Here is my summer (late spring) happy list! This post basically just goes through the top highlights from life lately this past late spring!

Happy List

1.) Time with Fiance

First and foremost, with under 2 months left until our WEDDING, Curtis and I have been cherishing each moment we have together. Late spring gave us some fun opportunities to make new memories, like going to a National’s game in D.C. and then showing him my alma matter campus! Ironically I got to step foot on American University’s campus the SAME week I graduated from there ten years prior. It was so special to show him around my campus and share that experience.

One of the perks of where Curtis lives in the greater Harrisburg area is the close proximity to Hershey Park. We got season passes so it’s been super fun to go into the park for little short date nights here and there and benefit from shorter ride lines. We’ve really been loving these times to adventure together and bond away from the kids leading up to the wedding. Because we date long(ish) distance the time we get is precious to us.

We have also been doing premarital counseling and slowly working on some decorating touches and clean up to his house before I move in after the wedding. His yard is SO special this time of year. We love spending time in the hammock or watching movies on the back porch while overlooking the woods and hearing the hummingbirds sing. I also love collecting eggs from his chickens when I’m there and taking walks around the forest trail. I am beyond ready to move in for real.

2.) Time with Future Step kids

While date nights and couple time is amazing, it’s also been a real adventure getting to spend more time with his two girls. They are SO excited for me to marry their dad and move in this August. We’ve had a blast going to the park while Curtis plays pickleball and also spending more time outdoors. The girls love to go for walks, collect caterpillars, fish and just generally explore outside (the messier, the better). My sister got to visit from Austin, TX in early May and we all went to Hershey Park together. It was a blast reliving a favorite childhood spot with my sister again with the clan.

I’ve really, really loved building relationships with each girl one on one and getting to have quality time with JUST them and me. They are so different from one another and each bring so much life and laughter to the table. It’s been really fun going on adventures with them and building memories that I will always cherish.

3.) Time with friends and family

The highlights of the past few months, aside from above, would for sure been the time with my friends and family. I got to stand as a bridesmaid in a dear friend’s wedding in May and it was so sweet to see them make their vows. I remember when she first met him a few years ago and it was super encouraging to see how they grew together as a couple.

When my sister was in town, we also did a mini “bachelorette party” with her and my mom. Since my bridal party is small and the other girls are not local, I decided to keep it simple and do a wine and paint night. I have ALWAYS wanted to try this and it was the perfect way to celebrate my upcoming wedding because now I will always have a painting to remember it. And of course, my bridal shower was an INCREDIBLY special day. I got to see many beloved friends, neighbors and family members all in the same place :).

2.) Wedding Planning

Aside from the fun festivities and continuing to tutor when I can, my days have been filled with wedding planning tasks. We completed our final venue walkthrough with our day-of coordinator. My mom has been the driving force behind the decorating plans, which are coming along slowly but surely. My favorite part of the wedding planning process has been painting and customizing the invitations and selecting the silk flowers for my bouquet. The rest has been……tedious. But it’s all for a good cause and will be so worth it when the day comes!

I hope you enjoyed reading this little life update! I am excited to share more updates and content soon. Feel free to comment with any thoughts or something you have been enjoying lately!