Home

Home is great.

After our 3 1/2 months in South America, Colin and I returned home to see family, visit friends, and get ready for our next adventure in Australia.

It took a few days before the urge to throw toilet paper in the trash went away. We automatically answered in Spanish for a while. And the joy of drinking water out of the tap was wonderful!

We went a lot of places, saw a lot of important people in our lives, and put a lot of miles on the Subaru!

Our first stop was in Nebraska. Time on the farm with the family. Going to the local brewery. Seeing old friends. Lots of good food. Even more gardening. Seeing the movies we didn't even know had come out.

My dad and brother trying to get old farm equipment up and running

Colin doing some "buildering"

Next, we were off to North Dakota to see Colin's good friend Andrew get married. Fun wedding times. Buffaloes. An extremely cloudy view (nonexistent) of Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Delicious dinners. A million amazing climbs we couldn't squeeze in due to timing.

the good looking wedding party

Colin expressing how he feels seeing all the beautiful climbing and not having the gear

Andrew and Tremaine Monshizadeh: good friends and a great couple! It was an honor to
help them celebrate their special day!

Due east to Minnesota. One of my favorite states! We went to visit Kelsey and Scott Koontz. My best friend from high school and maid of honor. It had been way too long since we had seen them. We went to a zoo, cooked some yummy food together, and made some fun, new memories. The best part: we got to meet Baby Koontz....before she was born! Can't wait to meet her again someday soon!

Seriously cutest momma to be ever

Then to Kansas. We spent lots time visiting Colin's family and our lovely dog, Leia! Farmers markets. Parades downtown. More gardening. Family games in the backyard. Lemonade stands and first time camp outs. Bike rides and arts and crafts. It was hard to say goodbye. What a special time.

The two sweetest nephews one could ask for: Turner (5) and Reece (almost 3)

Our last pit stop was in Michigan to see my friend, Rachel, get married to her college sweetheart Luke. We stayed with Leigh, my roommate and very good friend from college. Colin was able meet for the first time many of my old friends from good ole Hillsdale College. A big thanks to Jodi Westrick and her mad photography skills for the following photos.

Rachel and Luke Walker

the amazing yard game: cornhole 

Me getting beaten at cornhole

Wonderful friends and sisters from college.

Wow, that was a lot of pictures! :) Thanks for reading!


Now we prepare for a week and a half in California. Colin and I are so excited to visit the friends and the places that kept us there for as long as they did. Then we are off to Australia.

Peace, Friends