the season of sweatshirts

Y'all, fall is upon us. Really. I've worn a sweatshirt or long sleeve t-shirt the past couple of days (no need to mention that it is freezing in every classroom on campus), and it has been fantastic. I'm planning on breaking out all of the fall decorations this weekend, and I'm excited about hopefully completing a couple of DIY projects (Pinterest inspired, of course) to add some new decorations to my house. While I haven't broken out the scarves and cable-knits yet and I'm anxious to do so, I am a little sad to say goodbye to summer. Here's a few snapshots of life post #labordayvacay...

While fall is definitely my favorite season of the year, I'm going to miss sitting outside in the evening and watching the sunset. I hate how early it gets dark now!

This was taken when I babysat for one of my favorite families a few weekends ago. 

Did you dress up like a pirate and get a free dozen of doughnuts from Krispy Kreme? No? I didn't either, but I have an aunt who is willing to look ridiculous for the sake of free doughnuts. And I didn't complain!

My aunt was in town for a few days, and it was so fun to spend time with her (as it always is). 

This guy showed up at my house on Tuesday night for Bible study since he was back in Augusta for the night. What a FUN surprise!

Andddd I got this today! In less than two weeks, I'll be in the classroom, doing some teaching. I'm excited yet scared to death at the same time. 

Just a quick update, but I knew if I didn't do this now, I wouldn't for a long time! Enjoy a few of my newest favorite songs...I know I'm like super behind on these but they're still some of my favorites

blessings

y'all. the Lord loves to give us good things. He really does. the ones below are three of the good things He's given me lately. really blessed by these ladies and all that they mean to me. 

coming up to camp a day early just to be able to spend some time with this lady? always worth it. 

best part of this weekend? i was walking out of the dining hall, anna saw me, she yelled "ashton", and then she ran towards me to give me the best hug ever. we then played in the sand lots, and she ended up helping me clean the DH. love that precious girl.

and a happy happy happy birthday to this lady! so blessed to have had this Casie in my life for so many years. 

#labordayvacay

Back in May, before I left for camp, a woman that I went to the Northern Territory with in Australia, Christa, posted on facebook that she and her family were coming to the States in August/September. She is originally from Florida, and she married Stu, who is from Australia. They live in Australia, and they visit the States to see friends and family every couple of years. So, we made some plans for me to come down and visit during Labor Day weekend. Then I headed to camp and met some great people who live in Florida, and I decided to visit them. Add in a few days with some cousins and this was a very eventful trip!

I left last Wednesday after class and spent the night with my BFF, Chelsea, in Statesboro. The next morning, I headed to Jacksonville where I got to have coffee with two of my ACITs. It was so weird having them drive themselves there to meet me. It was so rewarding to get to spend time with these sweet girls! 

After my Starbucks date with Hope and Natalie, I headed to Orlando and met up with my friend Madison. We shopped some and ate dinner, and it felt like no time had passed since the last time we'd seen each other! I then headed to Christa's parents' house, where Christa gave me this sweet gift. It's an Australian children's book that I can use in my classroom one day!

On Friday, I spent the day with Christa and her girls at New Smyrna Beach. It was so nice to get to spend some time at the beach after being in the mountains all summer!

After some shopping at the outlets on Saturday, I headed to Satellite Beach where I spent the next two days with my cousins. When I got there, my cousin, Jordan, asked me, "How do you feel about spending 37 of the next 48 hours on the water?" We didn't spend that many, but most of our time was spent on the water. It was such a FUN time, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit there!

And this has nothing to do with Labor Day, but my friend Abby from camp posted this to my FB wall yesterday, and I cracked up. Absolutely love this picture!

Happy Thursday!