minnesotans, look around you, you live in the most beautiful state! I didn't full appreciate the luxury and beauty of the lakes and woods until I moved! I wish I would have traveled around to more state parks and soaked up all the outdoor recreation the North Star State has to offer. I feel my former outdoorsy self coming back to life...

My Mom enjoying Lake Superior

Split Rock Lighthouse

At the start of Temperance River Hike...6 miles of DIFFICULT hiking! Good thing we refueled with pie!

 After our Lake Superior trip, I headed up North again to Hackensack, MN to watch Spence compete in a triathlon, and spend time with his family! It was really fun to be up on Birch Lake. Spence and I have so many wonderful memories at the lake! It was great to catch up with both his family and some friends! Great memories are always made at Birch Lake!

At the Cabin!

Birch Lake!

Moonlight Cruise

Walker Chase the Police Tri!

I didn't spend every minute of my Minnesota time in the 'Northwoods'. I began my trip home with a Twin Cities summer staple--the Pedal Pub! Had a blast celebrating my friend Tracy's birthday! The Pedal Pub always grantees a wonderful time!

My trip back to Minnesota ended with a bachelorette party! It was so fun to celebrate the beautiful bride to be!

Love getting dressed up and going Downtown! 

While in Minnesota I had some WONDERFUL food. I can't complain about the many dinner/lunch/happy hour dates. Yum. I definitely indulged and am attempting to get back to healthy this week (except last night after defending my Masters, a major celebration was completely necessary).

Anyways, I highly suggest these great Minnesota restaurants I was able to indulge at over my vacation:

1. 112 Eatery

2. Longfellow Grill

3. Rustic Inn

4. The Lighthouse at Emilys

5. Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior

6. Barrio

7. Butcher and the Boar

8. Zelo

9. Rojo

Yum....looking at this list...I start to understand why I feel so broke this week! Oh well, totally worth the great food, and great people!