Back to School

So after 4 months of working at the pool, relaxing at home, and not studying anything, I am officially back to school. I had orientation on Wednesday and Thursday and by lunch on Wednesday, I felt like I had known these girls for years. There 60 girls in my Dental Hygiene Program and I love them all already.

I feel like because everyone is coming back to school, everyone feels like they should have a party- and I definitely won't complain. I think we counted 5 parties this weekend, all within our complex. The girls above us had a dessert party Sunday night which was a huge success.

Jessica, Sam, me, and Britton

School started Monday and the homework began there.
Dont worry, we still took complete advantage of the pool at our complex,
and decided to "study at the pool"

But as fun as this was, it shortly turned into naps at the pool..
once again, no complaints

Shopaholic

So I really do hate moving, unpacking, and pretty much all of that sort. It is especially terrible when you show up to an apartment with TONS of stuff left in the cabinets, nasty stains on the couch, and moldy fruit in the fridge (really?!) I was so lucky to have my mom drive up with me and help me unpack and get settled. I could not have done it without her, and all the help I had from Andrew, Carrie, and Blake. They really are the best.

One thing that I definitely don't mind about unpacking and getting settled is the shopping that comes with it. So Monday was one busy day with a trip to Walmart, Costco, Ikea, Ulta, Michaels, Nordstroms Rack and two different DSWs.
I secretly loved it.

Yes, we took Sam's Land Rover to Costco, because I'm pretty sure everything would not have fit in my car. We bought all the essentials.
Smart Water
Fiber bars
Prego
Laundry Detergent
Yogurt
Oatmeal
Fruit Snacks
Chicken
Ground Turkey
&much more

Having way too much fun at Ikea:

Oh how I have missed Sam and our silliness.

Rugs- or backdrops?

We're kinda famous around Nordstrom's Rack

So I'm not sure why I'm laughing in this picture, but it was one of the few I have of my mom and I this weekend. This was outside the airport before I said goodbye. I really truly hate goodbyes. I remember balling my eyes out when she left after driving me up for my freshman year, and I don't think things have changed much. I am so lucky to have such an amazing mom, who is one of my best friends. I miss you already but can't wait to see you soon. Thanks for all you do for me, it is way too much to list.
I love you mom.

Sundays at Grandmas

I love having my grandparents live so close. They are always so nice to have us over, let us eat their food, and take over their house. We had a big Sunday dinner at my Grandparents on Sunday with my Grandma and Grandpa, my mom, Grandpa Tingey, Andrew, Carrie, Sam, and Tommy. After dinner we made some delicious peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Soo good.

Enjoying the dough with Grandma

And more.. with my mom

My cute grandparents.
Thanks for everything, you guys are the best.

Unpacking..

..is one of my least favorite things to do... ever.

but is so much better with this moral support group :)

Ashley's Wedding

One of my good friends, Ashley Peet, got married and I was so honored to be one of her bridesmaids. Everything about her wedding- from the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner to the temple and the reception- was amazing. The whole weekend was so much fun, and I am so excited for Ashley and Paul.

I just have to tell quickly how much I love this girl. She is one of the most genuine girls I know, she is always so nice and it is impossible not to have fun when you are around her. I have known her since I was about 7, and I have always looked up to her in so many ways. So Paul- you are so lucky to be able to call this beautiful girl your wife, and I don't think there is anyone that could make Ashley happier.

Unfortunately, I don't have many pictures from the wedding, but when they're posted I will add more. Till then, here is a sneak peak:

The fabulous bridal shower at Juicy Nails

The bridesmaids and the beautiful bride

The girls at the amazing reception

As Ashley and Paul left, we all lined the way with sparklers

Congrats Ashley and Paul-
I couldn't be more happy for you guys.

Leavin'

I honestly can't believe how fast the past 4 months have gone by. Time honestly flew. I feel like so much has happened, but it was all just a blur at the same time. My last day at home was so much fun- January came to the pool with me and we went to a water aerobics class in the morning which was a surprisingly decent workout. After I taught a few lessons, my mom, January and I all went to Chipotle for lunch. Apparently this is where you go to see people you know. We ran into the missionaries, the Pedersens, and the Walkers.

Allie and me
Love this girl

January and my mom have regular lunches at Chipotle, and it was so fun to join them.

I love these ladies.

me and my moms

Thursday morning we woke up, went to the club- worked out and said my last goodbyes, then packed up the car and were on our way.

Finally pulling out

Rach was so cute and came to the gas station to say goodbye
I'm going to miss having her so close

We stopped in Sacramento to see Evelyn on the way out. Evelyn is another grandma to me. She is one of the cutest ladies and is so sweet.

Just as she always says to me,
I love her to pieces

After a stops for gas and food, and way too many of these signs,
we made it to Utah in a full 12 hours

Thank you mom for driving up with me and helping me move in to my new place, I could not have done it without you
And Dad, thanks for letting me borrow her :)

Who Knew

So many times this summer I have been so tired of working. I was tired of being kicked in the stomach when kids push off to swim, tired of having kids spit in my face when they come up for air, tired of being hit in the chin by little kid's heads, and tired of being splashed when I really didn't want to have to wash my hair for the 6th time that week. There are so many ups and downs of my job, but who knew when I finished my last swim lesson for the summer, which is probably my last summer, I would have to hold back a few tears. I really, truly love these kids. I have worked at this pool for the past three years and have seen them grow up. I have babysat them, taught a majority of them swim lessons, and in some ways, feel like they are partly mine. I can't help but to smile when they run up to me and give me huge hugs or cling to my leg, or when I talk to them during lunch and ask who their best friends are and they reply "Jessica".

So, although it may seem odd,
these kids are some of my best friends.

I will miss them all so much,
& the many memories that go with this pool

Party On

My last few weeks at home were a constant party- and I don't know how it went by so quickly. Michelle, Audrey, and Joshua came out to visit which made for a full, fun house. I have loved being at home and being able to spend time with my family and it was the perfect way to end my summer.

Melissa, Michelle, and me driving to Larry's Produce

me and January

Party at the Pool

Audrey's swim lesson

cute girls

The ward had a day at the lake so we all went and had so much fun
Luckily it didn't end for me like it did a few years ago- with a broken rib

GrandD, Joshua, and Grande

Meliss, Savs, Joshua, and Michelle
Savy LOVED the tube- she kept blowing kisses and saying "so fun"

Since I work at the Sports Club, they let me have a free pool party so everyone came up and we had a bbq. It was so fun to see everyone before I left- I am really gonna miss them.

most of the group in the hot tub

me and Audrey underwater

Grande, the famous 'swing pusher'

Ryan's parents have a boat so Ryan and Rachel were so nice to take us all out on the boat for an evening.

Joshua driving the boat..
..or pretending

Shelb and I won most improved intertube riders-
Ryan tried to throw us off but couldn't even do it

Shelb and Joshua

Only after bribing Audrey with 20 gummy bears, would she get on the tube.
She was so brave and loved how she could sign to Ryan to go faster or slow down

my cute mom- she got up right away, she is amazing

..with me it was a little more of a process

..but after coaching from everyone, including Audrey telling me to be Ariel in the water,
I finally got up

Shelby on the skis

on the boat

Rach on the wakeboard

Ryan on the Slalom ski

Thank you so much to my family who really make my life what it is. I have so much fun with all of you and am so grateful that you are not only my family, but my best friends.