I came on this journey to get away… to meet perfect strangers and maybe meet my Prince Charming but Saying goodbye to my roommate Crystal made me relize it’s not about all the people you meet or the things you do… it’s about the special moments you spend with the ones god puts in your path to make you recognize your worth. Your value. Your uniqueness. Crystal  was a great person from the start. She had a leopard cardigan on and I knew we would be friends. It wasn’t until we started living together we realized how compatible we were. We had the same views and values. We listened to each other’s opinions and gave advice. I forgot what it was like to have such a good friend. It was nice to have someone to share this part of my journey with. It was cool to have someone so understanding I could open up too and not be afraid of judgement. Having a friend who is more mature than being wasted everynight was a breath of fresh air. I’m glad I got the opportunity to have such a great expirence the past month and a half with her as a roommate. Can’t wait to see my girl when I go home and plan out next adventure. 

The city that pot smokers thrive in  and prostitution is legal. I had an AmsterDAM good time that’s for sure. Holland is beautiful. I enjoyed the country side and lived it up in the city. Trains and buses everywhere, the time seemed to flash by. It must have been something in the air or the fact I hadn’t had proper French fries in months, but I ate soooo much good food! who I tried Dutch pancakes 🥞 ,which were very good! Nothing will ever compare to the hot sweet waffle I had at the gardens!
Anybody who knows me knows, I am obsessed with flowers. I floated away and went to the amazing floating flower gardens in Amsterdam. I enjoyed seeing the tulip fields that surrounded the city. It was breath taking. It was such raw beauty. I could have spent a whole day there. We of course had a photo shoot, ran, danced, and sang through the rows of petals. They petals intertwined looked like a kaleidoscope. They danced in the wind. It was a nice change of pace to be in a place with more flowers than humans. Sometimes a little break from the world is nice.
Cheyanne and I visited soooo many wonderful places! It was a trip ( see what i did there?) for sure! We went to the Van Gogh museum and almost got kicked out for photos 🤷🏼‍♀️. There were literally no signs that said no pictures 🙄. So I improvised, being the Siler woman I am, I couldn’t take no for an answer. I got smart. I leaned my smart phone on me and used my iwatch to take pictures when the guards were not looking. We went to see some art work done by Banksy and Dahlia. I want to say I enjoyed them more than Gogh. It was a new style of art I hadn’t been subject to yet. I applause them. 10/10!  I enjoyed Banks’s way of expressing his ideas! They weren’t direct but weren’t super Intelectual to get. Van Gogh was rly interesting but I was in such pain I couldn’t really enjoy it. ( Turns out I tore the ligaments in my foot.) I just wanted to sit down most of the time. Lets just say it wasn’t because I was lazy. I ended up spending four days of torture walking on my foot but it was totally worth it. Netherlands took the cake for me as far as my travels have gone so far. I enjoyed the city vibes. It was really chill. I assume it was because everyone was high, naw that’s not it. So I almost forgot I got yelled at by a pimp.  Who knew it was illegal to take picture of prostitutes. I saw a girl in the red light district eating a chicken wing or potatoes chips or something and thought it was funny so I took a picture. I then was yelled at by a little angry Asian women, who I assume was the pimp. #sorry not sorry #do it for the selfie
Until next time Bloggers
stay safe. stay smart, and don’t get caught taking photos
peace out girlscout

