Lost in the Woods

 

This week we took a family trip to Wisconsin Dells. At first I was unsure of what to expect but once we arrived I was in love. It is so beautiful; nothing but trees and lush green as far as you could see.

Liam and I went to get some coffee for our room and decided to explore our resort while out and this is one of the cabins that we came across, I thought it was a great sight for a picture.

Our second day we went hiking at Devil’s Lake State Park. It was about a 5 mile hike up along a ridge over looking Devil’s Lake.

 

 

Somehow we wandered off trail and got a little lost in the woods but the scenery was beautiful and well worth the trip

By the time we got to the top of the hill we were just a little tuckered out.

The hike was a great addition to our trip filled with waterparks and other extreme adventures. I think we all hope to be back in Wisconsin soon!

 

First Communion

Today I watched my little brother Jackson and my “little sister” Emily go through their First Communion. I still cannot believe how grown up they are. I feel like just yesterday Jackson was starting kindergarten.

     

11 years ago my best friend Taylor and I went through First Communion together. We too just went through the motions like everyone else and didn’t think much of the experience, but now that I look back and I see my siblings going through this process I hope it has the same impact on them that it had on me.

Congratulations Jackson and Emily! I love you both and I am so happy I could share this special day with you!

~Taylor

Holiday

 

The kids are always beyond crazy, the grandparents talk and we hear old stories; some that we have heard a million times before, others that are brand new. Holidays are crazy when held in a Runge house but regardless I love this time I have with my family.

    

     

 

The boys enjoyed looking for the hidden eggs outside, everything with them is a competition but it was fun to watch them run around and have fun. To me that is the best part. As I got older I missed begin little but now I look forward to watching the kids make memories and enjoy their time together.

To all of my family, wherever you are: I love you

~Taylor

10 things…

 

Spring Break is quickly approaching and I cannot wait to be home. This semester has been great but I still get homesick every once in a while. Someone asked me the other day what I miss most when I am gone so here is my answer:

The TEN things I miss the most…

1) Hearing my little brothers giggle. They have the greatest laughs ever and I am instantly filled with joy.

2) Spending Monday nights with my sister. We always watch Pretty Little Liars together but now we watch it over Skype together.

3) Car rides to school with Liam and Payton. Even if they were annoyed by my unusual perkiness and my “lame” music I enjoyed the 15 minute trip to school.

4) Sunday mornings. Every Sunday morning before we leave for church my dad makes all of us breakfast. It is such a great time with family.

5) Surprisingly, being picked on by my baby brother Liam. Although he stills finds a way to pick on me via phone, facebook, and skype it just isn’t the same.

6) Cooking! I didn’t cook very often but now that I don’t have the opportunity to  I miss it like crazy! I cannot wait to cook and bake over summer break with my sister.

7) Babysitting. I used to spend every weekend with one of the families that I sit for. I miss those kids so much. Over the years they became family and I cannot wait to spend some fun summer days with them.

8) Baristas, especially with my friend Tina. There will never be another coffee shop that I love as much as Baristas. I can’t go home without making at least one stop for a Chai Tea.

9) My dad. Last year over lunch if I had time I would go eat with my dad or just visit him at the shop. I don’t get the chance to spend much time with him so I enjoyed those 30 minutes without all the other kids around.

10) Talks with my mom. I talk her everyday sometimes more than once but it just isn’t the same over the phone. She helps me with absolutely everything and is always there for me. It is great to hear her voice on the phone or see her through skype, but sometimes I wish I could just sit there with her. I always look forward to the time I have with her.

Less than 2 days until I am home doing all of these things that I miss. I cannot wait to see my lovely family!

~Taylor