it's official

Well! New news: I'll be studying at University of Oxford this fall! Yep, as in England. 

so excited to call this "home" soon

to the races

While last year I was in NZ, the year before was this frat boy babysitting adventure to the Atlanta Steeplechase.  This year, had the privilege of going to the races again with the generosity of the LeBow's. It was a great day in the sun watching horsies and drinking (a lot). 

our bookie

and the Moonshine gets passed around... 

1,2,3, pose, Jay

brotherly love

and of course we were some of the last to leave

weekend in the woods

With a busy schedule this semester, I took a backseat with my job as a trip leader for GORP.  But, they needed a fill-in for a PE backpacking trip for a lovely weekend in April. Um, yes! Fellow leader, JJ and I headed onto the Chattooga River Trail with a dozen students for a great overnight in the great outdoors. We had perfect weather and a willing and fun group. 

trying to forge the river with beer and a fishing rod 

cookin dinner: a Thanksgiving feast

boys and fire...  

what would a campfire be without s'mores?!

vancouver. kiwi style

New Years Day, Lindsey and I joined Bob, Scott, Owen, and Damien up to Vancouver. Mind you, the car had 5 seats. There were 6 of us. Cozy much?

We had a couple of beautiful clear days in Vancouver. Ate good food. Saw the city. And laughed til my stomach couldn't take it any longer. It was great fun!

Lindsey, Bob, Me, Damien, Scott, Owen. A-Team.

dream home. boat houses.

home sweet home!

boys and concrete toys

the boys the 'sperm'

 Lindsey took off early early in the morning. I stuck around a bit longer then time to leave for me as well. Train, bus, taxi then finally to a hostel in Seattle. 

all aboard!

 A day of site seeing in Seattle before heading back home to the South. 

space needle

gum wall

 Ate good food per Ali's request. Drank some Starbucks. Walked til my feet hurt. 

you stay classy, Seattle. until next time!

 Catch ya later, West Coast! Back to school for now. 

seattle bound

From Park City, I headed north to Seattle to meet up with some good kiwi folks and study abroad friends from New Zealand days. (the best days.)

more mountains!

I met up with Lindsey, Katie and Boo at the airport where we were greeted by our favorite host, Nora. Oh how I've missed these ladies! She took us site seeing around her stomping grounds. 

look ma, we made it! 

Nora's ladies

Mt Rainier far off there

the freemont troll

even found a Cockroach look alike! 

From Seattle, Katie, Lindsey, Boo and I headed up to Mt. Baker in search of snow. 

We also found our Kiwi friends: Scott, Damien, Owen, and now Vancouver native, Bob. 

Damien, Bob, Owen

Scott takin Mt. Baker by storm

Katie and Boo left for a New Years in Seattle while Lindsey and I stayed with our new Canadian and not so new Kiwi friends. Things got weird... but great fun nonetheless!

 

morning after clean up

 Happy 2013! Hope your celebrations were just as grand!