Oh, What a Summer it Was!

Now that we are rolling into fall, I think back to pretty much the best summer weather-wise, I've seen since moving back to Alaska 7 years ago. SEVEN YEARS AGO- yikes!

Here is a look back at a few of my favorite moments of this summer:

The Girls.

The Girls are doing great! I have enjoyed them more than one could ever think they'd enjoy chickens. They are quirky, smart, and have become a great addition to my little family.

The Garden.

Gardening takes a lot of work and even more patience. Waiting for things to grow, questioning why things aren't growing, and then wondering what the heck you're going to do with all the veggies!  I can't wait for next year, the year of the epic garden!

Graduation. Graduation BBQ. Mom's Visit.

15 years of school. I should be a doctor, two times over. But alas, I am not.. I received my Bachelor's degree in Human Services and I am SO glad I'm done with it!  Aside from the degree, I also received a visit from my momma and a great graduation party filled with friends and family. 

Fun Things.

Fishing the Russian River.

Jessie and I camping with friends.

Hiking in Hatcher Pass.

Kayaking Eklutna Lake with Amia.

Fishing the Kenai River @ Matt's house.

Gold panning.

Fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, more fishing, gold panning.. add to that berry picking, weekends at the lake, playing softball, and building stuff. Good times.

Friends.

This summer was filled with friends.  I spent a lot of time fishing with my buddy Matt down on the Kenai and Russian. I also had the opportunity to meet and spend time with his amazing parents.

Marleanna and I have known each other through work

Mark and gold panning.

Marleanna and I hiking Rabbit Lake.

Gene and I camping.

Greg on our last camping trip in AK.

Tara and I camping in Hope.

Matt rowing us down the Kenai.

for the past 4 years, but we have become really great friends this year. I spent time up at her cabin in Willow, playing softball, and going on a few hikes.

Greg left Alaska this year for Denver and it's been sad without him here.  I hardly did any real camping because it's just not as easy to camp with other people.  I miss that guy.

Tara and her husband came up from Washington to visit and fish this summer and it was great to catch up. I hadn't seen her in almost 10 years. We met playing soccer while we were in high school and have remained in touch throughout the years.  I was her Maid of Honor in her wedding and now she has 3 kids! Crazy!

  End of Summer. 
With summer coming to an end, I can only be thankful for the time and experiences I've had.  Having been unemployed through the course of the last year and a half, I will be heading back to work soon.  I will miss the time off, but I won't miss being poor. 
Luckily I had this time to spend with my friends and family, and I can look back at this ever-so-trying time to see some rays of sunshine.