Weekend so far

This weekend has been pretty entertaining so far. This is the first time I've spent more than a dinner with Andrew's brother and its been quite a riot. Andrew had to come down to the cabin to help finish off his parents deck and decided it would be nice to drag me along. I thought it would just be me and the two boys (them working and me being left to my own devices) but it turned out Andrew's parents would be here too.

I was very happy to find this out because it meant that my soon-to-be mother-in-law could spend some girl time together. The poor woman...she's the only female in a house of men. Don't worry too much because she can more than stand her ground, but somedays you just need a girls day. 

After a morning run (I ran almost 4 miles!) and some delicious breakfast, Donna and I headed out the door. We first stopped off at the cutest bakery. 

It was filled with some of the cutest candies and cupcakes! 

Beer & pretzel flavored cupcakes! And you didn't have to be 21+ to buy! 

French toast!

Homemade toffees! 

After we picked up some delectables for dessert we made our way to the village. After what seemed like an eternity cruising the parking lot, we were able to stalk someone and snapped up their spot! 

After strolling around and running into a million dogs (seriously, everyone and their mother had their dog out with them today) we walked into the Coach store. It seemed to be our lucky day because they just opened up a bigger, better store and were offering 50% your entire purchase! With savings like that we would be foolish not to buy something! 

I've been looking for a backpack for quite a while, but was never able to find one that I totally loved. In the clearance section I found a super cute leather backpack, just big enough to fit an iPad. I convinced myself this purse would work perfectly for school. Who needs a backpack to actually carry your books right?! 

Well I was walking around the store and we crossed over to the men's section and that's when I saw the most beautiful backpack ever! A dark military green waxed canvas bag...I was smitten. And this is actually a bag I can carry things in. You know like folders and books and snacks.

I love it, and will post a pic soon!

Leisurely Nature Stroll

Andrew doesn't like hiking, but in my attempt to stay active while away for the weekend I convinced all our friends and Andrew to go on a 'leisurely nature stroll'!  This was certainly not a hike.  It ended up being a little shorter than I was hoping it to be, only 0.7 miles, but we did get to see a beautiful part of California!

Photos taken by me

Fireworks

I know I already said it, but fireworks are my favorite part of July 4th.  There's something so captivating about them!  My fiance's family has a tradition of being on their boat for the show.  Unfortunately this year we were not able to do so.  Something terrible happened to the engine earlier that day which meant we couldn't take the boat out on the lake.  Instead, we crashed a family friends house and viewed the fireworks from their deck.  Everyone was pretty bummed we couldn't be on the boat...except secretly I was glad because I was able to get some pretty cool shots (which wouldn't have been possible had we been on the boat).

Here are an assortment of photos from the fireworks display I witnessed this year.

Photos taken by me

Click below for full photos.

Independence Day

Happy (almost) July 4th everyone!  Every holiday is a favorite of mine (who doesn't like to take time off work/school?!), but July 4th has always held a special place in my heart.  The summer sun, BBQs, good friends, and loving family are all sure fire ways to make a day special.  All those things are well and good, but the absolute best part about July 4th?  The fireworks!!  There is nothing greater than seeing a clear night sky lit up with a show of great proportions!  Americans love their fireworks, and it seems every year tries to be better than the last.

Photos from my Instagram

This year I will be spending July 4th with my soon-to-be in-laws at there cabin by the lake.  We have Dooley booked into a kennel and will be leaving after Andrew gets off work on Wednesday!  It's going to be a long drive, but soooo worth it!  Good food, great friends, and long days spent on the boat - it's exactly what I've been waiting for all summer!