Go Ducks! And College Reminiscing

Duck football season is here!  For the first time in four years, Ryan and I are back home in the great state of Oregon during the most exciting sports season of the year.  While in Asia we watched the Ducks streaming on our laptops, on our iPod touch, and in one desperate pinch--from my parents' TV, pushed up to their computer over skype.  

This year we made the drive to Eugene for the Ducks' opening game.  We were finally there, live and in person at the infamous Autzen Stadium.  

I went with five college girlfriends, and Ryan sat with his dad.

Tailgating with my girls was as fun as ever.  

Even when we couldn't find our spot and had to make cocktails under a tree...

I think this was supposed to be twerking.

After the game we spent some time touring campus, reminiscing about the years where we formed the friendships we still have today.

Love Eugene, and love my Ducks.  So excited for our next Eugene trip for Homecoming Weekend!

August, the Last Bit of Summer

August has always been my favorite month.  The weather is pretty much guaranteed to be warm, (which is not something can you say about most months in Oregon) there is always a wedding that brings together family and/or friends, my family goes on their annual camping trip, the Ducks play their first football game, Ryan and I get to celebrate our anniversary, and at the end of the month, I have a birthday.  

In August people realize that summer is coming to a close, so those long warm nights are not taken for granted.  This August was definitely one to remember.

+Belated Happy (31st!) Anniversary to mom and dad

 

+Visiting goats in their SE Portland habitat

+Celebrating at a friend's gorgeous wedding

+Alberta Street Fair with friends

+Brunch amidst Ryan's crazy August schedule to celebrate four years of marriage

 

+Sunrise on one of the fires Ryan fought

+Freshly picked blackberries over ice cream

+Bridge walk with mom and dad

 

+Fresh veggies from Ryan's garden

+Camping and sunsets at the beach

+Wine tasting for my 29th birthday

 

+Birthday lunch with my honey

 

+Ice cream flight at Salt & Straw

+29 candles

+First Duck football game at Autzen Stadium since 2009!

While I'm sad to see summer go, I'm excited for the season ahead.  

We haven't spent an autumn at home since 2009.  How much has changed since then!  

The past five months at home have reminded me how lucky I am to have such wonderful people close to me and I'll continue to enjoy every moment with them.  

Exciting things are happening for me and for Ryan as we lay the foundations for our career paths and future.

Here we go, fall!

Camping at Cape Disappointment

Every year the extended family on my mom's side takes a camping trip on the Washington coast.  We've had this tradition since I was a little girl, and I have many fond memories of s'mores, sunsets, swimming, and campfires.  There was no swimming this year, and we were missing many of the family members, but the memories were just as fond.