i'm lovin' on...

I know what you're thinking.

"i'm lovin' on...? really, it's been like a year kels!"

Well, I can't stop myself from throwing up a post and it's friday and i'm lovin' on this!

So after a long break from "i'm lovin' on" here we go!

We're in DC right now visiting Kimballs family and the boys are out fishing all day so I hit up Tysons Corner. I've been looking for a cute jean jacket off and on lately but haven't had any luck. They either don't have it in my size, the torso is too short (not so crazy about super short jackets) or it's not the right wash. The list of why it's not perfect goes on and on. I was to the point where I didn't mind paying a little extra if I found the right one. 

So here's the success story:

I saw a jean jacket in the Old Navy window shop. It was a bit darker than I was looking for but I figured I'd go in and see if there were others. Finding no jackets in sight I meandered through the store and finally found myself at the back in the children's section. BUT WAIT! There it was! Not the one in the window but a different, perfect jacket sitting right in front of me. Grabbing a couple of the larger sizes (i love that they have big little girl sizes) I ran to the closest mirror and boom it's perfect and only $20! 

Sold. 

Persistence and waiting for the right deal paid off in this situation. And now I have my cute new jean jacket. Happy girl over here.

because i am blessed.

Poor Baby Big Toe

Remember at Disneyland when I said a possible broken toe? 

Well I was almost right. After walking on the foot for another three weeks we determined the pain probably wasn't going to just go away magically. (Though because the injury happened at the most magical place on earth it seemed a logical thought) 

I went back and forth about going to the doctors but after I concluded the likelihood of my doctor calling me a baby was slim, I decided to go. It was great! He pulled and prodded and we heard a few pops (ouch? we already know it hurts, sir!) and got some x-rays. Which looked great! I was so relieved. After further examination he told me I had strained a tendon and taping it up in a very specific way (I will never understand how they remember how to tape up all the different injuries) and wearing this very fashion-forward boot along with some anti-inflammatory meds would have me better in no time! That's my kind of injury!

Maybe this is just me but generally my biggest fear when facing a doctors appointment is that the doctor will tell me I'm a wuss, to suck it up and stop being a baby. My other fear is that there is something wrong that will take a long time or a induce a lot of pain. So when the conclusion is like the one with my foot I am a happy girl! Yes, we acknowledge there is a problem. No, we will not amputate your foot. Good and good! 

Is anyone else like this?

Anywho! Glad it's figured out and glad I only have to take baths with my leg slung over the bathtub like a crazy person for only a bit longer. 

because i am blessed.

Harry Potter

I am twenty-two years old.

Before a couple weeks ago I had not read the Harry Potter books.

Don't hate me.

Now I'm basically obsessed and CANNOT WAIT to watch all the movies!!!!

I really feel like I'm a 10 year old

(and i'm okay with it.)

What should I read next?! 

I love fiction and am unashamed to say I love children's books and young adult books as well as adult novels so bring it all on!

because i am blessed.

ARIZONA! YOU'RE 100!

My family moved to Arizona when I was barely a year old and I never lived in another state until I graduated high school and went away to school. I'll always be an AZ girl at heart and the dry dry heat will always be my favorite. This February 14th my Arizona turned 100! On our visit we did some of the things that say "arizona" to me. Bahama Bucks, lots of swimming, bbq's, kat and myles time, time with family and a trip to the Tonto Natural Bridge was in order.

This beautiful natural bridge was found by a man running from Indians and he saved himself and his family by hiding up in one of the caves (props for the resourcefulness). If you're in my family you've heard this story numerous times as my dad never fails to retell it when we come but this was Kimball's first time so it made it a little more fun :).

We had a blast despite the wind and getting soaked by the baby waterfall! Though I remember being able to climb around like a chipmunk when I was little, this time I realized how slippery and steep portions of the cave were!! No one slipped too bad and we all had wet bums so being embarrassed was out of the window.