Cadiz carnival 🎡. Starting off as soon as I left Seville. I met some cool cats from the US with Polish Rum. We had a party bus rocking all the way to Cadiz. We karaoked and danced our way to the party. I was in the top three in the costume contest. Mermaid for the win. Then as soon as we role up this girl on our bus that was pounding mimosas throws up everywhere and passes out. So our tour guide that was suppose to show us how to get to the party had to take this girl to the hospital. So here’s little me with this group of people headed to try to find this party. Lol what a joke! No cell service, no maps, what a wild trip. I was on a wild goose chase to find Ewelina and the rest of my ESN group to head home with. We all got a little side tracked on the way because “Oklahoma” wanted to have a goodnight. We stopped to get bottles and take a couple shots. We then moved on to the party. I tracked down Ewelina and her friends and left my new found friends from Seville. We partied until we had had enough of drunks and the cold. Cedes and I decided I had to pee for the thousandth time that night and ventured from Val and E to find a toilet. On our way I found out I was in hell. We waded our way through the crowed streets to search for a toilet. At one point it was so thick we couldn’t walk. I had to drag Cedes through. After we made it through the swarm of people, I felt a little relieved, that is until some pendejo walked by and stole my Vodka. I yelled at him and his two friends turned around… not my smartest move. Then I said you can have it and went the other way. We continued the night looking for a toilet while I sulked because my brand new bottle was stolen. I don’t even drink that much. I was just 😡 mad. We texted Ewelina and Valerie and met them at Burger King 👑. After seeing sex in the streets and at least 20 g strings on the ground and water falls of pee coming from behind trash cans or out in the open for the more open females I had had enough. I saw more female and male parts then I would like to admit and it was not on purpose, but props to the guy who used this cape to hide the thrusting. We ended up in Burger King for about two hours and then finally headed home. I’ve heard Cadiz is a beautiful place… definitely isn’t during carnival. The streets where wet and it wasn’t with rain and littered with more bottles and trash then I’ve ever seen.  Wishing to see its beauty at day light sometime … a traveler 

Where do I start? Maybe with “WeLoveSpain” or getting to Malaga. It’s a little more difficult than you would think traveling where you don’t speak the language, know the culture, or customs. Traveling can be a chore but it’s easier when you go with the flow. So I relaxed and went with the flow.

The Uk province of Gilbraltar killed my vibe and my credit card.  Silly fraud department don’t you know I am traveling the world. It was beautiful, I arrived in Gibraltar and saw the giant rock. I’m not going to lie, when I say I had no desire to climb it. It looked so steep. I wish I would have had enough time to catch the cable car up. We stopped for a nice lunch. The city is in Spain but belongs to the U.K. I enjoyed hearing English conversations and being able to speak English and being totally understood. I went on the optional guided tour of the caves. We took the buses up the giant hills. We finally made it to the caves after the turning and winding curves. ST. Micheal’s Caves looked as though they could hold a rock concert. There were lights of every color going on. There was also a giant stage inside. The formations inside were beautiful. On leaving the caves I stopped and saw the monkeys. It was a lot of fun! A lot of at least until the monkey took off with my selfie stick and coke. They monkies were like the size of a red heeler. I was just selfieing it up and next think I know, it ripped the coke out of my hand and drank it like a person. Then I went back to selfieing again and another one stole my selfie stick with my phone attached. One of the boys with us had to stomp my selfie stick and save my phone.

We took a ferry over to Morocco 🇲🇦. It was a fast ferry, so about two hours in and I was in AF-REAKING-CA. It was a culture shock from Spain to there. The people walking trying to sneak in and out around the border was absurd to me. The life style was different that much was clear. We arrived in Ceuta Africa. We waited at the border a mear 5 hours. 🙄 It was crazy. I had never had to pee so bad or so I thought! We finally made it though and headed towards Tetuán. We arrived and checked into our hotel. Dinner was the same the whole time cus cus.  My roommate was a sweet girl studying in Paris from Michigan. The second day we headed to Tanger. We had a panoramic tour of the city with out awesome tour guide. Saharan Chicken! It was a cute town. After the quick tour through town we borded the bus again and headed to our Camel rides at Cape Espartel. I didn’t like it much. I felt bad for the camels on the beach. They were tied by the ankles and the guys beat them. Once we tracked back up the giant stairs, we headed to Chefchauen. We had lunch in the cutest little hotel. That had an amazing view over the blue city. We went on a really cool walking tour of the city. I felt a little unease in the city. The police around us made me feel better. I really enjoyed seeing the fabric co-op. The giant looms moved back and forth. Then we headed back towards Tetuán. That was the longest hour in a bus I had ever had. I peed twice before we left and still had to go sooo bad! My blood sugar was so high. It hurt my kidneys sooo bad. I thought I was going to explode. Once we arrived I made David run with me to the bathroom. It was the most painful five min run of my life. We made it to the Arabic Palace but I couldn’t enjoy it. My kidneys hurt so bad. It was a traditional experience that I will never forget. It was such an amazing tradition to watch the fake marriage and the dancing. We headed back to Tetuán where we had our last day and tour. My favorite part was the Berber pharmacy. I enjoyed seeing all the herbs and spices! We had a short presentation and I even got a message. Until my next trip remember ….

