Summer!

Spring classes ended this week.

Finals should be done today.

Family trips start this week (some of my favorites arrive in Utah tonight).

The weather is absolutely beautiful - perfect for reading new books by the pool.

Shorts and flip flops have become regular choices.

Watermelon and fresh corn stands are starting to pop up on the corners of busy intersections.

Summer lacrosse league started this week.

The days keep getting longer.

Plans for amazing trips are falling into place.

...

And the only thing left between me and enjoying all of this is one last paper...

Sending Birthday Wishes...

to one of the best people I have ever known.
to the woman who taught me the value of an education.

to the one who taught me to love reading.
to the most well-traveled person I have ever met.
to the best traveling buddy I've ever had.
to the lady who wasn't embarrassed to slide down the red rocks with me when I was afraid to go by myself.

to the one who taught me I'm only allowed to pick one wildflower for every six I see - to appreciate the beauty of nature around me and how important it is to make sure it can stay that way.

to the one who would have tea parties with me at the kid's table during Thanksgiving dinner.
to the woman who helped begin my love of the beach.
to the best person I've ever shared a birthday party with.
to the lady who taught us to just jump in the water and worry about being cold later - because she knew we'd have fun anyway.

to the one who always said, "You be the good one."
to the best bedtime story teller ever.
to the woman I still look up to almost daily.

I love you grandma and miss you every day. Thanks for watching over all of us. Wish you could be here to celebrate with me this year again!