Family Beach Trip 2012

Last year we stayed in a hotel. It had one room. There wasn't quite enough personal space, nor enough sleep since my parents wake up very early. This year, we got a condo. It was wonderful.

 I got to sleep as late as I pleased, we had a kitchen and there was still a pool to sit beside. Really, it was awesome. I did almost nothing except read two books, three halves of books (finished one, started two) and a couple dozen sudoku puzzles.

Ashley finally read the entire Harry Potter series - about time. Now she's started Eragon, which I loved as well. I'm so proud of her!

This was a sad year for jellyfish though; I must have passed a hundred washed up on shore every time I took a walk down the beach. 

Ashley & Michael

Got back from the beach this afternoon! It was so much fun. Ashley's boyfriend Michael was able to come with us this year, which was really nice - they're awesome together. 

I took some pictures of them to commemorate a year and a half of dating. 

More beach pictures later on!

Grama's House

Today has been great. Went over to Grama's house to have lunch and play some cards. She was having her washer, dryer and refrigerator looked at as part of her warranty so we met James, a pretty interesting service man. He's a Carolina fan! :) 

We're both pretty equally good at cards, but she totally creamed me today at Phase 10. She was so pleased she even wrote the date on it and said she was going to keep it forever. Hmph.

Eh, whatever. I beat her at Uno. 

Friends

I love my friends. Seriously. 

100,000 miles

Back from the beach, it was so much fun. :)

I realized in the grocery store parking lot today (after going to the dentist and finding out I have a cavity) that my car is getting old! I missed it's birthday by five miles! It made me wonder how long we've been together. My parents bought it for me to use as I was going off to college, and it has reliably taken me to and from school and camp many times. There have been many good times; here's to many more! Thanks for everything, car! 

Also HOW DO I HAVE A CAVITY? Probably all the soda I drink - I take such good care of them though, otherwise. Hmph. 

Kite in the Clouds

Headed to the beach today! I can't wait. But we are missing a couple people from our trip last year, which is really sad. They're off having adventures around the world though, so I don't feel that bad for them. 

I've been hanging out with puppy-dog all day yesterday and today. 

And I finished a new painting!

Rain

Rain, rain, go away! It has been the dreariest first week of summer vacation ever. I'm going to the beach tomorrow and I hope the weather is better! 

My dad has more or less finally transitioned to his new workshop; it's really nice.

I remember this stool from fifteen years ago. It used to have stuffing, but the mice have stolen it all!

Maybe it's not such a dreary day after all. 

Birthday Party

The weather was beautiful, the street was lined with cars and there was plenty of cake and ice cream to go around. It was a celebration for Granddaddy Barber's 80th birthday, and there were dozens and dozens of people who came by to wish him well. 

My dad grew up next door to the Barbers. As children, my sister, cousin and I would often wander up to the Barber's swing set when we went to Grandpa's after church. We would head up there as we grew older whenever we were in the neighborhood; there's always hugs, cookies and a cold drink for visitors. Granddaddy has been fighting cancer, and his journey is slowly reaching it's end. 

What a blessing this man has been in my life. He's an incredible person. 

I would consider all the Barbers my family; Sarah is my oldest friend (seriously, I met her the day she was born). We've gone to the beach with the Barbers for several years, though it's been harder since we're in college. 

Here's this branch of the clan (it's three photos, so ignore the weird stuff at the top). 

Thanks for everything. With love, Lady Di. 

Monopoly

I really do like board games. Monopoly isn't my favorite, it tends to drag on and on, but I had a lot of fun playing with Katy. And it made it a million times better that it was Lord of the Rings themed - a couple years ago I found the game at Goodwill for about $2. 

It was Legolas versus Gimli. 

In the end, the superior dwarf reigned supreme. 

Home

Whew. Well my sixth semester of college is officially over. All my stuff has been moved from my apartment back home, and now my room's a mess. Go figure. Something to do tomorrow!

It's crazy weird to think that this year is over. I only have one more semester to go! It's been such a good year, living with Katy and Patrick/Kavya (alternately). To end it on the right note, Katy and I played epic Carcassonne, LotR Monopoly and watched a scary movie. Seriously good ideas all around. 

Here's a spoiler alert from our game, I'll put more pictures up tomorrow after photobucket stops being a jerk.