Time Flies...

So I since I arrived in San Diego I haven't really posted anything and I apologize. I have been so incredibly busy. I completely underestimated everything I would need for this trip, and I think it's safe to say I'm a little overwhelmed... I have no idea what I should bring, what I need, and what I should just leave behind. My room is covered in "maybe" piles of clothes and "this-stuff-is-for-sure-coming-with-me" piles. And on top of all that I need to find my birth certificate and all that important paperwork that I'll need.

But I haven't been just worrying about my trip to Germany since I came back. I've had an amazing time just seeing old friend and spending time with them. I've been trying to get into shape so there have been many hiking trips. Here's just a few pictures from those trips:

The rock in the top picture is called Potato Chip Rock (at least we call it that) and it is at the top of Mt. Woodson in Poway, CA. I highly recommend it, probably the coolest rock you will ever see and the view is amazing. The two people in the bottom picture are my friends Erin and Casey, any hike with them is crazy fun (cra-cra as Casey says).

I also participated in the Color Me Rad 5k race with a few friend and, let me tell you, it was one of the funnest races I have done in my life! So you run a 5k and you get colored corn starch thrown at you while you're running. So at the beginning of the race your clothes are nice and clean and white, and by the end they are colored! And at the end of the race you get a color packet and everybody throws theirs in the air at the same time for a color explosion! Other than not being able to breath in the cornstarch filled air at the end of the race, it was amazing and totally worth it.

Before I have to leave I want to give a shout out to my amazing family, the Pedersens, who have supported me through all my hardships and I am so incredibly blessed to be able to call them my family.

And to my wonderful mom who has done the same and so much more.

Until next time! 

Cakes, Fireworks, and Chalk

So much has happened in the last few weeks, I'll try to keep the recap short. As of right now I've been staying at my aunt and uncle's house for the past four weeks and it has been a blast! Not only am I spending my summer with one of the most amazing families I have a priviledge of knowing, but I'm in Utah (where fireworks are legal!). Fireworks have been going almost every night, and let me tell you, for a California native who hasn't been anywhere outside of California in July... it is awesome. One of my cousins bought fireworks and I got to light one :) it was pretty exciting.

We also celebrated two birthdays this month. Rachel who turned 16 (yay! you made it to driving age Rach!) and Sarah who turned 9. Two of my cousins and I made an amazing cake, fit for the gods. It took a 8 hours, and I have to admit I did get bored halfway through, but the end result was not only delectable but also gorgeous. Pretty good for some amateur bakers right? 

My month in Utah came and went so quickly. Right now I'm sitting at the airport and wondering how in the world this month went by so fast. We had many fun nights filled with night games, movies, late night snack runs, and video games (I can play xbox games now... it's pretty fun. My favorite is Nazi Zombies... I see why people get addicted now ;). One of my favorite nights was when we went to the park and drew with glow in the dark chalk. The pictures don't do it justice, it really glows. By far the coolest toy thing I have ever seen. We drew on the side of a shed and it looked so cool. The neighbor kids who came with us were freaking out because they thought we'd get arrested for vandalism... it was pretty funny. 

On the left is Caitlyn, my running buddy and roomie. She is probably so glad I left because now she has the biggest room in the house all to herself. Kneeling down next to Cate is me, then comes Sarah. And then Daniel. I am sad I didn't get a picture of everybody this trip, I guess it'll have to wait until Christmas.

Along with buying warm winter clothes, jeans, and boots so that I don't die freeze in Germany, I am going to do the Color Me Rad 5k race. So pretty much you go in white to this race, then get a bunch of colored corn starch thrown on you so you're covered in... colors! It looks like so much fun and I am so freaking excited to do it. I am so ready and excited to see what my last month in the States is going to be like.