Memorial Day we visited my grandma hendry and grandpa mckinnon's graves. It's always good to go there and remember them in my little childhood memories. I love watching my parents when we visit their parents graves. It makes me love them more and helps me remember that they are kids to someone too. I love my family!

And what's a trip to the Az without stopping at Bahama Bucks? I have yet to find a shaved ice place that has captured a Peach flavor that actually tastes like Peach as Bahama Bucks does. I've ordered the same thing since I was 5 (small or baby watermelon and peach, side by side, no cream) Don't fix what ain't broken! mmm.

Arizona was so fun and the best part was we were able to spend SO much time with my siblings! Usually we come at a super random time when everyone is crazy busy but with summer in the air everyone was ready for a bit of fun. So happy we were able to have this great trip and spend quality time with them before moving to Chicago.

because i am blessed.

THE MAGICAL LAND OF DISNEY

we went to disneyland.

and it was magical!!

After some time in Laguna we took off to Anaheim and spent a couple days feeling the magic! Throughout the last semester of our college careers Kimball and I would often turn to the other (usually in very random moments) and say "I want to go to Disneyland". 

It was something we knew we had to do and as graduation loomed closer I was itching for somebody to ambush me with a microphone and say "Kelsey! you just graduated! what are you going to do now!?" so that I could scream back "I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!" Didn't happen. But we did make the plans with Ali and Nathan and on that overcast, foggy morning we walked to the gates of Disneyland to await the opening of the magical land. 

Ali is a riot. Disneyland is her thing. Fast passes, running speed walking, traditions, crazy faces and doing it all is what she is all about. We could not have gone to d-land with a better couple! Thirteen hours after we heard the magical voice pronounce the opening of the park we heard the announcement of the close. After cramming in 3 rides in the last half hour we walked back to the hotel with sore feet and happy, tired smiles on our faces. 

Taking inventory of the injuries of the day (bruised and blistered feet, head aches, sore muscles and a possible broken toe) we took showers and absolutely zonked (not a word but if you know me you know that it really is). 

Oh glorious, magical, magnificent Disneyland. We thank you.

After a short trip to Downtown Disney the next morning (and the purchase of a mickey mouse cookie cutter...you know me!) we hit the road to return to our vacay in Arizona with the fam. 

Thank you Ali and Nathan for the memories!

because we are blessed.

Laguna Beach

We hit up Laguna Beach with our friends Ali and Nathan for just a tad of beach time before heading to Anaheim for Disneyland!

Lady, my Nikon, didn't make it on the trip but we took our baby camera and shot a few memories.

Thanks to Andy, one of my mother in laws closest friends, we had a beach front hotel that was beyond amazing. By far one of the best grad gifts we received! We hadn't seen Andy since our wedding so it was wonderful to meet up with her and get some lunch. How blessed are we to have so many amazing people around us? Very. 

because i am blessed.

exploring.

With no school and no work and nice weather we've finally found time to explore our neighborhood! Cut offs on and popsicles in hand we scooted to the nearby cemetery to explore.

Living across from a cemetery for the past year and a half hasn't really seemed weird to me but as we passed the cast iron gates and began reading names and dates I finally realized I lived across the street from a cemetery...not just a pretty grassy area with beautiful trees and lots of visitors.

After moseying around for a while and inspecting the war memorial we realized a lot of the people buried there died very young. One particular stretch of land showed a family of 12. The first 9 children died within the year they were born and each were born a year apart. Only the last survived to adulthood. Kimball and I sat there looking at all the markers in complete shock as we realized the devotion this couple had in bringing children into the world. I could not begin to comprehend what losing 9 babies in 9 years would feel like. Mind you this was in the early 1900's and, thank the heavens above, medicine is leaps more advanced today, it's a miracle the strength these people must have had. 

So grateful for our little exploration and coming to a greater understanding and gratitude for the things we are blessed with by living here and now and for the people who teach us to say "thank you" a little more sincerely.

because i am blessed.