West Coast Love

Having never traveled farther west than Iowa, I had very high expectations for my journey out to the gorgeous and lush Northwest corner of this massive country. After a quick layover in Denver and a straight shot to Bellingham, Washington, I spent the last 4 days with a solid group of amazing friends and our dear newlyweds, Kayla and Dan Thayer. Here are two lovely individuals whom I have gotten to know quite well over the past couple of years and can confidently say that they will be so unbelievably happy together. Another sweet perk of this trip was my opportunity to stay with Trinity friends that were local in Lynden! With all of us together cracking jokes and wishing each other well, life was simply ideal.

I saw the sights, ate and drank like the locals, took photos of close to everything, and soaked in all of the beauty that is God's doing. Imagine waking up everyday to greenery, to mountains and openness- I did so, and every time it happened my brain went to mush. Maybe you already do see or have seen that and you're not stuck in the suburbs like myself, but I cannot begin to explain what my eyes have seen or thoughts comprehended. 

Mt. Baker to the left, Twin Peaks to the right, Cascades all around.

Aside from drooling over the scenery around me, I got to venture into the neighboring towns and do some exploring. I saw the Pacific Ocean, had my fair share of Woods Coffee (which is the coffee Washington should be known for...seriously the best coffee you'll ever have), and getting to see how my friends in Lynden spend their summers. Nothing trumps experiencing these kinds of things in the flesh; it's one thing to converse about 'where I'm from' and 'this is a typical day-in-the-life' while you're at college, but to see with your eyeballs and appreciate the life behind these people you've grown to know makes it that much more special. 

On the day of the wedding you could feel the excitement everywhere and read it on everyone. Me? I'm a sap. I cry at everything and for the most part held it together but it took strength, that's for sure. Kayla made for a stunning bride and Dan a handsome groom.

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Thayer, y'all! 

Old Enough to Party

May the Beastie Boys attest to this- I have definitely fought for my right to party, (no blood shed or battle scars, but it could've gotten ugly). In the season of graduation parties, bonfires, weddings, or impromptu get-togethers, I think the art of a well-executed gathering requires the 3 P's: planning, patience, and positivity. This behind-the-scenes trifecta GUARANTEES a fun time by all guests, I swear by it. You have to be the one who looks like they're having the most fun, and once you make that happen, no little thing or 'what-if' will bother you for the entirety of the time. 

But Gina, you seem reaaally confident in your 3P Theory. 

There's no way its provable, right?

False. 
100%. 
Where's a good Dwight Schrute meme when you need it?

For the past week I have been prepping for a conjoined graduation party in celebration for my cousin and me. Our mothers, and this is coming from lived-experience, are expert party throwers. The kind who force you to take loads of leftover food home afterwards. The kind who go above and beyond with decorating. The kind who always buy more than they need because they'd rather be safe than sorry. We were no match for their level of expertise but we knew it was worth a shot. 

So, what makes a unique and successful graduation party that will please the masses and not just the guests of honor? Easy.

1 spot-cleaned house

1 full menu of food and drinks

2 beautiful cupcake cakes

1 candy-stuffed pinata

2 backyard tents for the risk of rain

1 beer pong table and set of cups

1 keg of beer

That's literally all it took. An excellent blend of college nostalgia, paper mache swinging from a tree and wonderful conversations all around. All in all we planned, kept our cool even in stressful times, and had a blast even when the rain made a few uninvited cameos. Our friends and family who were able to come seemed to enjoy themselves as well, and it was truly a blessing to have them contribute to the celebration that is getting a degree and crying over student loans. BEING AN ADULT RAWKS GUYS.