15th Grade

Late August is upon us and alas, school is back in action. I am in disbelief that I am a college junior and try not to think about it frequently. However, I have a unshakable feeling that this year is going to be the best yet and we are only three days deep.

Let's start with an end of summer recap. 

The last part of July, my family took a trip to Disneyland and it was magical in every which way. 

I took my Wyldlife gals to camp and had a blast with them, from horseback riding and canoeing to doing the high ropes, jumping in the lake, and dancing to taking on dares and swimming in the pool.

I wound up with a terrible case of pancreatitis after a GI surgery.

I moved into a new apartment with the best roommates ever!!

There was a zebra at church, which is very photoworthy. 

Mackenzie and I rocked it as Gloria and Ernie for the YoungLife College manhunt.

YoungLife College went to the Grizzly Rose and all us Longmont Wyldlife leaders went together and were looking mighty fine, if you ask me.

And now classes are in full swing. I am taking human physiology, organic chemistry + lab, an upper division narrative writing class, and abnormal psychology. So far, I love them all, even ochem!! Just give it a week and I will probably be feeling different lol. Coming back to school always brings some reluctance on my part, but now that I'm here, the rhythm is picking up and I am loving it. Maybe this year will finally be the year I get my blogging groove back, but let's not make any promises! Grateful for a great first week and the hope I have for a great year.

xo
Hannah

Summer in the South

In June, my family took a little summer vacation down south. We went with my grandparents and two of my mom's siblings and their families. It was a great trip, beginning with 3 days in New Orleans, which was a fun experience and then headed four hours east to Destin, Florida for a week on the Gulf. I made a little video (duh) about our trip and thought I would share it before doing a photo dump, which will be it's own post soon to come!

Happy July!
xo
Hannah

A Summer Reflection

Tomorrow is the dreaded first day of school. As I reflect on the summer, I realize that it was truly the best summer ever, and as it comes to an end, I feel at peace.  I completely made use of every day, and am without one regret or "I wish I would have done this!".  I feel physically, spiritually, and emotionally nourished.

In preparation for cross country, but also for some mental clarity, I would try to go on a run every day. Did this happen? No way Jose, but my initiative for a healthier lifestyle truly payed off. When I didn't run, I would work out in some way shape or form. I ate cleaner, I slept better, and took charge of my health. That sort of improvement goes further than physical success.

I had me time, and in that time, I learned so much more about myself. I journaled like a mad woman this summer and I cannot express my love for writing enough. I am so happy I did journal, I know that one day, I will look back at my journals and their sacred meaning. Every morning and every night, it was nice to just stop, and reflect on the world around me, and how I was feeling. In those journals are the most honest Hannah you will ever find.

I made so many more relationships this summer as well, and have a whole new picture on friendship and what comes with it. From Europe to Girls Camp, so many new and wonderful bonds were created and I am so grateful. And with those friendships, I am reminded how lucky I am to have such a close group of friends. I saw a tweet just the other day of a girl saying she was jealous of the girls who have had a solid group of friends all through high school. It put into perspective how rare and precious it is that I am still best friends with the people I was best friends with as a freshman.  Love them all.

I feel like this summer was really big for me spiritually, and that my relationship with Heavenly Father was perhaps most strengthened. There are no words to describe my joy for this.

Overall, this summer was more than I could have asked for. Here's some of my favorite memories...

oh that first day of freedom

the most precious girls

taylor swift!

a sisterhood always together <3

berlin

gelato<3 ...and the day we payed over $20 for water

i left my heart in budapest

crazy nights in krakow (with more gelato)

night hikes in hungary

pulling an all nighter is worth it when you have good conversation

classical music concert <3

europe europe europe

girls camp with my soul sister, bestest friend ever

D&C gang foreva

snipe hunting!

wonderful family time in kauai

such beauty

just the wettest spot on earth, nbd

morning runs that ended with breakfast and my fave show

x -factor live!

outdoor movie fun

quality cousin time

nighttime adventures

love her to pieces

oh how i love us

the coolest people you will ever meet

Thanks for such wonderful wonderful memories, summer 2013. I will never ever forget you.

xo
Hannah

A Quick Hello from Paradise

Aloha blog readers! I am currently blogging from my ocean front lanai, listening to the waves crash. It's a magical really. Funny how the ocean and all it's unknown gives me so much peace ad serenity. Our trip has been great so far and I've loved every second of it. From the morning runs which are so easy at sea level to the lazy days at the pool and beach or the crazy days exploring the island to the delicious dinners and family laughs every night, Kauai has offered us all a place to relax and center ourselves again. Sending a piece of paradise....

xo
Hannah

The Busiest Summer of My Life

Most summers we maybe go on one big vacation, and then to some close, but fun places like the mountains. Not this summer. It's going to be the craziest summer of my life and I am SO EXCITED FOR IT! Slightly stressed because of how much I will be gone, but everywhere I'm going is going to be fun.

Tomorrow...

I'm going to see Taylor Swift! Technically I'm not going anywhere but T-Swift is pretty amazing, so we'll count that;)


In eight days...

I will be headed to EUROPE. With Mack, Jess, and Maddison. Party time! (just kidding mom)
Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Austria don't know what's about to hit them.

In twenty-five days...

I'm going to Girls Camp with Amanda in the mountains. We're in charge of groups of little girls and get to teach them, take care of them, and give them guidance. Holla at mama Hannah!

In thirty-nine days...

My family and I are going to our favorite place in the entire world, Kauai! I can't wait to dig my toes in the sand, lay by the pool, read 8375892374 books, listen to the waves at night, boogie board, and enjoy the island life!

Then throw in college visits and time with family, and I've got a busy summer. But of course, I will make time for my best friends <3 and I'm going to miss them terribly when I'm not with them! Just wait till you see what we have up our sleeves to be together always!

xo
Hannah