Summer Update: College Preparation, Silverwood, and Sunshine!

A Family photo on our
 Marble Creek trip

This summer has been amazing. Full of new adventures such as my first solo road trip to Ellensburg. Time with friends before we take off on to new adventures. Camping trips with the family, Skyfest at Fairchild Air force Base. Tons of reading and just enjoying summer.  The pictures got out of order and I am not sure how to fix it so here we go. Our family has enjoyed a couple chances to get out and go camping this summer. We did one back in June to Marble Creek. It was after a week of VBA (Vacation Bible Adventures) a few of us were pretty tired, but I don't think we are ever too tired to go camping. We went exploring up a short trail that went to, played in the river and went for a drive on some of the back roads. It was really nice to spend some time altogether. Mom and James even worked in some hiking into the end of the trip.

Family gathered around reading
Patrick McManus Stories 

Tired after a week of VBA

 Another camping trip we went on was in July. My grandmother was able to come with us. We went to Red Ives area and James and I were able to float the river. We even got to see a moose, a buck and some neat birds  Some of us went huckleberry picking, a small batch, but still yummy. Those who like it went hiking. It was a lovely trip. Lots of sunshine and time spent with family and the dogs.

James working the flight
line at Skyfest

End of July James was honored to be apart of Skyfest at Fairchild Air Force Base. He was in charge of other cadets, watched the flight line throughout the event and spent an amazing weekend working with and serving his squadron.  We had an enjoyable time seeing him in action at Skyfest and watching the air show. My favorite was the wing walker. It was crazy hot and this girl got a wicked sunburn on her feet. I was really hot and I wasn't the one in BDU"S I have to know idea how the cadets do it. Overall an amazing weekend and I am really happy I got to experience it with my family.

Mom performing her Caprise solo with
Summer Band. 

   James and Mom have both been playing in the Lilac City Community Band. They have played a variety of concerts in several unique Venues one of them being our own Empire Theatre in Tekoa. They also performed in several outdoor concerts. Mom played her solo piece from the spring and it was loved by the audience. This was James's first quarter with the band and he meshed well with the members and even introduced a piece at their penultimate concert.

Coffee with mom college shopping

Lots of pink and the car is full

College is coming closer and closer. Mom and I spent an incredibly fun day shopping for cute stuff for the dorm room. Pink and purple are my colors it's been a blast mix and matching with shades and styles. I think the pieces we have assembled will look stylish and I'm anxious to use them in my new college life. Hopefully. My roommate won't mind my totally girly style. But seriously. Who doesn't love this that sparkle or are fluffy or shimmer..... :)
  Back after graduation, I had dance auditions at Central. I didn't make it, but I expected that. I was in decent shape from working with Pirouette. However, I wasn't pushing myself like I should. That audition with college level dancers was a needed push. I joined a local gym quickly upon returning from Central. I have gone as often as my summer has permitted and I am happy with the changes I am seeing in myself. I haven't always wanted to go, but the women and men at the gym who are working out beside me are an inspiration. Each one of us has a personal goal that we want to crush. Seeing that determination in another person might be the added incentive you need to up your weights or hold your plank longer. Whatever it is. Anyway, there's my little workout testimony. My encouragement to you is if there is a goal you want to reach, don't let anything stop you.

Reading in a tree

Coffee with friends

I didn't end up with a summer job this year. Yet, I know that is a total God thing. He has used it to allow me to have amazing experiences. I have been able to spend time with friends before heading off for college. As well as picking up a handful of babysitting jobs and house sitting jobs. I was able to have a fun girls weekend with some girls from the VBA team and that was an adventure I wouldn't want to have missed. It has also allowed me time to catch up on my reading and writing. (not that you'd notice I have been so bad about keeping up with this blog).

Family at Silverwood

 Dad's work had a family day at Silverwood and we had a fun time hanging out with our personal family and the work family. Riding rides, having lunch together and spending time at the water park. James and I went on Tremors and got a picture together. It was special we have never been able to do that ride together before. It was a beautiful day and not too many lines!

First morning of Orientation

 The last big summer adventure for this post at least. Was I went to college orientation all by myself. I know, I know, you read that and very sarcastically in your head (or maybe not) you go. "Wow, Erika what a big girl you are." But hey, I drove all the way from Latah to Ellensburg and didn't kill anyone. So that's a win for me. Not only did I get in a great road trip and get to see some great family friends.  I am registered for classes and I got a feel for not only what college life will be, but also a sorta feel for what living in Ellensburg will be like. I attended a church I plan on being apart of and got to meet the college pastor. Shout out to the whole Bailey clan for being such great tour guides, hosts and friends while I went through this process. Hopefully, this means I am ready for college.
 This summer has been a blast. Not only have I been able to have several fun adventures, but I also feel like I have gotten some hard work in. I'd say the perfect balance before heading off to college. There is one more BIG trip planned, but you will see that in my next post.