First Day of School... for Everyone else

Today was the first day of high school. They moved it back so that now it starts at 9 and gets out at 4. Which is going to take some getting used to when I get back. Everyone else went off to there 7 hour school day except for me. It was pretty weird. I feel like I should have done the Summer reading. It'll work out in the end. I mean really, what's the worst that could happen? I have to take another year of high school and graduate after my twin brother. No thank you, I'll stick to Summer school.

Pre-Exchange Preperations

I cleaned my room so that I could start packing. There are reminders that I'm leaving all over it though. My suitcases in the corner, the cards from my going away party around my mirror, and the drawer only full of things to bring. My cousin texted me the other day, asking what I wanted for my birthday. I replied, "anything that would look good on me" and then" What's something I can't go a year without?" Later I realized that this same line of thinking is how I should pack. Ask "do I look good in this?" And then "can I go a year without it?"

"What can't I go a year without?" Pajamas!

They also got me this super comfy t-shirt dress

Glamping with Good Friends

My good friend has a trailer on Indian Lake. A really nice trailer. She invited my friend group from school to come up for the night. It just ended up being Lillie, Jakie, Alice, Wasa, and I, but we had a ton of fun together. We drove around the campground as fast as their little golf cart would go; feeling the wind in our hair, laughing, and enjoying the view of the bright flowers and sparkling water. We went tubing, which is always a good time! We managed to only flip the tube twice when I was on it. We stood on the tube and put our hands in the air while we crashed into the wake. We played cards and watched the original Mamma-Mia. It was a really great way to say goodbye to all of them. They might come to see me off from the airport, but it was like our last hurrah.

 

Going Away Party

Mom picked me up from Eberhart and we went straight home to prepare for my going away party. It wasn't quite the turn out we were expecting, but the people who did come were a lot of fun. My family was there. I got to say bye to my cousin, Izzy, and my grandma. We talked, ate the food my mom grilled, played cards, and enjoyed the day. I really appreciate the effort everyone made to make a good party, thanks, everyone!

My family

Nana and me

My amazing cousin, Izzy, and I

YMCA Camp Eberhart!

I spent the past week at Camp Eberhart! It was so much fun! I got to meet some pretty amazing people. My cabin got really close. I went sailing, paddle boarding, hiking, we played games like capture the flag and 9 square. I also earned my brown rag for the mentoring program we do at camp. It was a really great way to have a week off from Summer school and to do lists.

Leg art by Faith

Warren Dunes

Today my lovely family went to Warren Dunes for a day at the beach. We went swimming, played frisbee, ate pie, and climbed the dunes. It is a great day to be at the beach! It's hot and sunny with big waves. I've previously posted about the amazing great lakes, but truly, visit Lake Michigan, enjoy its beauty and majesty when you get the chance. Especially if you are an exchange student ;)

   

Art and Belles

Today I went to Kalamazoo, Michigan with my friend, Alice. First, we went to the Kalamazoo art museum. Currently, they have local artists' works on display. The selection varies from majestic glass sculpture to simplistic ink designs. They also have quite the impressive permanent collection. If you are interested in art, I would definitely recommend visiting. We finished the visit with the famous microbrewery, Belles. I had a very tasty Michigan cod sandwich with homemade fries. If you are an exchange student staying in Kalamazoo, think twice before you decide there is nothing to do.

Glass sculpture

local artist's piece about knowledge

Permanent collection piece that I found AMAZING

"For best results, use other side"

Belles stained glass window

Note the beer bottles melted into the window

Alice and I