Morocco 🇲🇦 was blue  and 🇬🇮  Gibraltar rocked.

Waiting to the last minute every time of everyday to do it. Wether I am in the states of abroad 😭. Good news Barcelona by Thursday evening and Milan Italy next weekend 😍. 

Almería has finally started to grow on me. The city never sleeps it seems but is always in a almost drugged indused sleep. It’s so relaxed and literally nobody cares. In my first week I have acquired a mountain bike. By acquired I didn’t steal it, it was given to me. By the guy who wanted me to be his girlfriend. No strings attached so I said “hell yeah”! I have learned it is the best way to get around! It super nice, compared to walking everywhere. Look out Oklahoma momma is gonna have buns of steel when I come home. E and I have spent a lot of time together recently. She is super cool. She has introduced me to all her friends she’s acquired which are all either English teachers or from Tender. I really like all of them! We have gone out for flamenco, tappas in the center, a house party, an art exhibit about wood , language exchange, and hiking. The Tapas in the center led to E, some of her other friends, and I going out to a rock show! ​

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They didn’t have anything on blink but it was cool as hell! I danced my heart out in the bar and had a really great time. I did have beer spilt down my back , but  it was okay. Rock show was killer. 

The next day E’s friend from the Czech Republic 🇨🇿 wanted to go check out a gallery in the center. It was based on wood. It wasn’t huge but it had some beautiful pieces. We waited longer on them to open the doors than it actually took to go through it, but it was super interesting to me. 

After the gallery we went home for a bit and then went to Erics for a nice house party. I met two really cool Germans, some Italians, and probably several other nataionalities i am forgetting. Eric is a tall ginger from the U.K. That teaches English. E met him on Tender. He is so funny! We finished our night at Erics and went home to get up in 6 hours to go hiking. Hiking with E and Anna was so much fun! We were up in the Sierra Nevadas! Up hill kicked my ass! The whole time I swear I cussed my self . Down hill I felt like a champ! My lungs couldn’t handle the up hill and the thin air! The air was super brisk. The higher we went the windier it got. It felt like a windy day back home. I loved it. Until I realized I had win burn. I I We fought the thorns here and there, and came out with a few battle wounds, but it was so worth it. We hiked for about 7 hours. Should have been sooner but I couldn’t keep up, up hill no excuse just couldn’t breath. ​

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Ive been  replacing ” no im good ” with “yes “,as much as possible currently. I want to see and do it all. I’m ready to really be able to use my Spanish. I’ve been using it a lot more than I expected I could. I hired a tutor  to help me with my Spanish and I applied for a job here. We will see how this goes! Wish me luck! I need it after the trip I’ve had!

Madrid is one of my favorite places I have visited in  Europe. This trip was a 6 hour bus ride full of views I will never forget. I had six hours to think about getting my paper work done and hope it could go flawlessly. I had three hours of me having to pee all the while there was a bathroom on board. Stopping half way was such a relief. I even studied some spanish on the way. I was feeling good about this trip. No way could it be bad.

I came into Madrid around 2 and had until 5 to find the National Police. That was a joke in itself. There are like 12 addresses and 100 different websites that tell you different things you need. $60 in cab fair later I found where I was suppose to be. The 1st stop was wrong, but was right by the plaza mayor so of course I walked through there quickly. The  second stop was an old apartment building, and third stop was a charm. Or that is what I thought. It was at an actual police station that I got kicked out of. The guy told me to leave and come back another day. I was soo upset and to the point of breaking down. I walked and found a taxi to take me to my favorite restaurant in Madrid Mano a Mano.

