Couser Girl Weekend 2015

     We took a road trip to our backyard as a kickoff to Sister Weekend. It was frigid and sleeping on the cold ground all night probably wasn't the best rest any of us have ever experienced, but it was for the sake of fun lasting memories and we were (correction, I was) determined! In my opinion it was all made better by the fact that we enjoyed a warm bonfire, smores and the best hot chocolate before turning in and cuddling under mounds of blankets, whispering and giggling like little girls and snacking on junk food (shh, don't tell mom!).
     We awoke early the next morning, and by early I mean 6, which was harder for some than others. After taking showers we hopped in the car and took off to Columbus for the day. While there we enjoyed fancy coffee, crazy expensive antique stores, pretty shops, a nice lunch and the Franklin Park Conservatory. The day could not have been better, but all that aside, it was truly the company that made it one of the best weekends I had had in awhile.
     All that's left to ask is .... when's the next one?!

Photo credit for the first two shots go to Vic.

 A huge thank you to my parents for watching the fart while I enjoyed some freedom!

Looking cute in his new hat and coat ... so spoiled.

The light was soooo nice!

Forever marked the Couser Girls. Photo credit goes to momma.

 I'm a little proud that we built the fire ourselves and no one/nothing was harmed.

Cheers to more of these weekends in the future!

Sisters.

     Just thinking about my sisters and how much I enjoyed spending time with them this past weekend. It gets harder and harder to leave, especially when I know how many special moments I'm missing (one of the sad parts about growing up). I'm so thankful for them. They are each unique and bring so much joy to my life. Francesca with her sweet spirit and her unwavering friendship, Victoria with her twinkling eyes and her silly humor, and Dominique with her warm hugs and her quick wit. I'm so extremely honored that I get to be their big sister and so extremely proud of who they are all becoming. Love you guys bunches!

Senior Photo Shoot: Dominique

     Getting the chance to take senior photos for Dom was, for me, one of the highlights of our recent vacation to Ohio. Being able to give back just a little bit makes me feel less bad for all the horrible choir concerts, piano recitals, singing competitions, musicals (the list goes on), in sum all the events that she was dragged too on my behalf. I think the oldest and youngest always share a special bond because each position has its own set of unique, but similar challenges. The oldest forges the way and the youngest is left to forge their own way because doing what everyone else does who goes before you is never fun. So in an effort to balance the scales, here's the start of what I hope will be an extremely fun, memory filled Senior Year! Can't wait to cheer you on to graduation!

Returning home after being gone.

     I never thought that one of the hardest things I would do would become one of the best things I would do. But then again, there probably aren't many people that think this, it just kind of happens that way.
     And so, moving away from Ohio wasn't really a "woohoo, I'm so excited moment," It was more of a tearful realization that even though growing up is fun it can be really hard. I think until this point in my life, my goings always ended with a return; England in high school, heartsong tours, Spain. Part of my enjoyment came with knowing that this place or activity wasn't long term. I would always be returning home.
      But Greenville, it doesn't really have an ending date. I could very well have left Ohio for good. And even though at first I had an "omg this is the end of the world moment," these last couple of months have proved me wrong. I have met special friends that have challenged and encouraged me towards Christ. I have found a job that isn't fulfilling but has provided valuable knowledge that will help me in any work endeavor I pursue in the future. My relationship with Grayson has only gotten better, not having the 'rents so close has really made us lean on each other for help and support. But what I was really reminded of this past weekend is how much sweeter it is to return home when you've been gone, even if it is for just a moment.
      Cue my parents brilliant plan: Surprise baby sister for prom. In short, they paid for the plane tickets and I packed my bags.

I made the horrible decision of flying super early in the morning. Which meant waking up at 3:30 leaving for the airport at 4, boarding the plane at 5, twenty min flight to Charlotte, layover till 8, one hour flight to Dayton and no one to pick me up until 10. Thank goodness for caffeine!

I spent the day with my sister Victoria since we couldn't surprise Dominique until after school at her nail appointment. We had a good ole time baking dessert, curling hair dodging lightening, and acting goofy.

Then the moment we'd all been waiting for arrived, and it went off without a hitch! (Tip for surprising a Couser Girl, do it in a public place where they can't go crazy, it minimizes the tears)

Before:

The hair idea came from this hairstyle sported by Selena Gomez.

Who knows what was happening . . . oh vic

After:

My lovely assistant:

Cannot wait to do her senior pictures . . .

Of course she didn't really pin it on.

It was a beautiful day and a fantastic weekend (especially since it just happened to be Mothers Day), I'm so thankful my parents extended the invitation!

The view from the plane as I left. It might be flat, but it's still beautiful.