excitement!

As the end of school and the beginning of summer approaches, I've been thinking about different things I'm looking forward to this summer. Ever since I was little, we've always had busy summers - traveling fun places, going to summer camp, going on a mission trip, staying with grandparents...and this summer is no exception. Some of my summer plans include things I've done before, and some are totally new to me. It's an exciting mix to look forward to, and I can't wait. So, here are some of the things I'm looking forward to this summer!

-beach weekend! sand and sea and sunshine. yay.
-way belated birthday party sleepover. slumber parties are hilarious fun, staying up way too late, talking everything from mad cow disease to Jane Austen, and laughing so hard your stomach hurts
-CIT Bible studies at New Life Camp
-the amazing Seconds & Leftovers job where you get to eat before everyone else and then talk to everyone who comes up for seconds
-hanging out with camp friends, both new and old
-adorable campers who go crazy about you, think you're amazing, and introduce you to their parents by saying, "Mom and Dad, this is Lauren, the best CIT ever!" love them.
-Teen Week and all the fun that goes on during it
-the Rules Video! always amazing
-seeing the incredible Irwins again, whether it's in Virginia, NC, or even Chicago! :)
-one or two days of total relaxation...and laundry. haha.
-swimming with friends in their neighborhood pool
-Taco Bell with Chelsea and Marefia
-marathon phone conversations with Grace Loraine
-having people ask me, "What does, 'Grace, I'm so sorry I threw that pinecone at you!' mean?" when they see my fabulous pillowcase
-long car ride to Illinois. Yes, I love long car rides. Music and uninterrupted reading and DVDs in the car, oh my!
-meeting the Augustines and the first day at Crossway. Well, that's more like something I'm nervous about...but still excited!
-INTERNSHIP!
-Grace coming to Wheaton to hang out with me!
-a weekend trip with Grace to either Niagara Falls or Chicago. either or both.
-hot summer days where you can wear skirts and not freeze. Well, unless you go to church. :)
-any other opportunities that pop up! I know there will be some things that will be unexpected, and I'm ready for them.
-seniors Sunday school class, student leadership team and other things going on at RCCC.
-the Back to School Retreat! And being a senior, I'll be a small group leader! Definitely excited about that.
-possible beach trip in September. awesomeness!
-planning my fall. College classes to figure out, college road trip with Grace, applying for college...as you can see, college decisions are a major part of my fall!

I have an exhaustingly busy summer, but I'm so excited about all these opportunites God is giving me, and I'm going to take all of them! I can't wait to see what he has for me this summer.