I am for sure the worst blogger.

In my blogging absence I have been stalking salt lake craigslist housing listings like mad. Looking for a place to live is a serious nightmare. Initially I thought an apartment would be ideal, but after reading reviews of noisiness, drunkenness, and dirtiness, I concluded that a house is a better option. So after 3 weeks of touring houses, meeting their owners, making a valiant effort to prove that I am in fact the best tenant choice, and getting denied time and time again, I started to feel like I was on a continuum of horrible dates. Luckily, I tickled the fancy of a retiree named Bob and he selected me as his latest renter. It's a good thing too because my self esteem was really starting to falter. Oh, and the house is absolutely adorable. Roomy, kitchy, and practically perfect for our needs. We move this weekend and once we are settled I will give you the ultimate photo tour. For now, the outside:

Cute, right? 

For the past few months moving and school starting has seemed so far into the future, I haven't dwelled much on it. But now that it is here, all the changes have been a constant on my mind. Now I know it is surprising, but I am a serious homebody. I have kind of turned into the party pooper type. Not because I don't like to have a good time, but because usually the events that are supposed to bring fun and excitement (ie. parties, get togethers, dates) most always disappoint. Anyway, obviously I know this needs to change. I know I need to be more accepting of new things and new people. And what better way than to surround myself in an entirely new atmosphere? I am definitely expecting it to be a challenge. Missing my mom, family, and friends, not to mention gym classes, canyon activities, favorite gas station drive-thrus.... everything. But I really am excited. And did I mention I will continue living with Aislinn, Kate, and a new addition Courtney! Very fun. 

On a different note, and to prove that I am still pretty fun, Jeni and I attended the Tim McGraw concert on Saturday night. It was a postponed celebration of her 25th birthday, and a pretty great one if I do say so myself. Tim came out in the middle of the crowd about 15 feet from us and sang a few of his very best songs. It was AH-MAZING (I wrote it like that bc there is really no other way to describe it). The rest of the concert was just as good really, and you can't leave without being totally and completely in love with Tim. There really is no sexier cowboy. See for yourself:

It was fantastic. 

We had a family reunion with my moms side of the family a few weeks ago. There were many organized activities, one of my favorite being a hike to Stewart Falls. I have been before (when I was about 3, which I don't think really counts) but a new experience was in order. Once we reached the top I couldn't believe I hadn't been doing the hike multiple times each summer. It was so pretty at the top, especially this year with how green everything is. Totally worth it if you haven't done it. My 74 year old grandma made it and so can you! haha

 My mom and her enthusiastic start to the hike.

 My grandma is the best.

Of course I am still missing my little African kiddos so much. I think about them all the time. They changed my perspective on so many things, I could never explain it in words. On Sunday we watched a documentary called Invisible Children. It is about the children in Uganda who have been affected by the LRA(the rebellion that abducts children ages 8-13 and trains/desensitizes them to murder their own people), and those who are trying to avoid abduction. I just bawled throughout the entire thing thinking of the children I know who have been child soldiers or been affected by the LRA. It is one of the most tragic things going on in the world today and the movie really opens your eyes. It sounds depressing, and it really really is! But it's amazing too. Anyway, I totally recommend it. 

So as not to end on that depressing note:

On the 25th of July Kate and I ran the Speedy Spaniard 10k, which took place in the beautiful town of Spanish Fork! Kate and I were really fast (for us), and it ended up being one of my favorite races.