Almost there!

One week until graduation!  And I already got a present. 

Weirdo

We walked into the movie theater and there was just one guy in there.  So I sing "I think we're alone now. There doesn't seem to be anyone around..."  He says nothing. We take our seats.

But then, after his date/wife/girlfriend joins him, he comes over and says "I think I'm supposed to sing 'the beating of our hearts is the only sound.'"

So wrong.

Then after the creepy movie (Friend Request) in the packed theater (six people), we walk out past him and his date and he sings  "Why can't we be friends?"

Seriously. He was probably thinking about it the entire movie.

Weekend Getaway!

Lucky me!  My sister was available for an overnight trip to Sedona.  It was amazing!  I came home feeling as if I'd just returned from a vacation.

I have to pass Krispy Kreme to get to Lori's house, so it has become tradition to eat doughnuts before every road trip.

Second stop, Alcantara Vineyards. Google Maps sent us down a questionable dirt road into what looked like the middle of nowhere, but it did eventually lead to a lovely winery. So welcoming and peaceful! We sat outside and enjoyed a cheese plate with our wine tasting.

The chapel on the propery was being set up for a wedding. What a beautiful setting!

We stopped in Cottonwood for lunch at the Tavern, and a wine and chocolate tasting at Fire Mountain's tasting room. Somehow I didn't get any pictures!  

Our suite in Sedona was amazing!  We settled in and relaxed a bit before heading out for dinner.  This is the view from the master bedroom.

Dinner at Vino de Sedona.  Huge selection of wines, of course.

Back at the suite, we rearranged the furniture to more comfortably watch TLC while drinking wine and eating chocolate.

Morning walk before breakfast!  What kind of tree is that?

Quiche and scone breakfast at Creekside Bakery. They do have a great view!

Pool Time!

The Red Rock Jeep Tour ROCKED!  So much fun.  We even hand rain and thunder for a bit.  Amazing how quickly the rushing water dissipated.  

Imagine living here!  No phones, no lights, no motor cars....

 Stunning views.

Standing on a minor vortex. The energy is phenomenal!  Oh, wait.  That's just us.

One more winery - Oak Creek Vineyards. 

That was fun.  Let's do it again!

Summer Break

I am very close to earning my Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. One of the requirements is student teaching: 7 weeks in a birth to PreK setting, 8 weeks in a K-3rd grade setting. Lolly was kind enough to allow me to complete my preschool practicum at Sheldon Jackson Child Care, so my entire summer break was spent in Sitka!

It was wonderful to reconnect with long-time friends and enjoy the amazing scenery and cooler weather.

Highliner coffee after mass with Michael and Charles

Kenny's Wok & Teriyaki with Vicki.  Love that she still has that shirt!

Sitka Hotel after the Summer Music Festival Cafe Concert with Carolyn.

Just another beautiful view of Sitka.

Waiting for Community Ride at Sea Mart

Ready to participate in the 5K with Jennifer

Herring Cove

Post 5K treats at Grandma Tilly's.  Cake by the ocean.

Flower garden at Crescent Harbor.

Morning coffee.

More Crescent Harbor views.

View from O'Connell bridge (walking to the airport to meet Chris!)

Chris is back from her trip!

St. Michael's as seen from the middle of the road.

Relaxing on the lawn at the Pioneer Home with Rosie.

Outside Bridget's house.

Heather and me.

Pizza Express with Karlee

St. Michael's again

Downtown Sitka

Boats in the sun

Harbor Mountain hike with Steve, Charles, Chris and others 

Harbor Mountain - amazing views in every direction

Pioneer Bar after our hike

Only Fools Run at Midnight solstice 5K with Jennifer

Fun evening with the Steffes family

Eagles are everywhere

Eagle on top of St. Michael's

Crashed the book club meeting at Baranof Fish Market with Jaye, Tracey, Anne and Kelly.

Rockwell Lighthouse from Castle Hill. 

Back on Harbor Mountain for Charles' birthday

Happy Birthday, Charles! 

And the clouds roll in

Totem Park beach with the Evans and O'Donnell families

Paying back -- they're putting coins in the money bear

Annie

Annie is stumped

It's a humpie

Totem Park after our walk

Morning coffee with Chris

S'Mores with Michael, Jackie,  

Last breakfast in Sitka -- Cinnamon rolls from Grandma Tilly's

Last walk in the rain with Chris before my flight

Bye, Sitka!

Deb was kind enough to pick us up at midnight at Sky Harbor.