Family

When I Googled "family" this is what came up: "In human context, a family is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence."

I've come to realize that sometimes the people that aren't connected to you by blood are the ones that are connected to you most.

These girls are it.

stars and stripes

This past weekend was not only a great American holiday for the rest of you patriotic citizens, but it also marked a milestone for me as it was my 21st birthday! Talk about a real "independence" day. Yes, I was born on the 4th of July, and yes, I get fireworks every year... what can I say? It's pretty awesome. This year it was a great birthday, not just because I can legally drink. I opted to stay in the steamy sauna for celebrations so I could enjoy it with the people I wanted to be with- both sets of parents, as well as good friends. Though the whole being 21 thing has hit me, to some extent, it doesn't feel too different. Most of my friends are older than I am anyway, and some didn't even know I wasn't yet 21. I guess you could say I'm an old soul, as my stepmom does, and probably will always be. But that doesn't mean I wasn't out ringing in my new legality with pride and drink in hand like one should! I definitely had some great celebrations and couldn't be happier with the weekend (even if I slept almost all day on Monday and was in major recovery mode). It's pretty apparent by the constant smile on my face in the pictures my friends snapped.

A Memorial in Michigan

I got back from a weekend visit to Michigan yesterday. I met up with my mom, brother, and step-dad to attend my Grandma's memorial service. While it wasn't the ideal reason for a family get together, I really had been looking forward to getting to see a lot of my mom's side of the family that I often don't see that much since they're all spread out in the midwestern and other various states. I was so happy to see my Grandpa Chuck and give him a big hug. I hadn't seen him since my Grandma's passing and it had been driving me crazy that I couldn't just see him and hug him. It was great to see a lot of my other cousins, aunts, uncles, and other various relatives come out to support him and show their love for Grandma. Actions speak loudly and I highly respect those that made the effort to come. It became increasingly clear to me how, when people get older and have a steady job, family to tend to, house they've settled down in, it gets harder to take trips or see distant relatives. It's a bit saddening to me, because as we all saw and noticed, it just takes a bit of effort on all our parts, but it's possible. People think they're too busy or don't have time, but when it comes down to it, family is family. I realized lately how important family is to me and I'm not about to let mine get too much distance even if they are far from me, physically.

My brother & mom

The weekend was full of drama, tears, swear words, laughter, stories, trips down memory lane, old photos, new bonds, car ride adventures, walks around town, enjoying the outdoors, casseroles, and cakes. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Below are some photos I snapped at my Aunt Gale and Uncle Tom's house on the lake in Pinckney, Michigan. It was so peaceful, calming, and refreshing spending the afternoon there and enjoying the lake.

My grape soda-colored toes

My Aunt Gale feeding the swan family that regularly visits their dock