In a nutshell... Full of pictures

A LOT has happened this year... and I haven't even begun to catch up with the events in photos.

But nonetheless, here are a few that I managed to sneak in on my "pretty consistent lack of photos streak.":]

This was such a darling wedding! So God honoring and sweet. One of the groomsmen fainted. It definitely startled everyone. You only hear about those things. You're hardly ever in the midst of it. It was kinda cool  interesting. :]

One of the tables at the reception. Isn't that darling?

SPEECH!  Where do I begin. This is the major reason why I haven't posted much the beginning of the year. We've traveled more in this year than we've ever traveled in two years! #nojokepeople 

We traveled to Minnesota 3 times, Kansas, and Omaha Nebraska.

Above is a picture taken during a speech presentation. I think this was the semi final round. 

One of the things that made the Tournaments so fun was that ALL the competitors wore business suits.

So cool seeing all the young men in suits with ties and the girls with a-line skirts and suit jackets. We all looked VERY professional. (Which is the point. :])

Another highlight was meeting new friends. There's something about being surrounded by a bunch of other competitors that know how you're feeling. The butterflies, the jitters you get when you're waiting for your turn to walk into the room decked with three judges. The adrenaline rush you get when someone yells "POSTINGS!" the lack of sleep experienced the night before the Awards Ceremony. Let me tell you, I have grown SO much from being a part of speech. The above picture is of a fellow competitor. She was only twelve and she made it to semi's! There certainly was TALENT at those tournaments.

During the tournament in Omaha Nebraska, the darling Beasley family graciously hosted us. It was such a blessing not to have to worry about hotel costs. After the tournament we spent some time with them. Oh man! We had a B L A S T scoping out pizza places that were actually open at 10:00 ish at night, eating pizza at 11:00 at night, and then playing Dutch Blitz past midnight! 

I try to deny the fact that I'm short but... this picture prohibits me from even entertaining the thought that I'm not short. :]

 After speech Josie and I were able to go on a road trip to Chicago with these ladies. EB's mother drove us. We had such fun! I'm pretty sure we solved most of the world's problems. It's amazing how much you can cover in a drive to and back from Chicago. Random: The hotel we stayed at was absolutely UH-dorable. It had a loft! #garretsandloftsforthewin!

While EB and Amanda were photography a wedding Josie and I got to hang out with Mrs. A. See the above photo. (I do realize how perfectly unflattering my face looks in that photo.) We had a blast! We were all over the place! And we came back with fun stories to tell EB and Amanda. 

We spent some time with this lovely family of five.

Love her!

Tis the season for open houses! 

It was such a lovely time at this Open house. Barn dancing! #iwasjazzed!

Aren't they adorable! Josie and I have been working at the Cory's farm. It has been a blessing and actually pretty fun! By the way, the lovely Wissmann family will be having a concert at the Cory's farm. June 14th. Contact them if you have any questions. 

And I'll end with a picture of the Bontrager ladies. I can't get enough of these girls! Love you ladies!

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This post doesn't even cover half of the things that have happened these months but it was a start. 

How has your year been going? Do tell all!