goodbye summer.

well it's official, summer is over and back to work I go. I can't complain too much though, my summer has been amazing, definitely one of the best I've ever had. it was spent with so many people I love and I wouldn't trade any of those moments for anything.

some of the highlights: 

one of three camp fires at the beach.

reconnected with a good friend since second grade.

one of the best river trips ever.

a fourth of july spent with some great people.

i went to Florida to spend time with family.

i got to experience best concert of my life. (i'll be sharing more pictures later)

i went on a lot of drives & hikes.

spent a good amount of time with people who mean the world to me.

& reminisced our younger days ;)

bumped cans with my neighbor, yeah.

and spent the summer nannying two little boys who have a piece of my heart forever. 

i have so many more things in store for this year and next, (i promise i'll be sharing some exciting news soon) i hope you continue to come on my journey with me. 

xo

florida.

I was really missing my family over on the east coast, so I called my aunt one day and told her I'm coming to visit! & that's just what I did. we didn't do too much but it was nice just being in the same room as them. it's hard having family so far away. but I'm thankful for the chance go to Florida to see them.

made it.

the weather there is my favorite, sunny one minute then raining the next, it's wonderful.

I was missing the little boys I nanny. one of the nice things about today's technology.

I drove over to fort myers to visit another cousin for a few days.

sad to say goodbye.

in the middle of my stay my grandma (nonna) came to visit as well. it was a fun treat. 

I miss these sweet kids already. 

and my twin. (& my uncle who hates getting his picture taken.) I can't wait to go back. 

let me tell you 'bout my best friend.

this is my aunt (the one I'm visiting), she's been my best friend since the day I was born. growing up she was always around, she braided my hair, rubbed my arm, fell asleep with me on the couch (or anywhere else), she swung with me on our swings, watched disney movies on repeat, she was always making me laugh, & telling me I'm beautiful.. I've always had an affinity for her. I was the flower girl in her wedding and right before the ceremony she tucked a tissue under the flowers and told me if she reached her hand out to me that meant she needed the tissue. I remember watching her walk down the isle, (she was so pretty) then at one point she secretly reached her hand back, I felt so special to be able to hand her that tissue. I had her back, we were best buds. I was only five when she got married and I don't remember much from that day but I will never forget that feeling. later down the road she moved to new york, then to florida, in between that she had two kids and we saw each other much less. but despite the distance she remained my best friend, and now our time together is cherished even more than it would be if she lived closer and it's never taken for granted. I don't know what I would do without her in my life, I'll always be her number one fan.

taking stock.

making| a list of what to pack for Florida. 

cooking| meatball sandwiches.

drinking| lots of water, keeping myself hydrated. 

reading| the happiness project.

wanting| to figure out my next step. 

looking| at tiny (neighbor) baby toes.

playing| chris young songs.

wishing| that i was back at lake mead.

enjoying| good friends.

wondering| about the future. always.

loving| myself.

hoping| to start running more.

needing| a target run.

smelling| sunscreen.

wearing| as little as possible.

following| God.

noticing| I have a lot of people who love me.

thinking| about all the possibilities. 

feeling| happy.

bookmarking| things about nashville. & running routines.

laughing| at the mr. cranky pants I'm babysitting.