Desert Living: Not for the Faint of Heart

When I found out my family was moving to the desert a little less than two years ago, I was pretty upset about it. 

Not only was I leaving some really cool people in Michigan behind, but I was going to miss going to the lake every summer. Let's not even mention how green Michigan is in the spring and summer compared to the brown in New Mexico and Arizona.

Turns out that living in the desert has been a lot more fun than I thought it was going to be. I've also met some pretty cool people here over the past two summers. The move taught me a lot about making the most out of every situation. And I learned that the decisions you give your mom a really hard time about, turn out to be okay. She really does know what's best.  

 Now don't get me wrong, I would still take a day out on the water over a day doing almost anything else every time. And I do NOT claim to be an expert at living in the desert, but it sure has been an adventure.

A few days ago, Gabby and I went exploring and we found some pretty cool stuff {mostly cactus}. Check it out! 

Cactus type #1...not sure what it's called. I told you I'm not an expert!

Cactus type #2.

Pretty flowers on a... {yep you guessed it} cactus.

Yummy cactus pears. Not really sure if these are edible or not.

Really tall cactus...

Gabby playing the drums. But not really, 'cause they will stab her.

We found some pretty creepy stuff out there too.

Does this random shovel seem sketchy to anyone else?

Whoops! Glad we weren't caught!

Summer 2012: No Regrets

Kay so upon reflecting on this past summer I've decided that it contained some pretty awesome adventures if I do say so myself. 

The motto was no regrets. And that's exactly what I had. 

I want to share with all of you a "How to Have an Excellent Summer Guide 101".  I'm not saying there aren't other ways to do it, but if you follow these simple instructions, you really can't go wrong. Oh and be prepared for a photo overload.

1. Get yourself some awesome friends. Try your best not to hire any because then you have less moneys for activities later. And don't forget to keep in touch with long distance friends who you probably won't get to see all summer {I pretty much failed at this one :( }.

Seriously though, this will make or break your whole summer {so make sure they are good}.

2. Go to every outdoor concert you can get a hold of. Warped Tour is a good place to start and then hit up all the free local ones for start-up bands. Who knows? Maybe you'll find a new favorite.

He's the only one who likes my eagle shirt. And I'm never throwing it away now.

Tom Petty cover bands are better than they sound.

 

3. Go camping and be outdoorsy. It's super fun. 

 

Nature is cool. Hiking is cool. S'mores are cool.

4. Dye your hair purple or red. Or blue or pink. Even if it is going to wash out the next day. It makes you feel awesome...not to mention look awesome.

Really though, don't knock it till you try it.

5. Assist your friends in gender reassignment for the making of their music video. 

Then appear for a cameo in said video. The link for the video can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TSFEKK3eJ8s

 

 

 6. It's not possible to get half-off shakes at Sonic TOO many times. Seriously. INDULGE!

Kay so these are Strawberry Slushes, but they are still delicious.

7. Don't be afraid to act like a kid.

So draw on the ground with chalk...

Eat your ice cream in the train {and no Mr. Police Officer we are NOT too old for this}...

Wear the mustaches...

And get the sparkle tats {they are definitely worth every penny}.

8. Take up a new hobby and then perform it at your ward talent show.

If you've never tried longboarding, you should!

Synchronized longboarding is even better. So grab a buddy and give it a go.

You can watch our talent show act here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVsycHCkqR0&feature=plcp

 

9. Go to weddings. Cause love is in the air and you get to dress up and eat cake and dance. 

What's not to love?

10. Make time for your family. They are the ones who will be there for you no matter what. They have to love you despite all of your...let's call them "quirks".  

This summer my little sister practically gave me a heart attack when she practically had a heart attack. It all reminded me just how much I love my family and how I value every chance I get to spend time with them.

So I got to watch my big sister graduate. I explored the desert with my lil' sis. I judged an iron chef challenge between my dad and my brother. I baked delicious apple pie cupcakes with my soon-to-be step-mom. And I became a furniture buying connoisseur with my mom and step-dad. I wouldn't trade the time or the memories for anything. I feel so blessed to have such a loving and supportive family. I am so grateful for them everyday.

Yeah graduation! She's a rockstar.

Don't be fooled by the fact that this looks like a Dr. Seuss tree. It is indeed a cactus.

I wish I had more pictures of my fambam, but I still have another week until school starts!

So kids, I hope your summer was as awesome as mine. Good luck with your semester, I hope it's rad!