It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to write a lengthy blog post, so here’s what we’ve all been up to lately:

ME:
● We’re about halfway through the summer and I’m already so antsy for another vacation. The only downfall in taking our beach vacation in May is that ours was over way too quick and instead of looking forward to the beach all summer, I now get to watch the rest of the world play in the ocean via Instagram. Todd and I are starting to plan a few weekend road trips here and there, so hopefully that will get me by until next year. In the next couple of months we’re headed to Branson, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Man… We must REALLY love Missouri. I also have a few work trips scheduled, like Detroit, here in a couple weeks. I’ve never been, but am excited to visit a new city for the first time. I just realized how close it is to Windsor, so I’m going to try to hop over over to visit Canada for the first time too.
● I was recently super excited to find out that I won second place in the Homeaway Postcards from the Past contest! I submitted this blog post as my entry and, what do ya know, I ended up winning a $500 Visa gift card! Perfect timing, as that will come in handy for one of our weekend getaways.
● As of this month, I’ve been back at my job for two years! Other than an internship, it was my first real job out of college. I tried to leave once and ended up coming back. As cheesy as it is, I’m so grateful to have a job that I look forward to every day.

FAMILY:
● This summer Iris gets to participate in different camps every week at her Montessori school. Yoga camp, farm camp, gross motor skills camp, art camp, camping camp (my favorite just because I like saying it), etc. So far her favorite new skills are husking corn and kicking a soccer ball. Maybe I’ll see if she can do both at the same time. Iris is also still going to gymnastics once a week and loving it. And I’m loving that I finally found leotards that aren’t the tackiest things I’ve ever seen.
● It’s been over a year since Todd and friends started a new business, Flyer Homes Real Estate Company. It’s been exciting to watch it do so well in just the first year. Between owning two companies, brewing beer, being a dad, building us a swing and porch, playing in a band, Todd is staying pretty busy. And obviously very awesome.
● My mom just moved to a cute little house within walking distance of the Fayetteville town square.
● My dad is two-thirds of the way through his chemo. Go, dad. Go!

LOCALLY:
● I’m loving the new Cardamon & Curry restaurant. We got a sneak peek before the official opening and it’s already one of our new favorites. I’m also still obsessed with one of the owners’ other restaurants, Woodstone Craft Pizza. I love the T.H.I.S.S.S pizza to eat and the Cucumber Cooler cocktail to drink. I only wish they served it in BUCKETS.
● I just signed on as a blog sponsor of The Jones Center and am excited to explore the facilities with Iris. Where else can you swim in the winter and ice skate in the summer around here?
● We went to our third Firefly Fling at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. I’ll post the magical photos soon.
● It’s been so extremely hot lately. We’ve been staying cool by finding fun things to do indoors. Bowling? Check. Day drinking? Check. Movie theater? Check. I’ve always been a summer-lover, but I am definitely ready for fall.

That’s it for now folks!