my dad, and the skirt i wore to work today.

one summer when i was home from college, my dad traveled to mexico for work. like he usually did when he was on company travel, he brought back little gifts for all of us.

this particular time, he picked up this lovely skirt for me. at first glance, i was surprised how much i liked it. i was even more surprised when it fit. perfectly.

now, many years later, i still sport the skirt and no joke, every time i do, i get multiple compliments. like today. i got 5.

that's right. my dad may be a tough-john-deere-man, but he's got style.

Bloom Where You're Planted.

Are you looking for an inexpensive way to brighten up your work cubical? Check this out:

During my lunch break early this week, I walked to the bank and spotted a field of wild flowers. I picked a batch and brought them back with me. :) With just a little vase of water, they've lasted all week.

Next: my favorite color is PINK + I was craving sushi the other night =

It's a perfect place to catch up with girlfriends.

Road trip #too-many-to-count: KANSAS!! Five of my friends and I headed to my home front last weekend for wheat harvest and to experience life as a Kansan! (Myriah was the trip photographer, so when she updates her blog, I'll link to it so you get a full re-cap.)

**Myriah updated her blog! Check it out here.**

The timing was perfect because it was Father's Day! Wow. I'm so lucky...Mother's Day with my mom this year. Yep. Father's Day with my dad this year. Yep. Pretty sure I haven't been with my parents for each holiday since I left home nearly 9 years ago.

And finally. I've turned into one of those aunts that shares pictures of my niece and nephew to eVeRyOnE, including my co-workers...hahahaha. BUT JUST LOOK AT THEM MEETING EACH OTHER FOR THE FIRST TIME.

My co-worker said, "Thanks for sharing. It is nice to have some sunshine in the middle of the day! So cute..."

I agree...so cute and bring so much sunshine in my day! :)

What's your FLAV?

Have you tried this?

FLAV = Fruit Flavored Aerated Water

I like it!

The truth is: I came home from work Friday night, and when I opened the fridge to determine my dinner options, I round this cute little can sitting on a sticky note with my name on it. Thanks roomie-intern-Taylor! You'll be missed.

The next time you stop by a 7-11, try one - you'll have an answer when someone asks you, "What's your FLAV?"

Mine's orange.

(Maybe orange is the only one I've tried... hahaha)

Simply Perfect.

My twin sister Angela had a baby girl this week!
Welcome to the family Khloe Jolene! Can't wait to meet you!

When Ang told me she was expecting a girl, I immediately ran to the mall to pick up this little number for a baby girl. This cute pic is when Khloe and mommy were headed home from the hospital. (I loooove the little feather headband!) I asked Ang to send me a daily picture text of the baby until I can meet her!

BTW: Just thought you should know that I did attempt to meet her.
Ang's due date was Friday, June 3. Thanks to a United Buddy Pass, I hoped on a plane last Friday night in hopes of meeting the little one. Well, it turns out that labor is something you can't force! ha ha.... SO, I missed baby Khloe's arrival by a few days. BUT. I did have a fun filled weekend with my fam in Salt Lake!

We spent a majority of the time relaxing at the pool, taking walks and enjoying family togetherness.

On Sunday morning, we headed to Temple Square to enjoy Music and the Spoke Word with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The special guests were the Drakensberg Boy's Choir from South Africa! Impressive.

My scheduled flight was Monday evening so before heading to the airport, we all enjoyed a childhood-summer-time-fav: snow cones!

Khloe!! I'll meet you sometime very soon! Like possibly next month!

The Ohio.

For Memorial Day weekend, my church friends and I headed to Kirtland, Ohio for a YSA Conference. Here are a few snapshots from the weekend.

Our personal tour guide: Charlotte Haynie. She served her mission in Kirtland and now she lives in Chicago!

On Sunday, we had church in the Kirtland Temple. So memorable.

The weekend was spiritually refreshing.

We drove back early Monday morning, and I spent the entire day at the beach. :)

Thank you summer time in Chicago. I've missed you!