These Are My Dorks

My Beloved Second Family, the 2015-16 Drama 4 Class.

First Day of School

And I already had 3 hours worth of homework. From four classes. I guess that's what I get for jumping into AP classes. I'm not going to make this long, because believe it or not, I still have another monologue to memorize for Shakespeare Festival. Due tomorrow. *sigh* I'm such a procrastinator. I've literally had all of summer to memorize this. Ah well. Better late than never.

The first day of school for me was a success. I didn't remember how many friends I had until I almost suffocated from hugs this morning. Turns out all my friends got taller still. I'm now either one of the shortest, or the shortest in A Capella choir. Apparently my 5'3" frame is not as tall as I thought. It got a little stressful in choir because there are 95 kids in there. Thanks to Carly taking an hour long walk with me during lunch, I survived!

Nathan Pacheco Concert

Last night I had the fantastic opportunity of attending the Nathan Pacheco concert at the Scera Shell. If y'all don't know who he is, I'll include some links to his videos at the bottom of the post. He's AMAZING.

Here's his YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ya1XCVlKIol_bnTiE1a-g

And my personal favorite:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUBC2kqheyY

Seriously. Check it out. He's fantastic!

Lagoon

Yesterday my family went on an adventure to Lagoon! It was incredibly fun, despite the fact that I didn't get the "tummy tickles" (apparently, according to Google, it isn't officially called "tummy tickles" as I've called it for most of my life) on any of the roller coasters. Everything was so much shorter and less exciting than I remember, but that's okay! It was still SO much fun to spend the day with my family!

I've realized that no one in my family is particularly good at obeying the "smile!" command.

Little Miss Karie being the fantastic human that she is and riding a giraffe. Darling girl :)

The boys are behind me. They're nearly inseparable and that means I have to usually be the single rider on every ride. So I had fun making up a parody to Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and dancing to it all throughout the day, to the embarrassment of my brothers.

Brad, Ethan and I went on this innocent looking pink ride and ended up crying out in pain from being smashed into each other.

We decided to go on a rafting ride and, well, that was a big mistake. We all ended up completely SOAKED.

(Ethan and I look like we're judging someone's poor outfit choice)

It was a fantastic day. I'm very glad I went, even though I came back completely exhausted! Lagoon wears you out!!!

My Dearest Joseph

There's something wonderful about surprises, though it's hard to explain the exact emotion you feel when faced with one. The timing of this particular surprise could not have been better. My week hadn't been the best and I was feeling very stressed and then I got a message from my dearest Joseph. He told me he was literally in Chicago on his way to Utah and he would be with me the next afternoon. I honestly couldn't breathe. That night, sleep was not something I got along with.

The next morning came painfully slow and the day dragged on. My eyes wandered to the windows every few seconds, even though I knew he wasn't coming until afternoon. I went about my chores, trying to take my mind off the fantastic day waiting for me, and then a car pulled into the cul-de-sac.

I think I died and went to heaven. (Sorry for the picture through the screen door). That was literally the best day of my entire life up to this point.

I missed him so much.

Look at my adorable little friend. He looks better in my glasses than I do. I had such a fantastic time with him, and though it hurt me more than anything to see him leave again, I wouldn't trade that day for the world.

Heber Creeper

We left this morning at 9:30, travelling up to Heber to ride their gorgeous train called the Heber Creeper. (I love the name.) It was SO much fun! I had so much fun with my grandparents up there.

We saw the coolest airplane doing tricks. He was spinning around and doing loops and we were having so much fun watching him.

Brad and I playing in the little tiny caboose

Ethan, Brad and Grandpa

My gorgeous Mum and teeny Karie

The scenery was amazing. Utah's such a pretty place.

I got some good writing in during the ride. It was pretty fun.

Girls Camp

Girls camp was a crazy, fun, terrifying, hilarious, and spiritual experience. I had so much fun with these girls! This year was my 5th and last year at girls camp. For the past four years, I looked up to the older girls so much. They were my heroes and I admired them. This year, while packing for camp, it hit me that this year I was one of the older girls. I was sent into a spiral of panic, worrying my little heart out that I wouldn't be a good enough example to these precious daughters of God. Even in the first day I realized that I couldn't be half the example these girls are to me. They're luminous. I think sometimes I believe I'm wiser since I've been in the world longer, but I have to remind myself that they were in heaven longer. These girls are the sweetest girls I have ever known and I'm so grateful for the wonderful experience of camp with them, despite the difficulties.

The beautiful Christina and Sienna washing dishes

It's so pretty up there.

Christina and I found a bug and we had a lot of fun petting it. It stayed still for a few minutes, letting us pet it... or maybe it was just terrified.

Canoe races!

Sister Imes and Alexia stepped in the lake on accident XD

Sienna's footprints on my back after I let her use me as a step stool

Desi and I leading Brother Harris through an obstacle course (please note how I'm totally on my tiptoes to reach his hand)

The obstacle course consisted of the victim being blindfolded and led across a series of tall logs by two other people. I had fun, since my fear of heights completely disappears when I can't see how high up I am.

We held a question session with the bishopric, and we learned lots. We asked them questions such as "what's your worst fear" and "what's your worst date" and obviously "what's your most awkward moment". I had fun listening while I prepared dinner.

Me, being a YCL (Youth Camp Leader), called up the adorably shy Alexia to the front, and (thank goodness) she came up! And I think she had a lot of fun :)

I am so grateful for this gospel and all the wonderful experiences and the great happiness it has given me. I love the gospel with all my heart, might, mind and soul.