I'll Be Your Emmylou

 My brother, Casey, and I have always seemed to butt heads. As children, almost every interaction involved fighting and crying. We spent one year of high school together-- his senior year, my freshman. There was little interaction between us that year, but it was nice knowing he was there considering my tendency towards homesickness. That being said, there were still times during our childhood when Casey could seriously be the sweetest big brother. I remember once he even bought me a Barney purse for my birthday. I found out about it and he got really mad at me, but still. As we have gotten older we get along much better-- that is, except for one area: those I deem worthy of his time and affection. In the past, there have been precious few (if any) girls whom I have considered to be good enough. Until now. 

Last Saturday family and friends gathered to celebrate the wedding of my brother Casey and his beautiful bride Kate. Their country style ceremony and reception took place in a field next to an old, wore down barn. Everything about it was beautiful, fun, and quirky, just like the happy couple. To say that I am happy for my brother would be a complete understatement. Knowing Casey, it is obvious that Kate was the one he was looking for far before he knew it himself. Seeing him so happy makes me happy,especially having witnessed the long search for him to find her. Kate fits in so well with our family and she fits so well with Casey.

Here's to Casey and Kate and a lifetime of happiness full of babies.

Gosh, I love da Packers

Last weekend was fall break, and it was quite possibly the best fall break thus far. I took a long, 10 hour trip down to Atlanta with the Hanaway family and my sister. Among the amazing events that took place (which I will save for their own specials posts) was my very first Green Bay Packers game. I was somewhat saddened by the fact that my first game would not be at Lambeau, but it was amazing none-the-less. Here are the highlights in case you weren't able to catch the game:

As you can imagine, they have me pretty worried during the first half, but Aaron didn't let me down! Besides the fact that he is incredibly enjoyable to watch, he is a great QB and really a great guy from what I can tell:

"My goals have changed...I don't really desire any more to be the best quarterback in the NFL because I want to be remembered as one of the best men who ever played quarterback in the NFL." - Aaron Rodgers.

I love you, Aaron.

I have said it before and I will say it again: Packers fans are the best fans. By the end of the game we had taken over the Georgia Dome (so much for defending it, Falcons fans). There were very few Falcons fans who stuck out the whole game; most of them deserted at the beginning of the fourth... and they weren't very happy... or nice.

And of course one of the best things about the game was the people I got to go with! That Hanaways are seriously the best for letting my sister and me crash their trip!

Tailgating

5-0. Read it and weep.

My beautiful sister and I

Twenty-One on the Twenty-Seventh

This past weekend I celebrated by 21st birthday! There were so many great moments, it's hard to know where to begin. Friday night my sister and cousin arrived to spend a couple nights with me at Andrews. It was so much fun to see them both and I wish they could come visit more often! I was determined to make Michigan/Andrews University look good to LeAnne because I want her to come to school here, instead of Union College. Making this state look good is hard. BUT, I think I was somewhat successful in taking them to St. Joseph on Saturday afternoon. It's a very cute touristy town, only twenty minutes from campus. We walked on the pier by Lake Michigan and went to the ever-delicious Chocolate Cafe. LeAnne had the local "Lake Effect Coco" and Kristin had a pretty intense piece of turtle cheesecake. I enjoyed the "Chocolate Chai" and it was amazing. Chai is always amazing; no matter what shape or form it takes.


Saturday evening was when the party began. My wonderful room-mate Marlyn planned an all girls party. The night would consist of bowling in our best dresses, followed by some DE-licious chocolate fondue (yes, I had my fill of chocolate last weekend). Getting to go hang out with all my girlfriends was seriously the most fun I have had in a long time. The nice thing about an all girls party is you can dance and dance and not feel stupid. This was my twenty-first birthday party and Marlyn made me where a ridiculous party hat and feather scarf. Most of the people who asked how I old I was didn't believe me when I told them I was turning 21. Except one exceptionally short gentle-fellow who offered to buy me a drink. It went something like this: Gentle-fellow: 21?! What's your favorite drink?
Me: Uhh I don't know any drinks...
Gentle-fellow: Ok, ok, well what's your favorite flavor?
Me: I don't know... strawberry?? But you really don't have to--
Gentle-fellow: No, no I'll be right back with a drink.
Leah: You realize you're gonna HAVE to drink it since he bought it for you, right?
Lucky for my he didn't end up coming back. I have imagined what it would be like to be bought a drink for my 21st birthday... I didn't imagine it like that.

On Sunday, my actual birthday, Sam made me turkey bacon and eggs for breakfast. And that night we went to Papa Vino's Italian Restaurant. It was tasty and delicious as usual. I got to wear my birthday dress again, with heels this time instead of boots. I also have to add that I bought those heels on sale for, wait for it..... $11! Originally $60, thankyouverymuch.

So my twenty-first birthday was a complete success!! I have the best friends, family, and boyfriend anyone could ask for. I'm a pretty lucky girl.