I enjoyed some awesome food and then headed to my Hostel. I stayed in an Uhostel. It was very cool! It had swings inside of it, Netflix and chill room with snacks and movies, and a sweet ass bar. I had a really good time there considering the day I had had. (During the rush of the day I had an unforeseen visitor pop up too. After not being visited in 6 months mind  you. So there is that.) I met some really nice people at the hostel. That night I told my mom I quit and was coming home. I was so upset. But I rallied, I pulled myself together and decided I can do this. I hate not being in control of my life and I took back over instead of letting the situation take over me. I called her and had her call UCO. I got my self together and I got on the bus to come home the next day. Now I am in contact finally with people who will hopefully get this all going again! ready to have this done so I can relax. I wish I would have honestly just went and explored and worried about paper work later. I think its time for more fun and less stress. For now I am safely back in Almeria.

One night here, one night there. On the go the past three days has been great. I’m running on caffeine and the adrenaline rush of being afraid to over sleep or miss my stop. The flight to London was 11 hours. It wasn’t to bad honestly. I watched two movies and ate away my boredom. The movies I watched were of course Nicholas Sparks so I looked like a ball bag sitting there crying. 😂 i must have looked like I was pmsing eating like that and crying. The unapproachable one👌 got it. 

So far I haven’t met any really cool people yet unfortunately. The first flight I had a mother with two kids under the age of three who didn’t speak English or Spanish, and my second flight I had a snobby couple on their honeymoon and were a little preoccupied with each other. I’m hoping my last flight to Malaga and bus ride to Almeria go a little better in that aspect. I will never move through an airport again. My stuff is literally so heavy. I’m so glad most of it will not be coming home with me. 

It’s literally 4 in the morning and everyone at the diner I’m in is drinking beer. I feel like I should order one… but I also think “i should do crystal meth sometimes , then I think hmmm better not” -fat Patricia. Be a local they said, it’ll be fun they said. I’m all for day drinking just not like 4 in the morning 😂. I mean technically it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. Lord I haven’t been in Europe 5 min and I already sound like an acholic. This is going to get intresting. 

My word for London is leu because it’s the shit! 😂 I love Londons rich history but not much else. 

Morocco Weekend of Feb 10-12

Bus leaves for Malaga the 9^th and I come back to Almeria the 13th

 

TRIP ITINERARY

Itinerary: Subject to change due to logistics, waiting time, weather conditions, etc.  All of the tour will be by private bus and boat (except for the walking tours).

Day 1

Morning departure from origin city. Departure towards Gibraltar. Optional guided tour of Gibraltar or free time in city center.

Afternoon departure towards Algeciras. Ferry Boarding and Arrival to Ceuta (Africa). Continuation towards Tetuan.  Arrival to hotel, Check-In.  Dinner.  Rest.

Day 2

Breakfast. Continuation to Tangier followed by Panoramic Tour of Tangier. Camel ride ON THE BEACH, and stop at Cape Espartel.

Continuation to Mountain town of Chefchauen. Lunch buffet at arrival in Parador restaurant. Guided visit of the town , visit of a Fabric Co-op followed by free time.

Afternoon departure towards Tetuan. Fantasy Dinner Show in Arabic Palace. Arrival to hotel. Meet in Lobby for optional party in a club with DJ.

Day 3

Breakfast. Departure towards city of Tetuan. Guided tour of Tetuan. Visit  of a Berber Pharmacy followed by free time.

Departure towards Ceuta. Ferry crossing and packed lunch. Arrival to Algeciras and return by bus to origin cities.

Late afternoon arrival home.

Sarah Desert 12-16 april

 

TRIP ITINERARY

Itinerary: Subject to change due to logistics, waiting time, weather conditions, etc.  All of the tour will be by private bus and boat (except for the walking tours).

Day 1:

Morning departure towards Algeciras, we board a fast ferry to Ceuta. Beginning of the trip to Fez in bus. Check-in at hotel, dinner and free time.

