it's been way too long, so here's an update (the reader's digest version)

These last 2 months have flown by!! July 29th I joined my parents and Sharon in Copenhagen for a 12 day Baltic Cruise.  It was so wonderful to see everyone again as well as being on a cruise ship-i love cruises!!! After the cruise they headed to England while I ventured to Barcelona for 2 days.  The 2 days were a major adventure: La Sagrada Familia, Parc Gruell, and meeting new people.  I arrived home (after a 2-stopover, 24 hour travel), to wonderful Long Beach Airport and was greeted by Aunt Sherry, Uncle Steve, Brian and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  I had 2 days alone at home before mom, dad and sharon arrived home.  The 2 days were very relaxing-I mainly hung out at home with Lucy (the puppy) and rode mom's bike around since my license expired while I was in Europe.  A week after returning home The family went to Havasu.  Mom and dad for the weekends, but Sharon and I stayed (with a handful of friends) for 10 days.  In the middle of the week we took a side trip to the Grand Canyon.  Lucy came with us and, of course, she became a little celebrity.  People were taking pictures of her instead of the big hole right in front of us, haha. 
After havasu I stayed home for a week getting visa stuff done.  Sharon came with me to LA (my carpool buddy) and after I got my visa a 'I am going to China" danced was born, haha.  It was so fun.  My friend Kim is going through some important life stuff so Sharon and I made a 3 day trip to beautiful Pleasant Grove, Utah to visit Kim and her husband Jared.  It was a hilarious 3 days to say the least.  Synopsis is: nickle arcade, earning 1500 tickets, buying fun hats with the tickets, hiking, tons of Mexican food, Epic meal time on youtube and so much laughing I thought my cheeks would fall off. 
The next week was filled with getting ready for Wesley's engagement party on 9.10.11.  The party was a success.  The day started off with pouring rain (after mom and I had driven to LA at 4am to get flowers).  By 10 the rain was gone so we were able to start setting up.  The house was so crowded, it was great!! Everyone had a good time and the majority of people stayed for 5+ hours. 
That brings us to this last week, in which the theme was: get ready for China! I had a few mini-melt downs.  I am so excited but also SO nervous.  China is just so new and I am a little apprehensive.  But my families support is really encouraging and their faith in me has helped.  So currently I am sitting in the Vancouver airport in the VIP Lounge (courtesy of Mom and Dad's priority pass). 

Nickle Arcade in Utah

Arhus, Denmark @ a Moot



Parc Gruell, Barcelona