Today starts the official 2015-2016 school year for this here high school teacher. Hard to believe I’m about to launch myself into my second year of teaching. Where did the time go? Before I become completely embroiled in text books, test creation and wrangling a 20-page paper out of my Seniors, here’s a little recap of the amazingness this summer contained. (Pst… a perk of teaching is having three months off in the summer to explore, travel and set out on adventures.)
The summer started with roller skating a long Lake Michigan. I learned two really important lessons on that first trip. One: tourists pay no attention to their surroundings before jumping out in front of you. Two: I am able to make a skinned-knee wipe out look graceful and intentional. Ouch!
The beginning of June launched the summer wedding festivities. With a Meant to Bee themed bridal shower for my cousin. (Pics from the wedding are further down in this post. You don’t want to miss the gorgeous reception hall!)
I discovered this tiki-themed restaurant in Wisconsin, so close to my Grandparents cottage. Don’t know why we never stumbled on this place before but it was too fun to pass up this time around.
Then I headed off to Boston, which means trips to the beach, a day exploring the mansions of Newport, RI, hiking Mount Monadnock, eating as much icecream as possible, waking up early to see a glorious sunrise over the ocean, hiking along Cape Cod to reach a hidden lighthouse. Needless to say it was a packed three weeks of amazing adventures and so much fun!
Back in Chicago I made it to a beach volleyball game, indulged at the Taste of Chicago and made s’mores in my backyard before heading off on the next trip.
The little home stint was followed by my 18th year attended a summer leadership camp in Wisconsin. I went as a tiny little 10 year old and have pretty much gone every year since that first time. The memories and people are the most amazing part of that week, year in and year out!
And then finally it was off to Atlanta for a family wedding and a couple extra days spent floating on Lake Lanier with the most amazing cousins a girl could ask for. Moments like these prove to me over and over again how lucky I am to have the extended family I do. It was a five-days of laughs and just being together. The grandparents did something right because we all love spending time together, and are happy to do it without the aid of the TV or technology. It was a people-centered time and it was amazing.
What were the highlights of your summer?