Day 2:

Breakfast and guided visit of Fez, une of the oldest and most famous city of Morocco.
We will visit the markets, the Koranic School, the Medersa Bouania and a Moroccan ceramic workshop . Free time for lunch. Continuation towards Erfoud. Check-in at hotel, dinner and rest.

Day 3:

Breakfast and guided visit of the town Rissani with entrance into the Massouleum.  Those passengers who have opted for the optional 4X4 excursion will visit the Merzouga desert well known for its reddish, giant sand dunes. In this excursion, you will also visit the fossil quarry, millions years old – when the desert was submerged in the ocean. You will arrive at the hotel right next to the dunes, and join the other passengers which were having free time there (chillout area, pool…) and surrounding area. In the afternoon, there will be a camel ride (2h approx) throughout the dunes with a stop for activities in the sand and to watch the sunset over the dunes. Arrive to the campsite of the Berber tents where we will sleep. Dinner, live Moroccan music, dance around a bonfire and free time.

Day 4:

Early rise (optional) to see the amazing sunrise in the dunes. Camel ride back to the hotel, breakfast and early departure towards Fez with stops to view the oasis (Ziz Valley) and the Alpine village of Ifrane, famous for its cedar trees and home to the berber monkeys.  Check-in at hotel and dinner.

Day 5:

Breakfast and return to Ceuta with stop for free time and lunch in Asilah, small artisan, fishing village. Ferry boarding and return to the origin points.

Evening arrival home.

 

Portugal weekend March 31^st

Visits to Cabo San Vicente (End of the World) and Ponta Piedade (Lagos)
3 Days of 3 Beautiful Beaches!

Santa Eulalia Beach + Dona Ana Beach Lagos + Dos Pescadores Beach

Optional: Pirate Sailing Cruise & Speed Boat!

1 Hour on a Pirate Ship down the coast with option to swim & 1 hour of fast speed boat through coves

Professional Tour Guides

We Love Spain Coordinator

Professional Photographer

(FREE Trip Album on WLS FB Page a few days after the trip!)

Free time for shopping, etc.

 Day 1

Morning departure from origin city.  Departure towards Albufeira (possible pick-ups in other cities and technical stops).

Arrival to hotel and check-in.

Trip to the beach.  Sailing Cruise in the afternoon for those who have reserved. Time announced by coordinator.  The rest of the group has free time at beach or pool, etc.

11:30pm (Portugal time)/12:30am (Spanish time): Meet in lobby for night tour.  It is not obligatory to go out at night.

Day 2

9am (Portuguese time) / 10am (Spanish time):  Meeting time and departure towards Cabo San Vicente, Sagres “The End of the World” without luggage (just what you need for the day).

Arrival to Cabo San Vicente.  Free time to take pictures and explore.

Arrival to Dona Ana Beach. Free time to enjoy the beach

Afternoon departure towards Ponta do Piedade (Lagos).  Free time for pictures and explore.

Arrival to the city of Lagos.  Free time to explore the city, buy souvenirs, food, etc.

Departure towards Albufeira.  Hotel. Rest and free time.

11:30pm (Portuguese time)/12:30am (Spanish time): Meet in lobby for night tour. It is not obligatory to go out at night.

Day 3:

10am (Portuguese) / 11:00am (Spanish). Check out with luggage.  Departure towards Dos Pescadores Beach. Free time to enjoy the historic center of Albufeira, beach, shopping, lunch, etc.

3:00pm (Portuguese) 4:00pm (Spanish). Meeting point and return to origin cities.

Beaches:
All situated on the Atlantic Ocean.

1.-  Santa Eulalia (Albufeira), situated 5 minutes from our hotel.  2000 meters long.  Water calm/moderate and crystal clear.  Sand is golden.  There are 2 restaurants, a store and restrooms. Ideal for sports.

