Summer at home

When we finished our time traveling in Europe with our family, we headed back to our respective states. Although being apart is never ideal, it made the most sense to start the summer this way. Rachel had a two week course to take in Des Moines, and Devin had work waiting for him in Oregon, so we headed our separate ways.

 I (Rachel) lived in Des Moines for two weeks with Aaron and Sarah, and although I had class from 8-5 every day and homework every evening, still managed to have a blast! The siblings declared the first week "Groga" week, in which we got a free one week pass to a power yoga studio. We managed to fit in 9 classes in 7 days, and ended the week with a full-family outdoor yoga class in a brewery parking lot. Although it was over 90 degrees with full humidity, we still managed to enjoy ourselves! My parents came to Des Moines for the weekend to celebrate Sarah's and my birthdays,  and we packed the weekend full of frisbee, yoga, walks, thrift store shopping, grilling, and bonfires. Additionally, my friend Rachel drove all the way from Milwaukee to join us for the weekend. It was incredible to spend time with her! Although we frequently skype, we realized we hadn't actually seen each other since my wedding!

Our Kodaly level 1 group - we worked so hard and loved getting to know these other teachers!

When we weren't studying, we loved spending our evenings together!

Loved browsing the Des Moines farmers market

After our 90 degree yoga class.

Dad was such a good sport even though he couldn't participate!

Never get enough time with this sweet girl!

Friendly competition

I could sit around a bonfire all night with these guys!

After completing the course in Des Moines, I was able to go back to Iowa City and finally experience what summer is supposed to be! As always, it did not disappoint. Thankfully I was able to spend some quality time with the people I miss so much when I am in Spain. They never cease to amaze me, and our time together is always too short.

I LOVED getting to know our new kitty!

Mom and I spontaneously decided to ride one day of RAGBRAI
since it passed through Coralville. I love how adventurous she is
and am so glad we can do things like this together!

My mom, the rockstar!

I spent as much time as I could with my soulmate friend, Liz.

Eventually, I wrapped up my time in IC and headed to join Devin and his family in Oregon. We were able to take our first Sheets family weekend vacation, which was lots of fun. We packed into a minivan, and spent the weekend in Sisters, Bend, and Crater Lake. We made precious memories in beautiful places!

On our couples date night, we splurged on desserts in Portland.

Wonderful family looking over the city of Bend

Our delicious meal on the banks of the river in Bend.

Our sunset view during dinner. 

Of course, we got in PLENTY of shopping at the Nike outlets- an Oregon requirement.

 After our family get away, we spent the rest of the time closer to home in Oregon and took a quick trip to Washington to see Devin's grandparents. We were fortunate to be in Oregon at the same time as two different friends from Spain, so we got to see them briefly! We fit in a trip to the coast, a hike on Mount Hood, and of course, some thrift store shopping when we could. :)

Our hike to McNiel Point on Mount Hood

Coffee and food trucks with our good friends from Barcelona, Chris and Kelly.

At Devin's grandparent's neighborhood beach.

The best we could get for a family picture with no one around to take it! I value time with these people so much!

Sunset from Devin's grandparents' window. Always stunning!

It's amazing that no matter how much time goes between our visits, when we reconnect with our favorite people and places, it's like no time has passed. We are ever grateful for homes in which we have beautiful places to explore and incredible people to build memories and reconnect with. We are grateful for every minute with you all, and only wish it could have been more!