Familial Visits of the Adventuring Kind

What a week! I started spring semester busier than ever and things didn't let up one bit until about a week ago. The very day that my cousin Josh and sister Danielle were to come visit me at school for their spring break, my schedule almost immediately freed up. Praise God. They got here a week from yesterday and what a grand visit! I'm so thankful that they wanted to spend this time here.

Dani's been staying with me, and Josh with some of my guy friends. We've had many adventures so far and we aren't even done yet. Saturday morning pancake breakfast, lots of sleeping in, spring cleaning, piano playing and singing, photo house explorations, Zaxby's dinner, good coffee, and lots and lots of friends. My favorite time though, was probably kidnapping Josh late last night, going to build a killer fort, and watching both Up and Big Fish in the fort. Here's the delicious breakfast Danielle made for us Saturday morning.

I always love when my family members get to meet and spend time with my church family. There's something special about connecting groups of people you are close to.

Yesterday was Josh's 17th birthday and next Saturday is Danielle's 17th as well. So I threw a surprise party for them last Thursday night. It was a lovely evening of twinkling lights, old-timey music, pastries, and coffee. But what made the night truly wonderful were all of my friends who came out to spend time with Josh and Dani. In the short week they've been here, my friends have welcomed them with open arms. And that's meant the world to them and me.

Happy 17th, Dani and Josh! I love both of you a lot and have loved the time I've been spending with you. I thank the Lord for the people that you are becoming and see bright things for both of you.

A Dreadful Change

Along with the new year came brand spankin' new hair styles for both me and my younger sister. Check out her dreads! I never had a doubt that she would rock 'em. Photos of my freshly cut hair (over 10 inches) soon to come.

Oh Celebration

Christmas day came incredibly quickly this year. Anyone else agree? I feel like the holiday season speeds up more each year. Since coming home I've mostly been spending time with family and making gifts. And that has all been so wonderful but...I haven't taken much time to slow down. And I wish I had. 
Christmas day is here and I feel like I haven't thought enough about the gift of Immanuel. Such a beautiful and indescribable gift we have been given. God with us...God with us. How sweet it is to say! May I continue throughout the day to remember and celebrate the truth that God became man for our sakes. It's not too late to take a breath and slow down. This is a day for incredible celebration!


Danielle is one of my favorite people to give gifts to. We are very similar and love nearly all the same things. One of these common loves of ours is Andrew Bird. My parents and I pitched in to get us both tickets for his show at the Ryman in March. I hid this picture in one of Dani's shoes and gave her a note that said, "A little bird is hiding in one of your shoes. The bird will tell you what your gift is." 

My siblings and I do a gift exchange (since there's eight of us) each year, and this year I got my brother David. I had the hardest time trying to figure out what I could make him. I've always made my gifts and thought this might have to be the first time I buy one. However, with the help of one of my sisters I came up with the idea of this vintage body builder painted on two canvases. I saw him on an old stamp from 1984 that I saw on Etsy. So I blew him up and made some wall decor out of him!

And you know you're an art student when half of your Christmas gifts are art supplies and you get excited about lacquer thinner and acrylic gel medium. 

Film Friday

Remember how I told you I was going adventuring to Winter Haven with my sister and cousin? Well, we went. And it was one great day. Andy's drive-in restaurant, Richard's fine coffee, antique shop hopping, book store browsing, rain shine, Zaxby's, and Cowboys and Aliens at the drive-in. This week's photos are a very small summary of this wonderful day. Taken, again, with the lovely Minolta XE-7.

As soon as I get the other pictures developed I'll put up more from this day, along with a surprise that we found on the way home. It's a good surprise, you'll want to see it.

Film Friday

Film Friday is a grand event!

Every week look forward to four film photos on Friday. 

Soon I'll be starting a film photography class, complete with full darkroom access. 

Incredibly stoked.

This week's photos are from a picnic Danielle and I went on with our lovely friend, Rayna. 

We sat on top of a hilltop and enjoyed the sunset as we ate and talked. 

Taken with a Minolta XE-7.