2.- Dona Ana Beach (Lagos). 900 meters long.  Between 2 cliffs.  Beach classified as one of the most beautiful in Portugal.  Water calm and crystal clear.  Sand is golden.  Possibility of boat tour of caves on small fishing boats (depending on weather and season).

3.- Dos Pescadores Beach (Albufeira). 2100 meters long.  Situated in the old part of Albufeira.  There are a larg amount of shops, restaurants, bars and restrooms.  Water is calm/moderate.  Ideal for resting or sports.  There is a beach volleyball court and options for jetski, parasailing, bananaboats, and more water activities.

Beach day June 4^th

 

TRIP ITINERARY

• 10am- meet in Plaza de Cuba, Sevilla and departure.  Possible stop in Huleva to pick up travelers if destination is Portugal.
• 1pm -Arrival to beach,  pass out sandwiches and prepare sangría
• 3pm – First round of games (relay races, contests, etc.)
• 5pm – Second round of games (Team games like dodgeball, soccer, volleyball, etc.)
• 7pm – Departure.  Arrival to Sevilla around 10pm.

Ronda and Setenil day trip march 26th

 

TRIP ITINERARY

Itinerary: Subject to change due to logistics, waiting time, weather conditions, etc.

• Morning departure from origin city. Departure towards Ronda.
• Arrival to Ronda and guided visit.
• Free time to wander around, eat and enjoy.
• Meet back at the bus and departure to Setenil de las Bodegas.
• Free time to wander around and enjoy.
• Meet back at the bus and departure back to origin cities.

Carnival feb 25th

 

TRIP ITINERARY

Itinerary: Subject to change due to logistics, waiting time, weather conditions, etc.

We Love Spain has two different departure slots for the first date:

Afternoon departure: For those who prefer to see the performers and come home earlier

• 5pm or 6pm: Meet in Plaza de Cuba and depart for Cádiz.  Music and costume contest on the bus.
• 6:30pm or 7:30pm: Arrival to Cádiz and free time to wander around and enjoy.
• 2am or 3am:  Meet back at the bus and return to Sevilla

Night departure: For those who want to party all night!

• 7pm or 8pm:Meet in Plaza de Cuba and depart for Cádiz.  Music and costume contest on the bus.
• 8:30pm or 9:30pm :Arrival to Cádiz and free time to wander around and enjoy.
• 4 am or 5am:Meet back at the bus and return to Sevilla

Ibiza Springbreak 7th – 10th April Where: Ibiza aka paradise! When: 7th – 10th April & 14th – 17th April How: Meet us there or come float with us from Barcelona on the ferry ·Age: Young at heart traveler 18+. Free trip if you bring your grandma! · Sleep: In hotel rooms with 3 or 4 beds ·  Eat: Breakfast each morning and one BBQ is provided (our guides know good affordable restaurants in the area) San Vino is from 27th – 30th June. Where: Haro, La Rioja, Spain When: 27th – 30th June How: Plane, train, bus or car. Private shuttles from Barcelona or San Sebastián Sleep: Camping accommodation in pre-erected tents with mattress and sleeping bag provided Eat: A hot, hearty breakfast each morning and a tasty BBQ dinner one evening The Running of the Bulls 5th – 8th July Where: Our legendary Running of the Bulls festival campsite is only 10 minutes from Pamplona at Camping Ezcaba How: Meet us there and stay as long as you like or see our other trip options below Age: Young at heart traveler 18+. Free trip if you bring your grandma ·Sleep: Camping accommodation (pre-erected twin share tent, mattress & sleeping bag) Eat: Tasty breakfasts each morning and hearty, delicious dinners each evening La Tomatina  29th Aug – 1st Sept Buñol, near Valencia, Spain Where: Buñol, near Valencia, Spain When: 28th August – 1st September How: Meet us there or take our private shuttle from Barcelona and join us for a Barcelona stay before or after too if you like Age: Young at heart traveller 18+. Free trip if you bring your grandma Sleep: Camping accommodation (pre-erected twin share tent, mattress, sleeping bag) Eat: Tasty breakfasts each morning and a hearty dinner every second night

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas, bah humbug, ho ho ho or however you spend December 25th. Spending the holidays with my favorite Ryan family. A two-day car trip ended well.  No deaths or fatal injuries. I did however fall out the garage door and hurt my ankle pretty bad on my way to load the car. We landed with ease. I had some nice naps on our way. Papa surprised the little ones and we enjoyed a nice family dinner  . Our first day was chalked full of adventure. We went Ice skating and then to the new Star Wars. Mom, Madman, and I deff fell  asleep during it . She sounded like chewbacca. It was great, especially the death glares from the lady next to mom. 
We had a blast. The day before Christmas we went to the store and gathered the goodies to bake and snack the day away. Nap time came and went and then we opened presents. I got a taser. I feel like a soccer mom now, with my Toyota Highlander. After the shock of gifts past we put the little ones to bed. The stocking were hung ,the boys in bed while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. They waited on Santa like kids in cast stores. I could hear them giggling and chattering all night. Waiting until they could get out of bed. Waiting on the boys to open their presents was so hard! I loved seeing the beauty of a child’s Christmas. This was my first adult Christmas and I had lost sight of what’s important. I loved watching Maddan and Dasches faces light up when they opened each present. Christmas for me is family.

The day after Christmas Jem Madman and I went to the movie Sing for his birthday. It was super cute. We came home to have some buffalo burgers and I made some quail poppers. While playing video games Blitz knocked the tree over. It was a sight.

My mom, Jem and I all went to the beach it was fun girls day out. Mom made friends and we all had fun walking down the beach. The next day mom and I got up early and headed to the beach to find sea shells. My favorite thing growing up while on vacation was hunting down sea shells. I absolutely loved it. So we hunted sea shells and played a game we used to play everyday before bed. She would say a word and I would have to say a word that first came to mind. For example she said biscuits and I would say gravy, she asked me love and I said “him”, she said yous name and I said hope. She said she had another word for you and I just laughed and rolled my eyes. Our walk ended in my mom almost getting washed away and getting drowned by a wave.

We spent the next day going to the park with the boys and getting ice cream. The day before Maddmans birthday Jemma and I had a nice workout and walk on the beach. We talked about life and contemplated the future. I really enjoy my time with her. When We went home Papa, Gigi, and I all had a whipped cream fight. It doesn’t snow in Florida so we made our own.

In the afternoon Alek, Jem, and I went to the movies to watch “Why Him”. It was funny. Kinda made me think about my future you. On our way out Alek and Jem were fighting over who was going to drive so they rushed out to the car and Alek accidentally shut her arm in the door. Turns out he broke her radius 🙄. He said she should have dinner ready next time 😂.

As my days flew by it was hard to believe News Years eve came and passed.we took family pictures and hung out most of the day. I escaped and went to the beach for a bit with mom and saw the massive beauty of the white caps rolling over. Knowing nothing spectacular was going to happen this year I hung out with family and past out by 11. Waking up there is none of this new year new me. I’m still the same sarcastic asshole I was when I went to bed last night.

Mum and dad leaving was pretty tough. I spent the next day hanging out with the boys. We went to the beach and chased the birds 🐦. I had so much fun with them. We went to Walmart and got all kinds of snacks then went home-made lunch and camped out the rest of the day watching movies and playing video games. We watch the old black and white scary movies. They are my favorites. I literally used to sit and watch them with my parents all the time.

Over the rest of my stay in Florida Jemma and I went to Orlando for a fun-filled two days! It was a blast to have a sister again that wasn’t a mom for a short period. We went to the Willy Wonka factory and had amazing milkshakes and crazy food! I had a rice krispy that was bigger than my head and she went into a chocolate coma. We checked out down town Disney and ventured to the mall. We went into to Tiffany’s which was a terrible idea 🙄. We spent the rest of our time at the hotel wearing face mask and being girly! The next day we got up and went to the Haunted Masion Escape Room! Most awesome thing ever! It was so much fun! I really enjoyed it. We then made the 6 hour drive home. Jemma and I spent a lot of time together during my remaining days with the boys. We watched scary movies and went to the gym.

In Florida I’ve learned a lot. That’s a very basic sentence, but what  I learned wasn’t complex. I learned to relax to smell the roses. I learned there isn’t always a place I have to be and there is not a time I always have to be there. Anyone who knows me knows I am a planner, I’m an organizer, and I love to be early for everything. On my trip through Orange County , I learned; patience is a virte that i needed some more practice in, it’s okay to be late and not apologize, don’t regret food as long as it fits in your macros ( you can always workout later), And I learned it’s okay to imagine things and see things in a different light. I went back to elementary school and I  learned the rules of the play ground. Boy, was It  a trip I needed. A six and a four-year old taught me more about life than any classroom ever could. I learned to use my imagination again and think outside the box. (Literally went to an escape room and had to get out.) I got to see the beauty of the world through such innocent eyes. I heard jokes and silliness I hadn’t in a long time. I built sand castles, danced, sang, built forks ( aka forts), I played video games, snuggled, laughed, cried , played mean aunt Jaden, and the best Aunt Bug. I took a month of not going out every night, not having papers due, no work , and my heart loosened. The walls are slowly coming down.

I went hiking one day in Florida and the littlest duck Maddan in our tribe kept stopping to pick up sticks. I kept telling him to hurry up , until I realized he’s taking this in. He’s enjoying being outside and just being there. That’s when it hit me. Life goes by so quick we shouldn’t hurry the precious moments of life and that snacks are always necessary when hiking.  
I learned I love children more than I thought, but I am nowhere near ready to be a mom. When I was with you I had that “stupid” thought I am ready to start my life and have children. A month with my sisters kids has been the Best birth control ever. I don’t mean it by them being bad or me not wanting to be around them. I just mean it in the sense of I am not ready. Having a baby is like getting a face tattoo you need to be committed.

 The boys make my heart so happy. They show me a new side of life and surprise me all the time. I’m so Happy i have gotten the chance to be apart of their lives. I am grateful for a sister and brother-in-law who lets me come to their home and stay so long and spend time with their children. Hearing the boys say I love you Aunt Bug without being told to melts my heart. I am so lucky to have such amazing boys in my life.

Jemma learned me up really well also,  while I was at her home. Jem taught me about clean eating, being a mom is tough work,  and lastly she taught me it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission. I have always been the one to ask for permission. I never had it in me to color outside the lines until recently. I told her everything I wanted to do, but was to scared to do it. I was scared mom and dad wouldn’t approve and would be mad. She reminded me it was my life and my choice, Jemma reminded me that as long as I didnt go Mike Tyson crazy with face tats, I would be okay, so I pierced my nose, cut my hair off and dyed it blue and purple. I sent mom and dad pictures and they were perfectly okay with it.

 Jemma has been the best sister. We fuss sometimes but it has been so nice having her back in my life. I forgot how tore up Inwas when she left for the military. I had lost my best friend. At first I lost her tot he military and then I “lost” her to her new family. That was just how I saw it as a 12 year old. Now I am so thankful she found a good man and built a home. As the years have gone by it’s been hard but with technolgy we have kept up. I didnt realize how much I still needed her. Its really cool to see how close we still are.I loved getting to spend time with her and our time being girly like sisters do. It made me laugh braiding her hair and doing things normal sisters do. We are so far apart in age I had forgotten what it was like to have a big sister around. I am so happy, I got to come spend time with her.

Alek. At first I didn’t like him at all. It was only because he took my big sister away is how I saw it, but now I really am happy they are together. He is honestly so good to my sister and the boys. It is amazing to see him work all day and come to have to do homework and still make time to make Jem happy and the boys. He showed me something I want in my next someone. I want someone who thinks of me and tries their damnedest to me happy. Alek is always doing little things to make Jemma happy and make the boys smile. With his job he isnt home much, but seeing him while he is was really cool. I enjoyed seeing how much my nephews looked up to their parents. I hope my kiddos one day love me as much as these boys love their parents.