Hiking

I'm discovering new things about myself every day. One of the things I've realized in the past couple years is that I absolutely love being outside in the summer. I think I've just spent so much time working on my computer in the past that all I want to do is be active outside. I love hiking, biking, and just exercising outdoors (when it's not 1,000 degrees). Finding outdoor activities like hikes is definitely not hard in the area I live in so my goal this summer is to hike at least three trails. :) My friend Annie and I have some fun plans to keep ourselves busy so hopefully we hold to that. :D Today we hiked Humpback Rock and ended up taking the "difficult" way up. It was a little harder than I remembered but totally worth it. Besides almost getting lost on the way down, which always seems to happen to me, we had fun. :)

Best Friends

I have truly been blessed with incredible friends. INCREDIBLE. I don't even think I realized how blessed I was until this year when they were gone. I cannot imagine life without them. I literally always have someone to talk to, to hang out with, to laugh with, and to share life with. I'm more than thankful for each of them for their unique and loving personalities. Most of us have been through so much together and although there were rough patches, we were never torn apart and that's just a testament to true friendship but also, to God. We wouldn't be together today if it weren't for the Lord. He put us all together and has kept us together for a reason. I like to think when I'm old I'll still have these girls to go to the beach with and do old people things with like play bingo and knit. Hahaha. So with that being said, I have some photos to share with you, of course! We were missing a couple people (Alycia and Jennifer, we'll do it again soon!), but here a few shots from yesterday! :D

Graduation

Both of my brothers graduated this past Saturday, one from Christopher Newport and one from Liberty. When we found out our family would have to split up, it was upsetting, but we made it work after drawing straws! My mom and I left home Friday afternoon and arrived into the warmth of the lovely town of Newport News three hours later. We checked into the hotel and after a quick dinner, we went with Blaine to a candlelight service on CNU's campus and soon enough, we were up the next morning bright and early to find good seats at graduation. We did end up sitting in those seats for five hours because we got there early and graduation was quite lengthy but it was worth it. FOR THE LOVE OF PHOTOS. :) Despite Blaine being announced as Blair, the day was perfect. Haha. The sun was shining and I'm so thankful I was there to witness my brother graduate. Now I'm excited to see where God takes both of my brothers. They are so special and both have unique and wonderful gifts that I know are and will continue to be used for the Lord's glory. So congrats Webb and Blaine. I love you!

On a Farm In Southern Maryland

Getting to go new places and see new sights is something that will never get old. After my adventures in DC and Alexandria on Saturday, I spent Sunday in Maryland. When Amanda mentioned her family owned a farm and that's where she grew up, I just thought she meant a few horses and some land. No, her family runs a real farm. Haha. They have pigs, chickens, sheep, horses, and an entire garden of vegetables and whatnot that takes up a big part of the left side of their farm. Their entire farm is 145 acres and they raise all their animals and even butcher the chickens themselves. Amanda's family is changing the world of farming, doing it organically. I was so intrigued listening to her dad talk about their food and how passionate he is about using the farm to make eating safer and healthier. I've never eaten organically but was totally inspired to do so, especially after hearing that helping out local farmers is what will make the difference.

So with that being said, I spent all of Sunday out on the Bourne's farm in southern Maryland riding on the back of a tractor, learning about food and farms, and visiting all the animals they house and take care of. I have so much more respect for farmers now and spending a beautiful Sunday out in the sunshine, going for a hike to the Patuxent River, and being around animals was a great end to my weekend. 

Alexandria Cupcake!

Ricky and Rocky!!

Amanda's sister is so adorable! Everyone calls her the horse whisperer. You can probably see why.