Rails to Trails

When we first moved to Pennsylvania, Jake started right away researching fun things to do around here and creating a "bucket list" of sorts. These were all things we wanted to accomplish in our first year of marriage. We've been doing pretty good, some of them even got checked off the list without us even trying. This weekend we did one that Jake was extremely excited about. All around Lancaster county (and the surrounding counties) they are in the process of turning old railways, that are never used, into trails. It's a great idea and all sorts of people get plenty of use out of them. We borrowed a bike for me (mine is out of commission) and set out on our journey. We stopped at a super cute ice cream parlor for lunch and enjoyed our pleasant bike ride on the peaceful trails.

It was a good date day. Cheap, fun, and we even got a work out (not much of a work out since we got some ice cream half way:) )

Also this weekend, our friend Hope came for a visit. We had met her at Bethany during our freshman year when she returned from Cambodia for her senior semester. She was visiting family in the area, so we invited her out to our place for the night. We took her to Green Dragon and stayed up late worshipping at Gateway. It was so refreshing to have her around and hear what God has been doing in her heart. I've never met someone who 'abides in the vine' the way she does. Our conversations stirred me up to pursue greater depths with God.

Birthday Bonanza

I like birthday parties. We had one for me on Sunday and it was delightful. There were plenty of outdoor activities, tasty treats, friendly faces, and laughter. Jake was on grill duty while I meandered around and chatted. We got to introduce the slack line to our friends and it was such a hit. I thought that you only received presents at birthday parties when you're a child, but I was happily mistaken! A bunch of people gave me all sorts of thoughtful gifts and cards and my love tank was filled.
I think I'm like a pirate when it comes to presents. I probably don't really know what pirates do with their discovered treasures and plundered booties, but if I had to guess, I would say it's pretty similar to my strange ways. I love to lay out all of my presents in front of me and look at them over and over. I like to pick up one at a time and inspect it, then put it down as I move on to the next. I got some real doozies from Jake as well, but that will have to wait for another post. My 24th year is looking promising and exciting with lots of unknowns and new adventures. Bye Bye 23, you were an awesome year to say the least.

I'm Back!

It's been quiet over here on the blog. A little too quiet.
A few things happened. One: I stopped bringing the lap top with me during my nanny days. It became too much of a distraction to me during his nap when I really wanted to spend time with the Lord. And Two: We've had some CRAZY busy evenings packed full to the brim. Isn't it funny how when it rains, it pours? In a matter of days the internship ended, and so did the school year, thus leaving me jobless and with free evenings almost every night. This is only day two of being unemployed, and I have to admit, it's been kind of nice. Yesterday I spent 3 hours in the prayer room relaxing in the presence of God, reading the Word, interceding for family and friends, singing songs and even dancing around a bit. It was delightful. That was the most time I've spent in the prayer room at a time since being in the internship myself over a year ago. I forgot how much I missed that uninterrupted time fellowshipping with my Creator.

A lot has happened! I feel like these sorts of posts end up being crazy and random and way too full of pictures. I'll try to keep it as small as possible.

I went to the beach with some friends of mine.

Bella made sure to tell me that next time we go to the beach together she'll wear her cutest bathing suit. I don't know how she can get much cuter though! Have I mentioned how much I love the beach? I love it. Seriously, I could go there all the time and not get tired of it. I'm looking forward to more trips this summer.

Jake got to do a mural at the Prince Street Cafe in Lancaster. It was only a temporary installment since they were in the midst of remodeling, but it was still a great opportunity. Prince Street is sort of the central hot spot in Lancaster and they posted his name and flickr account all over so that people would know who he is.

We went to my family's cabin for Memorial Day weekend. It was a lovely time. I have so many memories at that cabin and it's fun to see Jake experience something so familiar to me. We grilled, lounged around, ate way too much, visited Penn State, and tried out our sweet hammock that our dear friend Laura Stocks gave us as a wedding present!

Every other Sunday we meet with a small home group from our church. Normally this happens in Lancaster after church, but this time we had everyone over at our place and had breakfast. It was delightful. Jake flipped some of the fanciest flapjacks I ever saw and made some iced coffee that was a hit with the whole crowd. We love having people over, even if it does mean that our tiny apartment is maxed out and people have to sit on kitchen chairs and swivel wheely chairs and eat with their plates in their laps. I like it.

And last, but certainly not least, my eldest sister Amy, gave birth to her second child. A girl. A precious girl. Her name is Chloe and everyone is loving her to pieces!! After 3 boys being born into the family, we were itching for some pink and lace and dresses and nail polish.