Enjoying summer while it's still here!

August has flown right by me! Before I know it, it will be time for sweaters, jeans, cozy fires, & crisp fall air. (If you can't tell, fall is one of my favorite seasons!) I've spent much of the month asking myself "Where has summer gone??"
A couple weeks ago, me and a couple of my girl friends had a girls night. Its fun to get away from the men for a night and talk girly things, drink margaritas, and laugh the night away.

Sitting on the deck, enjoying margaritas!

Kaylyne, Britt, and I

My senior year, I was fortunate enough to find a great friendship in the foreign exchange student. His name was Stefano and he is from Italy. I was very sad to see him leave after graduation and I even shed some tears over it! I was more than thrilled to find out, he would be returning to the states for a visit!! He flew to Minnesota shortly before he was off to Hawaii to work for 3 months! ( Lucky duck!! ) I got to spend a lovely Saturday out on Lake Pepin with him and friends during the short time he was here (:

Me & Stefano!

Destin, Myself, & Stefano

Goregous Lake Pepin <3

Captain Italy!

My long lost (not really) cousin, Katie, was home for a visit from Colorado! We took advantage of the opportunity and all got together for pie & a bonfire, as well as to celebrate a couple of August birthdays! I was very excited to find out that she is also moving back to Minnesota this coming winter. I am more than thrilled to have her back in close ranges again (: (: (:

Aunt Terry & cousin Callan

Cousin Josiah, lacking dessert!! ;)

Birthday girls! Jen & Terry ( with little Callan! )

Cousin Henry!

me & daddy (:

Katie, Grandma, & Myself

Cousins Marc & Katie having a marshmallow "roast-off"

So excited to welcome you home (: love you!

Not only were Stefano and Katie in Minnesota, but my friend from Arizona, Nicole graced us with her presence for a week as well!!! She is one of my dearest friends and it's always so exciting when she comes home to visit! Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures ): but here are a few from last Wednesday when we all took the opportunity to go canoeing down the Zumbro River for Nicole being home.

Kaylyne, Britt, & I

Also, debuting my friend, Kayla's new baby: Mason Dennis Schumacher



& now for a few August candids!!

showin off my new haircut (:

Callan

Beemer, helpin me patch up Joe's leg!

Whew!! That was a long one! Summer 2011 has been a great one! Even though its coming to a close (sad!), there are still a few memories to be had!  So excited for Fall to be here!! (: (: