Today I swear I'm not doing anything

Summer is my absolute favorite time of year. It's a time for sunshine, picnics, and bike rides. A time for lounging, exploring long lost hobbies and harvesting new talents. Summer is when I actually feel motivated and excited to exercise, just so I can be outside and soak in the sun.  It's a time for fireflies, popsicles, and country music.  When worries and responsibilities are low.  The season of swimming, staying up late, and mowing the lawn. Of lemonade, barbecues, and rainstorms. This summer, summer 2012, is one that will go down in history books (or my journal) as the best summer ever.  It's only been a month and I'm having the time of my life.  Deciding to spend my favorite time of year with my dad and Amy was the best decision I ever made.  It's been so nice to be surrounded by people I love and who love and encourage me.  I can't even begin to count the life-changing, advice filled, supportive and uplifiting conversations we've had, the adventures we've gone on, and the new things we've tried.  It's been a blast. So, I thought I'd share some of things I've been doing so far that have made this summer great.

1. Helping my dad move out of his old apartment. I'm gonna miss that little bachelor pad in the city.

2. Going on picnics by the Potomac.

 3. Playing sweet music into the wee hours of the night, sometimes on strange instruments.



Cigar box guitars...who woulda thought?



 4. Taking up the arts in my spare time.

I found this baby while cleaning out my dad's apartment

5. A recent favorite, going on running tours of D.C. with Amy. 

The other day we went on a two mile run
across the Memorial Bridge between Roosevelt Island and the Lincoln Memorial



 6. Watching favorite childhood movies, such as this precious gem:

Michael and I have been searching for a copy of this for years.
At Eila's wedding, he pulled this out of his suitcase and said he found it
while at Goodwill.  Best. day. of. my. life.



 7. Speaking of which....going to Eila's wedding, being a bridesmaid, catching bouquets, and such.

(Don't worry, I'll blog in detail about the wedding later and post more pics)

Actually, she just kinda did a baton pass and handed it to me..bahaha.
What is she trying to say?

 8. And of course, working like crazy, and rolling in the dough.

That's not monopoly money kids



Making $70-$100+ a day in tips? Yeaaah, I can handle that.

9. Oh yeah, and, last but certainly not least....working vigorously on my mission papers. They should be completley in and on their way to Salt Lake by next Sunday! Cr-a-zy!

Such a stark contrast from last summer when I literally did nothing for 5 months straight. 

Great weather + exercise + a job + family + preparing for a mission = best summer ever!