Well, I had a fabulous birthday.

Kyle sent down a package to my sister that included several life-size cut-outs of Kyle's face taped to popsicle sticks. Random friends were supposed to hold them in front of their faces, read the "script" on the back, and hand me a present from Kyle. My favorite thing that I received from "him" was a dinosaur sandwich cutter. It cuts two identical brontosaurus's (brontosauri?) into your pb and j. I've used it several times already. Kyle used it on a pbj in the kitchen yesterday and I was laughing HYSTERICALLY at those little dinosaurs. Chuck exclaimed about what a waste of money it was and Kyle said, "But look how happy it makes her!" It's true.

I also went out to a delicious and fun dinner with all of my parents. And I spent some time around Chicago- including Fleet Feet where I got fitted for new running shoes. It was so cool, how they do that. And I ran the Nike Women's 10k on Sunday morning, which was so fun. AND I didn't walk at all, which makes 6.2 miles the longest I have ever run without walking. Pretty cool, huh?

I had a BLAST- it was probably my favorite birthday so far. Pictures are forthcoming. I just keep forgetting to bring my camera to the office.

I ran TWELVE MILES today. And my knees are really paying for it. Ouch.

Our dear friends Nikki, Ryan, and Leah should be here very soon- so I've got to dash!

Tentative birthday weekend schedule:

Friday: sticky buns (I'm assuming...), depart for Chicago, eat Taco Bell and Starbuck's on the way, stop at Prime outlets like I have always wanted, dinner with family, twins birthday party!

Saturday: packet pick-up and new running shoes!!!!! at Fleet Feet Piper's Alley, Jamba Juice- and let's face it- probably more Starbuck's, coffee with Megan? the beach? downtown? who knows- Chicago is my oyster!, dinner at Chili's with my dear sister and perhaps some friends

Sunday: Nike women's 10k, lunch with the Mecher's and happy birthday to Brooke!, head back up to camp- and one last trip to Starbuck's in Green Bay, for good measure

I am SO excited.

The Best Fourth of July Ever!

Megan driving the speedboat.

Sara, hiding back there.

Kooky Kyle.
He's so cute.

Woops. The camera was zoomed in.

This was the picture I was supposed to be taking. Ladies boat ride!

Brothers tube ride!

Best friends' leisurely tube ride.
As Kyle is explaining how to play Euchre.

Take two with our table in a bag!
Melissa, Trevor, Colby, and Claire.

Take two.
Take two.
Swing dancing.

Mussels and Jwill reunited!

Here are some photos of our quick trip to Chicago last weekend.

First off, trip to Starbuck's with Megan. Obviously.

Then, to Target with my sweet sister.

Me and the hubs at our cousins' Dan and Meredith's wedding.

Friendies.

The beautiful bride and groom- what a fun wedding!

Sisters!

Me and my soon to be little crew-ton.

Kyle, Colby, and Skylar.

Sandra D, Kyle, and Joe at the Globe, site of my 26th birthday party!

Kassi, Sandy, and Amy dancing to American Boy.

Just for some background, during senior high week (which is currently underway) we have "MOP" (make out patrol) that goes around after everyone is supposed to be in their cabins to make sure none of the campers have snuck off to make out.

My friend Sam suggested yesterday that the MOP patrol ride around in the truck with a big flood light blaring "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany.

For some reason, I always feel like summer is over after Fourth of July. Like how I think winter should be over after Christmas. I'm feeling a little depressed about it tonight.

This weekend we flew (not literally, just drove really fast) down to Chicago for a family wedding. It was SO MUCH FUN! I will have to post pictures when I remember to bring my camera to the office.

I also got to see my two best friends at my two favorite places. Amy and Megan at Starbucks and Target, respectively. It was a really great, really fast weekend, and such a blessing to be able to take a little vacation to my favorite place in the whole world!

This week is going to be great. We have no island camp and it's senior high week, my favorite, most fun week of camp. And smaller than last week, which is not very exciting to Chuck, but from a feeding perspective, it's very exciting.

Sammy B. has decided to stay and volunteer another week and be my "sous chef." Hooray!

This week is ca-razy. We are feeding about 190 people (including 30 islanders whose food has to be separately made and shipped a mile across the lake). And it's like a million degrees outside and a bajillion degrees in the kitchen. Tonight we fed them spaghetti, but some scoundrel-y villains came and "stole all the silverware" so the kids had to eat with all the random utensils we could find around the kitchen including, but not limited to: spatulas, ladles, tongs, hand mixers, and measuring cups. It was so fun for them, but it sure was a mess to clean up. But, for the most part, we have managed to keep smiles on our faces and find things to laugh about throughout the day. Keeping the kids at the forefront of our thoughts and actions helps a lot. Tonight we cooks treated ourselved to some ice cream from the freezers downstairs and made brownie sundaes for dessert. That made it all worth it.

Tonight I plan to take a cold shower, hopefully finish New Moon, and watch an episode of Project Runway with Kyle. Here I go...