Much Needed Fall Break!

Words cannot describe how badly I needed Fall Break to get here this year. The stress of the week leading up to our 4-day weekend was too much to handle. I had two papers due the same day, a BAD bout of sickness, tests, regular class assignments, club meetings, opera rehearsal, and the medical struggles of my 91-year-old Grandma to grapple with. I was too exhausted, too stressed out, and stretched too thin to enjoy the week. Needless to say, I *sighed* a HUGE breath of relief when Friday at 5pm rolled around and I was able to escape all the stresses of the week and skip town with my favorite man!

Part 1: Yakima Get-Away!

Dustin and I stayed at my "in-laws-removed" in Yakima, WA (Central/Eastern side of WA). For those who don't follow that relation, we stayed with Cody and Audre and Gabe. Cody is my Sister-in-Law's brother...so my brother's brother and sister in-law and nephew. Make sense? Good.

Anyway, here's a rundown of our awesome activities!

We played with the cutest baby ever!

Picked pumpkins from a pumpkin patch!

Tasted quite a few yummy wines from local vineyards

Picked our own  apples from an orchard down the road

 Now that's what I call *teamwork*! Before I realized what was happening, my strong boy had me scooped up onto his shoulders to help me reach the highest apples! =)

 

Some of us even got baby snuggles!

And to end the great trip, we saw beautiful fall colors and the gorgeous  Mt. Rainier on our drive home

Part 2: Tacoma Fun!

Upon arriving back home in Tacoma, the Fall Break fun continued! 

I was able to relax and simply watch T.V. WHAT? That never happens!

 

I was able to finally go bowling with Dustin and Dylan! It's their Monday night ritual, but I'm usually too bogged down with homework to join them!

 

My speech therapist informed me I could start singing again! Big smiles all around! Now I just need to gradually work up to singing full-time again!

I treated myself to a much needed  massage. It was heavenly!

(clearly not me...but you get the idea!) 

And I even had the time to squeeze in a last minute haircut! I feel like a new woman!

I'm not thrilled to jump back into the stresses of school and the crazy routine I lead, but luckily for me, I still have many more things to look forward to, including:

1. Celebrating my 22nd Birthday!
2. Halloween!
3. Singing again!
4. Thanksgiving!
5. Random little moments of spending time with those I love!

Here's to hoping everyone else had a relaxing, rejuvenating, and re-energizing fall break!
Everyone deserves it!