So much going on

Hey, how are you?!?! I hope you're well. I've been good. It's been such a long time since we've chatted. I'm just so curious about everything that's been going on.

I've been super busy with work and school and life in general, but busy is good. Here are a few highlights from the past several weeks:

1. Old times' sake: I was in a wedding a couple weeks ago. My best friend from 3rd-7th grade until she moved, Jillian, had the most beautiful wedding in Prior Lake, Minnesota. My sister was in it too. The three of us were the kinds of friends who could wipe buggers on each other and fight and still be best friends. We would play and play for hours and hours. It was delightful to see her and to catch up with people from home. I forgot my camera, so I'll post pictures when I get them.

2. To the motherland: I went to Utah to see family. My grandparents are the best sort of grandparents. I realized that their home and particularly their backyard is one of my happiest places. My grandpa likes to tell us stories about our ancestors and my grandma makes the best chocolate chip cookies ever.

My sister bought a house. Kinda strange that we're adults now and she's a home owner. My favorite memory from this trip: making bum prints on the pool sidewalk with my sister and brother like we did when we were kids. Oh, and seeing Laura. Hi Laura!

3. I made a baby quilt for Mama Noelle. I'll post pictures soon. I've also started my next project - a cool garden inspired quilt for my sister.

4. Horsin' around: I have made friends with some good people who have a farm near Leesburg. I go there whenever I can to ride horses and enjoy the country. These trips always require my cowboy boots and kettlecorn from the farmer's market on the way.

5. Rope swinging: I swam in the potomac. Yes, you heard me, the Pot o mac. There's a rope swing up river (well, at least up from the water treatment plant). A few of us ventured out to check it out and I took the plunge. The water was that nasty warm bath temperature. But it made for a fun time.

6. Puzzling: it's official, I'm a nerd. I love to do puzzles. One friday night when plans for the county fair got rained out, a small group of my friends decided to build a 1,000 piece underwater mystical lion with fishies puzzle. We were obsessed. Finished in a weekend.

7. Great Texas: My brother and sister in law and my one and only stud nephew live in Dallas so I paid them a visit over labor day. My dad was there too. We had a grand time bowling, eating, swimming and water-sliding, and exploring the city. AND yes, I went to the BYU v OU game!!! Dallas stadium is unbelievable - especially whent he Cougs win!!! I can't explain the euphoria I felt when it became clear that we upset the number 3 ranked team in the country! It was bliss.

Those are just a few of the fun highlights. I'll keep you posted on everything else that goes on. It's great to catch up!

Charlee