Week in Review 6.13.2017

Happy Tuesday! I decided to go in a different direction and cover some of the amazingly fun things that have happened in the last week (plus a couple days). This past week has been full of photo-ops, great times with friends, and memories to last a lifetime.

Two weekends ago my little sister (who I am lucky enough to also call one of my best friends) graduated from high school! I spent Sunday two weekends ago watching her and the Middleton High School class of 2017 graduate. The ceremony was at the Alliant Energy Center in downtown Madison and it brought back a ton of memories of my graduation just a year ago. After the ceremony I ran around as Morgan's personal photographer capturing images of her with some of her closest friends. Emotions were an interesting mix between excitement and sadness because it was the last time all of them would be together.

Here are some of my favorite images from this special day:

I am so beyond proud of my sister and the countless other graduates whom I'm close to! It has been so fun seeing them all grow up, mature, and make big decisions about their future. I can't wait to see all that they accomplish on their next adventures. After the graduation, we had a celebration with our family and my grandparents complete with some absolutely delicious food!

This was such an amazing day that came far too quickly. I cannot believe that my little sister is headed off to college in just a few months. She has grown into a beautiful, intelligent, strong, mature woman. There is not doubt in my mind that there are wonderful things in store for her in the future.

This day also marked the kickoff of a schedule full of grad parties. Following graduation and our family celebration, we even had the chance to celebrate a close family friend who had also graduated. I got to spend time with some close friends and eat some great food.

Last week I had the week off in terms of nannying/babysitting. So, my week consisted of a lot of relaxing, checking off to-do list items, and being creative. One of my favorite days was Tuesday. We started off the day cheering on my brother as he received a school award. He was the eighth grade boy chosen to receive an award for excellence in physical education. Later, my sister and I ventured out to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum so she could practice with her camera. Along with this, she was willing to take photos of me for some blog posts. The photos from my last post (read HERE) were taken by her!

It is too difficult to choose one favorite from that shoot so here is one from last blogpost and one sneak peak :

We endured the heat for this mini photoshoot but once we were done, we both were in need of something to drink and a place to relax! My sister took me to Colectivo (a coffeshop in Madison) for the first time and it was AMAZING! I got to drink some coffee, have a snack, hang out with my sister, and start looking through some of the awesome pictures she had taken. The atmosphere was so cozy and fresh. They even have big garage doors that can be rolled up when its nice enough.

I also had the chance to go watch one of the cute kiddos I nanny perform in her gymnastics show as the culmination of the semester. Hanging with them off and on this past month made me so excited to start with them once their school was out and the first few days have already been great!

Last Thursday our family had another graduation to celebrate, my brother's graduation from 8th grade. The idea that my baby brother will be a high school freshman next year BLOWS MY MIND! It was so fun to hear his name announced and get to cheer obnoxiously loud! Congrats Tyler!!

On Friday my friends and I got to meet up for a night on the boat! We cruised in my friend's boat across Lake Mendota and ended up docking at the Memorial Union to walk around, enjoy the live music, and talk into the late hours of the night. I can't wait to return to the Union throughout this summer and make sure to get some Babcock ice cream next time! I ended the night saying goodbye to one of my best friends before she left on a trip for two weeks! Ali, if you're reading this, I MISS YOU TONS!

Finally, we had a full but fantastic weekend hosting Morgan's grad party. After weeks of preparation, we welcomed friends and family to our house to celebrate Morgan, eat some delicious Chipotle and sweets, and just have a blast! I enjoyed spending the time as Morgan's personal photographer on this occasion as well and I also got to talk to some of my close friends. I also loved reminiscing as I watched Morgan's video (with pictures from birth to now) and looked at her many photos and awards. Side note- the black trifold you see in left hand side of the first picture below was created by yours truly and contained SOOOOO many pictures of Morgan :) Once again, congratulations Morgan!! William & Mary is beyond lucky to have you.

The past week (and a lil') has been a whirlwind of events that have made my heart so happy! Each and every day I remind myself of how lucky I am to have the family, friends, and hometown that I do! Summer at home has been bliss so far and I can't wait for what the rest of the summer has in store!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for that style post within the week!

#LIFESTYLE