July 28-30

We went North haha. After work, the weekend started with me driving to Boonsboro. It would have been much less terrifying if the rain weren't absolutely insane. But I did my best and we got there safe. Took two hours but we got there. And then Jess and I were off to New Jersey! Emily's Bridal Shower was on Saturday so naturally the bridesmaids were in attendance. We helped with what we could but honestly, Elizabeth (Emily's sister and Maid of Honor) had it all pretty under control. The party was lovely and everything was super cute and relaxed. New Jersey, or the parts I saw, was very pretty. After dropping off a load of gifts, we spent the evening at Point Pleasant, which is such a nice beach it almost made me want to go more often. And I hate beaches. The boardwalk was nice and, since it was so late, the beach itself was practically empty. It looked gorgeous. At the end of the boardwalk was a cute little aquarium. I haven't been to one since I was little so I was living my best life. There are just so many amazing animals and I'm lucky I got the chance to be so close to them. I saw the littlest terrapin and I cried. And then I kept seeing more turtles and crying. And then, in the same room basically, I saw penguins, and once I realized I had seen my two favorite animals in one place I was so happy I was lightheaded. We spent far too long in the gift shop because I didn't know what to get your dad haha. And then we drove back. The weekend was full of lots of good food, laughing at our own nonsense, and plans for the beautiful September wedding. The venue is gorgeous and I really can't wait. It's going to be such a lovely day. But as for the weekend of cupcakes, cats, and crazy conversations, I'm happy. It was a much needed trip.

Now July is over. I leave for Canada in not even four full days. I'm still a little in disbelief that it's real. But it is. And it's gonna be so great.