Payson, AZ

School has been crazy this year so I haven't been able to do much traveling, but I did get the opportunity to explore a little more of Arizona. About 18 of us set off on Saturday to Payson, AZ for a one-night camping trip. This camping trip was quite an experience. Right as we arrived and started to unload, the rain hit... and it hit hard! The rain didn't stop until the next morning, resulting in tents being flooded and nasty smelling clothes. Even though we were rained out, this was a trip I would never forget.

 

Home Sweet Dorm

Two weeks in, and I am finally settled in and back into a routine of things. My first two (almost three) weeks back in Arizona have been absolutely nothing short of awesome! In fact, today is actually the first day that I have felt like I can just breathe. Classes are amazing and I am so excited to finally start with my education courses and practicum hours (40 for the semester).

My room is finally all decorated and very homey! :) I actually have my very own room and only share the bathroom with one other girl; so pretty much I have my own little "apartment".

I haven't done much exciting traveling, but I have done many things in Phoenix that I had never done before.

Like....

An Arizona Diamondbacks Game

And..

Riding a Mechanical Bull (I got to cross something off my bucket list!!)

And..

Salt River Tubing

Well, that is it for my exciting adventures of the first three weeks at GCU! I know that many more will come in the near future, so stay tuned!

All the love, Em

Last days of Seattle

Well the trip I was looking forward to more than anything has finally come to a close, and what a trip it was! Since the last time I have posted I did a couple of more fun things!

One, I got to spend a day or so with my brother and sister and their beautiful children. Mostly excitingly, I got to meet my newest niece the sweetest Caroline. 

After taking the ferry back into Seattle on Monday, Tina and I took one last trip to the iconic Farmers Market, where we bought the most beautiful flowers 

We then took a little trip to a farm where we picked blueberries and raspberries. We also got to ride on this awesome lawnmower!!

Overall, the past 5 days have been absolutely amazing!! I got to see awesome sights and even more incredible people! I am also blessed to have a best friend like Tina who opened her home and world to me. I can't wait to come back to my favorite city. 

All the love, Em 

Day 3: Seattle

Day 3 in Seattle was nothing super special but still awesome! Tina took us into the city for the Bite of Seattle, so we just explored Downtown Seattle. Here are some pictures of our little adventure!

I then hoped on the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton so that I could spend some time with my family. 

That's it for now! 

All the love, Em 

Day 2: Seattle

Day 2 in Seattle was definitely a day I'll never forget! Tina and I took about a 2 hour drive from Maple Valley, WA to Hood Canal, WA, where her family has a boat. 

It was the most beautiful day with the best weather. We spent time on her boat, paddle boated and kayaked.  

After we left the marina, we went to a cute little restaurant called the Geoyduck. 

We then went to see something I had never experienced before; the most amazing waterfall. 

All the love, Em

Day 1: Seattle

Although I am not newly crossing Washington off my bucket list, I am crossing off being in my absolute FAVORITE city with my best friend! 

We started off our journey at lunch with the most inspiring and positive person I can think of, my beautiful Aunt Kate. 

After eating lunch in the International District of downtown Seattle, Tina and I walked around and looked through all of the cool stores and random places. 

We tried Boba Tea for the first time, and well we weren't really big fans. 

In this really cool market place, this entire wall was filled with Asian comics. We didn't really care about the comics but thought the moving ladders were awesome!!

Next on our day of adventures, we went to the Waterfront!

The last time I was in Seattle that big ferris wheel was never there, and also Tina had never been on it, so it was decided that we had to do it. 

The view up there was AMAZING! It's definitely something you will never see in Las Vegas! On one side it was beautiful water filled with different boats and huge trees and on the other side so many awesome looking buildings.

And the final stop on Day 1's Adventure: Pike Place Market! 

The last time I was in Seattle, this was my favorite part! Althought all the shops weren't open, Tina showed me really cool places that I had never been before! 

Here Tina and I are sticking our own pieces to the gum walk which is HUGE! 

Day 1 in Seattle was a success! 

Stay tuned for more shenanigans! 

All the love, Em