Summer '19 Part 2

Capitola, CA

Summer 2019 was one for the books. I feel like I say that every year...but this really was my craziest busiest Summer yet. I think I've spent about ten days total in Nashville since Memorial Day...where I live! Also I should preface this with the life update I posted back in June! Just for context.

I've got lots to blog about, but let's work backwards with what I've been up to since I last blogged.
I spent the long weekend before last in western Maryland with my college roommate, Amanda, and her entire family. Amanda is a born & raised Maryland girl, who moved back almost two years ago to be closer to family, with her own growing family in tow! Which is, "honestly a dream come true" for her, in her own words! I hadn't spent enough time with her two kids and had to make it happen.

Things I love:
1. Seeing & experiencing different parts of the country where you recognize immediately you're not in Kansas (or Nashville ;) any more
2. Meeting someone's entire family! I think just because my family is so big. It seems like the second question I ask someone is always "Siblings? How many? Where? Where are your parents from?"
3. Meeting & getting connected to my best friend's best friends! Love it.

So anyway had a really cozy and wonderful time in Cumberland, MD, which I've dubbed the "church steeple of the rust belt." Spent some time on Twigg farm which cannot be topped, snuggled with some bbs, Amanda got me hooked on Bachelor in Paradise, helped out at VBS, and even went on a couple dates, just the two of us! Thanks, Dustin! Such a treat!
Before that, I surprised Art with a belated birthday trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Why Minneapolis? Well, it has a LOT to offer, but specifically to see Incubus, one of his favorite bands, on Sunday night. All a total surprise which I really and truly live for (for others! I hate being surprised and I rarely am!)

If Art WAS joyfully surprised by any of it he didn't show it ;) which is his M.O. But we had an incredible weekend and I really want to write an entire blog post about our time in Minni because wow, everyone needs to go right away!!
Then just before that, I had a wonderful long trip home, that culminated in hosting my ten year high school reunion. I hadn't been home since last Thanksgiving, and getting to spend ~ 10 days in just Northern California felt luxurious. Typically I am super busy and exhausted when I go home, but this time I was able to spend time with some "deep cuts", see my brother perform in his 80's cover band, relax at home, attend my friend Rachel's baby shower, hang with my family, cross a new fancy Taco Bell off my list, and had plenty of time to prep for the event.

Which went SO well, by the way!! I was so relieved and so happy. We had a great turn-out and nothing really went wrong! It's all a blur honestly but I was just so, so happy the whole time. It was so cool getting to see old friends and the backyard vibe we went for was perfect.

I felt grateful to the point of emotional that I had like my whole family helping me out, and so many of my best friends supporting me as well. All I can say is - go to your high school reunions! You won't regret it!

Before that (we're now back in mid-July) I had just returned from a Euro Trip. I did share a breakdown by way of outfits last month, but I definitely want to blog more about that trip, because there were so many good things!

So, that's what I've been up to. How was your Summer?