honey bunches of oats

Hey everyone! That's the view from my porch. More photos to come, I am aware of the poor quality. That is the view from my balcony! woot. I can see the ocean... ahhhh. I would actually be outside on my balcony to take the picture but unfortunately it is drizzling this morning, so Matt and I have resigned to a relaxing morning of reading and surfing. I can't even tell you how much I love this place. Everything from the homemade english-style breakfast, to the Victorian houses, to the gardens that surround each and every building... it's just amazing. Perfect relaxation. That's me... tan. Sorta.. I am tan. Although I am trying to be more "conscious" this year.. aka actually putting spf on. I put SPF 100 all over my very fair-skinned fiancee and he still managed to turn a nice shade of strawberry-blush. Ouch. He's better today,but the first day was kind of hilarious : )

Today, we go see the Cape May lighthouse I think. Which should be pretty neat.

Anywhoo, I agree with amandapants as she stated below, I think we should take advantage of these warm months and do weekend things together. After this week, I am free almost every weekend (I think..)

Anyways, I love you all so much and I am missing you like crazy! Let's please do a beach trip or something? I can come to Philly so long as lodging is provided at any particular residence : )

xoxo

Joyful

__GIRLS__!

I miss you!

I hope you are enjoying your summers thusfar--stalking has told me that its a good possibility! I can't wait to see you next. Do you think we could do a July get together or should we wait until the Briannual? Vacations and things may be our hitch this time but I feel like there is much to catch up on with each of you, I'm very much looking forward to sleepover chitchat and possibly a skinny dipping endeavor 8}. Maybe we could try getting there a little early so we can have a little bit of time catch up? I know its a month away but I'm excited!

So things have been tipped on the side a bit for me lately but, by God's grace I'm dealing much better than I had anticipated. I guess the past 9 months has made me more used to Greg being away then being in the country. Thank you for ALL of your wonderful support this past year, I really don't know where I'd be without you ladies. That said, it was a great reunion and I feel even more hopeful about our connection and a peace about the next year and a half of his service. It took a good week to get into our groove and the 'electricity' was back about 4 days before he had to leave again. All in all, I feel like it was a bit of a dream and that I waited 9 months for 2 weeks of whirlwind but, I'm left with pictures, tokens, presents, deeper connections and it all still seems more than worth it. I'm all filled up, and I feel wonderfully happy when I'm with him... so, that's that I suppose.

How was everyone's fourth of July celebrations? We had a bunch of people over from church, etc. and grilled out and had tons and tons to eat and then traipsed down to the Art Museum for the fireworks and Goo Goo dolls. We sat behind the museum, which was actually where they were shooting them off--we were so close that there were shraps falling all around us. There was a piece of what was essentially thin cardboard about the size of my whole hand that fell and hit me in the face. It didn't hurt but these fireworks were HIGHLY multisensory. Much to the amusement of those around me, I was screaming for a good portion of the show because I thought I was going to have hot burning something light fall on me and light me on fire! I hope that your nights were just as invigorating haha!

Does anyone have any special summer recipes they wanna share? I love this time of year more than I can possibly say. This heatwave is the best thing to happen to Philadelphia. I'm so hot but I don't sweat until I stop moving, how does that work?? Also I was floating down the Delaware River the other day and I thought that it would be SO fun to do this with a group of people that isn't necessarily my church but maybe you guys instead. Its so relaxing! What are your plans for the next couple months? We should take advantage of this fabulous season and do fun things on the weekends if we can!

Alright, well I'm at work and clearly not doing what I am supposed to be doint currently. SO I'll bid you adieu for now. I promise I'll be back soon with something more interesting to comment on :)

LOVE

mandapants