weekend of fathers, feathers, family and fabulous fun

I got kind of excited with the title of this blog

As you may know, I have a feather in my hair. Observe.

My dad, Kirk, is cool. So when he found a feather in the yard of our Logan home, he decided to imitate this recent fashion. Observe.

Yeah, he kept it in all day. He's a fashionista. And we love him for it. 

Glad he's mine.

Going to Logan is always fun for me. It's relaxing, has beautiful scenery, and I get to spend time with my family. While we may tease each other a lot, I think I laugh hardest while with them. All of these things make Logan a great place, but every time I go there I'm also so impressed with the architecture of the actual house. 

It's beautiful.

It was built in 1879.

By someone named Peter Peterson. (coolest name ever?)

This is what it looks like:

My mom has done a great job of accenting the 1879 elements while working the 21st century elements into the home as well. It's the perfect mix and we love having visitors. This weekend my aunts Nancy and Linda joined us for the getaway and attended the Summerfest Art's Festival held on the lawns of the Logan Tabernacle. Things were expensive but Linda bought a beautiful landscape painting, we all delighted in chocolate strawberries, caramel apples, and three layer chocolate mousse. I also purchased this little accessory.

Oh, and what's that on my wrist? Perhaps a little bit of henna?

It is.

Props to my mom for free handing the whole thing.

So, that's what I did this weekend. I didn't have any homework to worry about and am super happy to say that I won't have any for the next 7 weeks. Sorry to all of those who are going to Summer term. It was a superb weekend and ended perfectly with the whole family (Dad, Mom, Spencer, Annie, Rebecca, Wes, me, Caroline) together at my Salt Lake home for a Father's Day dinner/Mom's birthday dinner. I love being together.

Who's to blame?

Dear person who schedules finals,

Do you really expect me to be able to think at 7 in the morning, let alone ponder the unanswerable questions of this world?

Sincerely,
I blame my philosophy grade on you.

Dilemma

Money.

That's my dilemma. I go to work to make it but then what? What would you do with your money?

1. Put it in the bank; that's what you've always done
2. Put it in the bank; you might need to help put a spouse through school
3. Put it in the bank; there's that really appealing study abroad you've been looking at
4. Take it out of the bank and buy this beauty

Those are my options. What do you choose? 

(These options all take place after the unspoken assumption that a tenth of the money is first dedicated to tithing. Well...I guess it's not an unspoken assumption anymore)

call me crazy

This summer has been very different from the last. One year ago I was looking over Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, exploring an old castle in Assisi, Italy, touring the salt mines of Germany, hiking to the top of Yosemite valley, pondering at the majesty of the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove, laughing with my friends on a road trip to the best place on earth...

This summer has been very different from the last. I have been in Provo, pondering the unanswerable questions of philosophy, going up the canyon, to the pool, attending concerts, trying to wrap my head around philosophy, taking trips to Salt Lake, seeing my friends off on their missions, going crazy over philosophy...

I'm going to be in Provo for the rest of the summer, clocking in daily at the McKay Building. Making some big bucks....(cough cough) Despite the fun that this future radiates, I decided to participate in a few activities that I never thought I would. Hopefully these things spice up the summer a little:

June 25th: Skydiving with Dad, Spencer, and Annie

July 9th: Hobbler Half Marathon (hopefully I won't have to hobble the whole way)

Some Saturday: Take a 3rd trip up Mt. Timpanogos

Who needs to travel the world to have fun, right?

Well that made me smile...

Earlier this evening I made the weekly trip to the grocery store. Personally, grocery shopping is one of my least favorite things to do, but as I have begun to cultivate my domestic skills while experimenting in the kitchen (no disasters thus far) it has become less gruesome. It helped today that I had a catchy song stuck in my head and that I had just spent the last 2 hours outside enjoying the nice weather.

The clerk at the checkout was nice as was the bagger. It just seemed like everyone was happy and it was making me happier. I didn't think much of my happy mood, just accepted it for what it was. As I began to load my groceries into the back of my car, something that's never happened to me before happened. Just as I went for the next bag of groceries, two hands appeared and took it before I could reach it. A little bit worried about the safety of my chicken, I looked up into the face of a very handsome stranger. I just kind of stood there as he continued to load the rest of my groceries into the back of my car. I was astounded. This type of thing doesn't happen to me. It's never happened to me. I finally got over my shock and found my words, thanking him for his help. He smiled and responded with a simple, "You're more than welcome," and proceeded to take my cart and return it for me.

After standing there for a few moments, I finally got into my car and drove away, kicking myself for not being more charming and social. Heck, I didn't even introduce myself to him! As sad as that is, I couldn't help but smile all the way home from the store.

Dear Handsome Stranger,
My name is Rachel. I'm sorry for not being able to talk while you helped me with my groceries. I was so astonished at what was happening. Thank you for restoring some of my hope in your gender. Feel free to call me.
Sincerely,
That awkward girl you just helped

P.S. Do you always go to Macey's on Thursday nights?

You can call me Pocahontas

So there's a new style sweeping through the student population. One word:

Feathers.

Love her or hate her for stealing Justin from us,
 Selena seems to be flying high with her feather features.


Wow. I should apply for Seventeen magazine.

Is this fashion going to soar or plummet? Do you like the look?

I hope you say yes, because I just feathered up my "do."

Is this murder?

I love sandals. I enjoy being able to protect my feet and at the same time have that joyous feeling of freedom that can really only be experienced while going barefoot. I love the sandals that are durable, that you could go hiking in but then turn around and wear them to the lake or pool. Especially in this recent weather, I love being able to get my feet wet and have the comfort of knowing that the sandals can handle it and that they'll be dry in 5 minutes. I love sandals because they easily accomodate my big Big Toe. I don't have to worry about the toe being pressed up against the front of my shoe. Man, that's a relief.

Haha, too much information? Sorry.


I LOVE SANDALS AND I WEAR THEM TILL THEY'RE DEAD.

R.I.P

Honestly, I would have kept wearing these but I have a loving mother who surprised me with these beauties this weekend when I went home. Oh, aren't they just adorable?

Thank you mom! I love you even more than I love sandals.