Funstorm & Adventure Days

This past weekend, we were busy entertaining family and friends. My uncle, aunt, cousin, Emma's Friend, and Paul came over for a gathering we later titled the "Funstorm" - after a comment a relative made when my mom's status read "It's Family Time!" that morning. The name was very appropriate - due to the erratic weather and amounts of fun we had! We had a delicious feast, despite the torrential downpour my dad ended up barbecuing in, followed by a game of Rummoli and a movie. The Funstorm was followed by an excellent Sunday breakfast, and a short visit before I headed off to work.

Monday saw a quick game of beach bocci ball before Emma's friend Brenda headed home. Then, we packed a picnic lunch and headed to Red Bay with the dogs. The wind was strong and the waves big! It was a little too chilly for a full swim, but that didn't stop the dogs from splashing around! On our way back, we stopped at Sauble Falls and explored - both in the falls and with our cameras. When we got home, both the dogs and us were absolutely exhausted!

Tuesday Morning started early with a trip to Chantry Island with Emma and Paul. It was a very informative and fun adventure! In the afternoon, the fam and I went back to Sauble Beach to get some paddle boating in. It was a gorgeous day and we even saw some waterlilies along the river! The day ended with some ice cream by the lake and four very tired but happy people.

I'm currently in the process of packing my things up to head back to school in the next couple of weeks. The summer has flown by once again and I can't believe it! The number of visitors at work is slowly dwindling down each day and the temperature is cooling down. I am very excited to see what the fall has in store for me!

Mini-Vacation

On Sunday night, I went to visit my friend Chelsey in Burlington. Before my family and I moved to Southampton, we lived in Burlington for two years. Chelsey and I were instantly best friends, and it was so sad to move away. We kept in touch for a couple of years after that, but then didn't hear much from each other.

Then, in my first year of university, we ended up having a mutual friend and reconnecting through Facebook. We met up for dinners and birthdays, and became great friends all over again! In second year, Chelsey got engaged and asked me to be her bridesmaid. Of course, I said yes, and I'm so excited to be a part of her big day!

We had been meaning to meet up during the summer, but work schedules meant we had conflicting times off, but I was finally able to go visit her. Last Sunday I drove to Burlington after work, and we spent all day monday together getting pedicures, going to the mall, exploring Springride Farm and walking her absolutely adorable dog, Lola. On Tuesday, before I left to drive back home, she drove me to Grimsby to see the venue for her wedding (which isn't until February of 2013). I am very excited for it! It was a short visit, but was definitely very sweet. :)

Summer Fun

I've honestly been meaning to blog so much more than I have, but I have been busy working and filling my time off with fun things to do!

A couple of weeks ago, my parents and I planned a huge "adventure day" exploring the waterfalls in the area. We were able to visit three: Weaver's Creek, Inglis, and Indian Falls. It was a lot of fun to play with my camera settings and experiment. It was a long and very hot day which ended in Red Bay, probably one of the nicest beaches I've been to!

A week later, Paul and I went to Sauble Beach, Red Bay, and Sable Falls, where we carefully wandered in and sat in the rapids and felt the water rushing behind us. It was such an amazing experience and I really wish we had a picture of us! Paul also jumped off one of the higher falls into a small pool below.

Before her exams started, Emma was able to stop by and spend some time visiting. During that same time, our cousin Joanna came to visit too! I unfortunately was working every day, but we still had really great visits when I was home. :)

And that's all I have for a summer update so far!

Happy Birthday...

.... or make that Champagne Birthday to the greatest sister alive. :)

Kailyn & Jessica

Last Monday, I offered to do a photo shoot for a good friend of mine and her friend. They are two extremely friendly beautiful girls — on the inside and out. It was a large step out of my comfort zone because I'm not used to doing a "professional" style of photo shoot. We ended up having a great time and I'm so thankful they let me use their pictures for iStock.

July 1 weekend

On the July 1st weekend, Emma came home. We were able to go sailing from Port Elgin to Southampton to watch the fireworks from the water. Despite the lack of wind, it was so much fun! I could not get over how beautiful the water was!

On Saturday, Emma and I helped our friend take pictures for the high school's prom. I had so much fun helping her and got a little insight of what being a lifestyle photographer is like. I also loved seeing everyone's beautiful dresses! I can't just post a couple of the individual shots I took, so I narrowed it down to just one of everyone.

It was a short but very sweet weekend. :)

Fam Tour

Last Wednesday (June 29) was my first day of work for the Chamber of Commerce, and it was by far the BEST first day of work anyone could have. The girl from the Port Elgin Tourist Information office and I went on a "Familiarization" tour of the northern Bruce Peninsula. We started in Wiarton and went to see caves, a beautiful garden, a lighthouse, and more on our way up to Tobermory. From there, we went on a boat cruise to see Flowerpot Island, and then to see the new yurts at the National Park. It was such a long day, but an amazing experience, and I am so thankful that I was able to go.