Now I'm alive, Do you like my style?

Summer.
Is actually quickly disseminating like sand running through your fingers.
Summer has changed so much in my life so far. Everything from finding out my leadership position to my brother saying farewell.
It's been quite the roller coaster.

It's actually been quite nothing doing until Eric came home, and so the true vacation began, as well as Eric's goodbyes.
Hawaii.

It was absolutely incredible, the entire experience. There was ample family time, amazing food, and good times.
Matthew is growing fast as ever. I saw him last a year ago and he's grown so much. I remember him playing piano with me last year, it was absolutely adorable. We had plenty of him and the peaceful waters of Hickam Beach. Kayaking is easier than it looks, and yes I would know simply because i beat my entire family at a kayak race ;) My favorite part of the vacation was the Lua'as. There's nothing quite like that experience. The food is incredible, and the entertainment is quite priceless. My Dad's side of the family is also doing quite well. Auntie Linda is taking good care of Grandpa and that's all we could ask for. Uncle Roger is doing better than ever before, Auntie and him have a steady income coming in and the kids are growing up. Kayla is turning into the way I was in middle school and I'm grateful to see that she is happy with a..boyfriend? :) By the end of the vacation i was ready to leave, and as always, the homecoming is always the best.

And it was only a couple days to pass by before we left again. This time to California to further Eric's Goodbyes.

In short, what I thought would be an unpleasant couple of days turned out to be a great time, and for the first time in a long time, I didn't want to leave. Over the course of 3 days I really tried my best to make of this experience because when I was younger, California was definitely the highlight of my summer every summer. In some ways, it was on the pretty high tier this year. We did things that made us have fun like go out to the movies and play Jenga (which is entirely entertaining with 70 year old Filipina Women) And they wanted to play Mario Kart until their noses were bleeding out with it. Spending the 4th there was definitely worth it, although part of me wanted to be with the band.

I hesitated to come home from California. Because i knew that it would only be a week until Eric left for his mission, which would be the hardest goodbye I'd ever have to say to him.

I don't recall much of what happened when, until Eric's Farewell.
The sacrament meeting was very emotional. His speech tore me to bits and pieces.I tried so hard not to cry, but when I hit that first note on the piano, the tears welled up and spilled. The most emotional playing I've ever experienced.

The open house after at the Thomas' was excellent. Great food and great setup for a great man's leave.
I can't wait to see how Eric's like when he comes back. He'll come back a man and I am so excited for him.
The day before he left, I got my license.
Oh boy, I had the worst tummy ache before I got it and thank goodness I was relieved to relieve myself. bahaha.
The test itself was really easy, and little before I knew it, I was a legal driver.

That Night Eric was set apart as a missionary, which was a huge wake up for me.
My brother's leaving and won't be back for 2 years.
Wednesday morning was self-explanatory, we said our goodbyes for 2 years. And how much I miss Eric already.

Aside of that, not much as been going on. I love driving by myself, there's no liberty like it. Enjoying your own music and going at your pace. I'm hoping for a car soon but I won't be so bummed if I don't get one right away.

Hopefully I make this a habit again, I don't want to not blog my senior year.