summer of '07

well, I was away from my blog for so long that I'm not even sure where to start! So, maybe I'll just do a brief summary of my summer and just go from there...

First, Washington DC was amazing! The weather was perfect and I was able to see so many things that I really feel as though I had the best first-time visit to DC anyone could ever have. My favorite sight? Arlington Cemetery. The hardest sight? Holocaust Museum. The funniest story? I visited the National Art Gallery twice without even realizing it til partway through the second visit...it's that big! ;)

Then I went to Alaska. Another amazing trip, but for different reasons. I figured I would be busy all week helping my cousin and the family prepare for the wedding, but we were able to do a bit of sightseeing. A glacier cruise and walking on trails were part of my week. It was also lots of fun to get to know my aunt Joy a lot better and spend some valuable girl time with her! However, my cousin Annie's wedding was the highlight of the week. She was a beautiful bride and the entire wedding went smoothly.

On August 10 I had another cousin get married. Yes, my grandparents have had a very busy summer! :) She, too, was a beautiful bride and the entire evening was a great time.

Jason & I then did an overnight trip to South Manitou Island. We have had our boat tickets for a year (we had to postpone last year's trip), so I didn't want to let them go to waste. The weather was perfect and I learned two things about my future husband: he gets seasick (like me!) and he doesn't like sand in his sleeping bag... ;)

Then, the culmination of summer fun was the best Labor Day celebration ever: a party at Douglas Walker Park with all of our family & friends--with a minister thrown in! ;) Jason & I were pronounced husband & wife by my uncle (from Alaska!) and officially became Mr. & Mrs. Jason & Rachel VanDenBrink. It was definitely a great party to end a great summer!

trip north

I leave for my northern "vacation" today. This is the trip I've been so excited about...and now that it's here, I can hardly stand it! ;) I probably will not do as much sight-seeing as I did the last time I was there--but I'm very excited to be there for my cousin in any way possible as she prepares for her wedding day (friday).

I can't wait to say "hi!" to the moose! ;)

alaskan wedding

so the date for my trip to Alaska has been chosen... :) actually, my cousin picked a wedding date. I really cannot begin to describe how happy and excited I am for her--really & truly! I met her boyfriend/fiance when I was there last summer and now I'm thrilled for the opportunity to be witness to their union in marriage. And, I really cannot deny that I'm thrilled for the opportunity to go to Alaska again--hopefully this time with other family and friends with which to enjoy the experience!

*cheers* to my northern "sister!" I love you! :)

family news!

I learned this past weekend that my cousin in Alaska is engaged to be married...I'm so excited for her! And if I may be so bold, I'm excited for me at the possibility of returning to Alaska--to be there for the wedding of course. ;)

I went there summer of '06 for two weeks and seriously found a place I felt could truely be my home. My love for the outdoors was double--nay, tripled--during my visit there. My "double" cousin and I had fun taking road trips, camping, hiking, napping...;) and just generally hanging out while she gave me the full tour of her home state. It was an experience that has become such a part of me, that I know I will not be able to resist the chance to go once again...and hopefully make it a regular trip with plenty more memories...and pictures!

Congrats to my "sister!" :)