Genaw Family: Smmer 2014 Recap

I can't believe that I've only posted 5 times within the last year- I am way slacking! I'm blaming it on the busy life that we live! I did write in mid-July, but a few things have happened since then:

The summer flew by and I feel like I didn't get to fully enjoy it- we did no camping, didn't go kayaking or tubing, and worked a ton around the house. Hopefully next summer things will call down.

I might have forgotten to post that we celebrated Grace's 2nd birthday in June. She's such a cute little girl and we love her! In August we celebrated Alex's 2nd birthday. He wouldn't sit still very long, not even to open his gifts! He's a stinker and a handful! In September we celebrated Caden's first birthday. I feel like a terrible aunt, because I forgot my camera!!! Amanda asked me to by his godmother, so I participated in his baptism and then the family go together for lunch, cake, and presents. Caden is a mama's boy right now and as cute as a button!

On August 20th, 2014, Joel and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary! Five year!!! Already? Were does the time go? How can it seem like just yesterday and forever ago all at the same time? I love being married to my best friend and sharing my life with him. I miss him more than anything when we're apart, and we've spent some time apart this summer. (I mentioned my Maryland and Glen Arbor trips in my previous post). I traveled to Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ for a week in August and it just happened to be the week of our anniversary. I felt so horrible spending our special day apart, but Joel did what he could to make it special anyways. While in New Jersey, I decided to take an evening trip (I was in a Food Science Short Course all day for the week) into Manhattan, NY. On Tuesday evening I attended the Manhattan Temple- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was such a unique and beautiful temple! It really blended in with the other city buildings; I didn't see it until I was standing right in front of it. I took a bus from my hotel to the city and then took the subway uptown to the temple. It was quite an adventure- but going back was a late night. I didn't get to bed until after midnight. So Wednesday morning when I got a knock on the door at 7:00 am, I was very tired. I stumbled to the door, opened it and saw a breakfast tray, and told the hotel staff that I didn't order anything and went to shut the door. She said, "Don't you have a special day?" I looked again and there was a flower and a card that said "Happy Anniversary- Love Joel". I was sooooo surprised! Joel sent me breakfast in bed for our anniversary. I didn't expect it in the least and it made me smile. When I got home that Friday, Joel and I went out to a movie to celebrate and then I bought him a life size Iron Man cardboard cut-out for the game room (when it's finished).

In September Joel traveled to Connecticut for a design thing with Nestle Waters. He was gone for a week and I missed him, but at least we got to talk on the phone at least once a day. He was home for a week and then he was off to Vevey, Switzerland. It's so hard when he travels internationally, because we don't have international texting or calling. We rely on an app, called Voxer, to communicate because it goes off of wifi. This trip my phone was on the fritz a lot and with the time difference, I didn't get to talk to Joel very much. That was hard on me. I missed the sound of his voice and it made me pretty mopey. I am so glad when he comes home! This trip he brought my home some new key chains for my collection: one from London and one from Switzerland. That boy is sooo thoughtful. I showed him my old collection of key chains from when I traveled a lot in high school, and now he's helping me start a new collection! He brought me on from CT, too! It's the little things he does that shows how much he loves me. He also brought home the best chocolate in the world- Cailler Swiss chocolate! It just melts in your mouth!

Today is October 4th! I was able to participate in the Colorburst Tour again this year (I missed last year because my car battery died the morning of). It was cold, windy, rainy, and even hailed. But I still rode to enjoy the colors. I completed the shortest ride- 17 miles- in about an hour and 20 minutes. Not the best time, but considering the conditions, I am happy with that!

Those were some big events that took place this summer. Besides the normal hum drum of friends & coworkers taking other jobs and relocating, trying to fulfill my callings to the best of my abilities, working at a place I love and loving what I'm doing, and keeping up with family! Yes, callings, as in- I have 3 callings at church with now: YW President, Webelos Den Leader, and Branch Chorister. It keeps me busy with planning activities, preparing lessons, and practicing music!