the perfect cabin

The model cabin resides in Hood River. The tucked away location, the all white design, the ability to slow down time-- all make this dream perfection.  When the thought of birthday gifts with Megan came up this year, this place was it. We arrived and all we could say was, "oh my gosh, so cute. It's perfect" over and over. There is no wifi or TV, which allows you to really escape. By Saturday afternoon, we really discovered the magic of this place. We were ready to set up dinner until we noticed it was still only 3pm! If you're looking for a nice weekend away, this place is it. 

a birthday well spent

Visiting Crater Lake has always been on my bucket list, and since my birthday fell on Labor Day this year, I thought what better way to spend the long weekend!? It was seriously the best birthday I think I've had, even though we were road tripping back home for the majority of my actual birthday. We set up tent at Diamond Lake which is about 20 minutes away from Crater, and let me tell you, the campsite views were just as grand. We were surrounded by trees the whole weekend and could see the entire night sky at night. This is definitely a weekend I'll always remember and I can't wait to plan the next birthday destination.

Those clear blue waters though.

Us girls conquered another National Park together! We took on the Grand Canyon together as well.

My babe, the captain.

Rooney was happy too.

So the wind wasn't our favorite, and neither were the freezing nights.

Those tree views!

If I thought Crater Lake couldn't get any better, it did. Steph, Megan and I headed back to watch the sunset, and I'm sure happy we did. 

cheers to twenty six

This past weekend I celebrated my twenty sixth birthday; although I think I'm still in denial about the whole situation.  I swear I just turned twenty five, as time just seems to be accelerating. It's humorous because I feel like just yesterday I was complaining about not being old enough for anything.  I would fight nap time, complain about rules, and wanted nothing more than to be my own boss.  Now I complain about not having enough naps and life not being as carefree and easy as it once was. Twenty six does have its perks however, as with this age I am able to throw a party with some of my favorite people and endless amounts of wine.  Although the day went nothing as planned, with only getting to see one winery and having the party bus become the actual party, I was so thankful to spend it with these people. Cheers to you guys for making twenty six so memorable!

birthday for the best

 This weekend was spent celebrating my beautiful best friend's birthday. We used Friday evening to reminisce with friends and family over pizza and beer then headed over to get our karaoke on (of course). It was a shame to find out the bar we went to didn't have the usual tune, 'Hold On' by Wilson Phillips, which I find absurd...but we settled for Boyz II Men 'I'll Make Love to You'. 

I am so happy to have this lady in my life and can't believe it's been almost a decade of friendship.  I remember the first time even hanging out the summer before our sophomore year of high school and jumping on a friend's trampoline together.  It's crazy how fast time flies and how far we've come.  She has been there for the best of times and the worst of times, and has taught me how to be a better person.  She knows me inside and out, and is constantly reminding me of how great our friendship is, and that is why I love her so! Megan Rose, Happy 24th! 

And a nice little throwback almost exactly 6 years ago

reunion

Happy Birthday, Tara!

This weekend marked the 24th year Tara has been around, so we took the celebrations to the local bars.  I got to see a lot of friends I haven't seen for about 2 months, and one friend we ran into asked if we were having a high school reunion.  I guess it could be considered one since it's been a long 2 months! I love my high school friends, and so thankful we are all still close. 

December Birthdays

I feel like December is a month for a lot of my friends birthdays, even if there's probably only three.  This past weekend was this lady's 26th.  Although I've gotten to the point where I'm tired of growing older, we still go out and try to celebrate like we used to.  I feel like I'm talking like I'm much older than I am, but I definitely feel like a grandma now and all I want to do is be home in bed.  Our night didn't even last past midnight.  I get to go out and try again this weekend for another birthday celebration!

birthday celebrations

My Birthday was celebrated with those I love, and with what I love...food! Gloria helped me start the celebrations off with frozen yogurt which we both enjoyed.  I treated myself to a pedicure and headed out to dinner with some friends, the boyfriend, and my brother.  I reserved my Friday evening for a night out with the girls.  We danced the night away and laughed about things that I don't even remember.  I love birthdays; they're just one more excuse to eat sweets for an entire week...