WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

It's no real big secret that I love vacations, I love getaways, I just love experiencing new areas, culture and life. We are one of those families that don't have the boat, or the cabin or the timeshare... so naturally, that's sad. 

Buuuut, then I reminded myself, we can still enjoy life! 

And enjoy life we did. (**surprise**) 

It's a miracle. First Family Trip since our family has grown into smaller other families.

We (as in my whole family, siblings, in-laws and chillins included) 

went away for the weekend, on a small getaway to Buuuur Lake (BEAR LAKE).

We rented a fantastically furnished condo home that overlooked the lake. 

It was high on the mountains, away from the razzle-me-dazzle crowds

(considering it was indeed the famous and deliciously fancied Raspberry Days).

Waking up to such beauty is always a good sign:

I will only say this  and then I will stop narrating:

VACATIONS ARE NATURE'S WAY OF SAYING

"Hey, slow down, enjoy life and breathe the fresh air around you.

Oh, and definitely go jet skiing and indulge in some fresh raspberry shake goodness!"

At our condo, overlooking the lake

(stocked to a musician's liking!)

(morning hair.. oh Harps)

(Quick 'N Tasty!)

Yes. Raspberries infused with the creaminess of ice cream.

Hot tubbin' it up.

 ...just look at 'em. 

I am taking these "littles" jet skiing!

WATER!

Haha, my Dad, riding a jet ski for the FIRST time.

Yes, it's Yellow, and a beacon of light :)

Radiating Happiness.

BEACH TIME. 

We totally SCORED on this beach. It had tons of sandy beaches

(not the rocks that Bear Lake is infamous for) and it wasn't crowded.

Oh, and it was FREE.

Aaaand, what's a beach scene without the comforts of life?

Awe :)

As a side note, and a note that I am particularly ecstatic about is this:

This trip went SO WELL, we are planning on making this

an annual trip! Hallelujah! 

CELEBRATE WHAT'S RIGHT WITH THE WORLD

So, it's official... SUMMER HAS STARTED.

I am out of school for about 3 weeks, and I can finally bask in the sunlight and 

partake of all the goodness of summer. 

I will say that my last day of school was truly a delight. We had fun presentations and there was much laughter and delicious goodies. We also watched a short film
 about a man who chose to live his life

Celebrating what's right with the world. 

I dedicate this post to his enthusiasm and positive attitude. It's important to relish in the good and focus on bettering ourselves and learning to look on the bright side of things.

(Leaps of joy.. with a sunrise... in Taiwan)

Over the course of a few months, my mind and soul have taken great delight in the art of "baking." I know, shocker, right? My eyes are often found scouring the pages of cookbooks (as well as Pinterest), and I must bake. It's a release, a way to calm my nerves as well as a way to stop my mind from freaking out. Let me show you some of my latest concoctions (and tasty tasties). 

A coworker of mine asks me to make my sugar cookies quite frequently... 

and with her son turning 8 years old, she requested I pair my love of baking, 

and her love of my sugar cookies and combine them to create 

CTR cookies for her son's baptism! 

(This was such a fun project! I had a splendid time.. and  yes, they were delightful)

I love holidays. 

I am one of "those people" who go all out just for the sake of going all out.

Who doesn't love a nice touch of red, a splash of blue, and a hint of white? 

In honor of  Independence Day and Pioneer Day, I thought it quite appropriate to

 dig in and create a masterpiece. A patriotic masterpiece.

Now that the treats have been inhaled and devoured, it's time to 

focus on a more serious subject. 

Breast Cancer. Support the cause

and get your mammograms early, ladies! 

For the love of humanity, do it.

Just do it.

And after you take care of this appointment, 

sit back, kick up your feet and party away! 

It was such a treasure to have a work party; to enjoy 

some fun time together and enjoy the summer night.

(Thanks for everyone's efforts to make this happen!)

After partying, it's probably appropriate to introduce my

NEW HAIR (**surprise**)

It's a faded ombre look, if you couldn't tell. 

I saw Drew Barrymore's hair and I thought to myself

Hmmm, I think I'll have that. So I did.. and now I have it. I love it. 

Aaaand, my cute little niece turned 8!

You know what that means, right? 

 My talented mama sewed an adorable baptism dress for her.

She is growing up and becoming quite the lil lady! 

I am so proud of her!

I have a wonderful family, who supports me in all that I do. 

I love each of them very much! 

I am so grateful that I am growing and becoming such a better person everyday, because

of awesome people I associate with. Thank you to each of you for your examples.

You are a sheer treasure. 

When feeling low, overwhelmed, disheartened or crazy, STOP and take a moment to recognize

WHAT'S RIGHT WITH THE WORLD.