Summer days.

Lazy summer days are sitting on the deck, making a big glass of iced tea last, slowly nudging the swing back and forth with my toes, and a big book to read. Summer days are spent sweating in the sun with your fingers in the dirt planting seeds, with only faith expecting that they will grow. Weekends in the summer are spent at the beach and smell like sunscreen. Summer evenings is waiting around outside watching Dad grill, and hoping the food will be done sooner rather then later. Summer nights are spent staring into fire, (unsuccessfully) licking marshmellow off of my fingers, and waiting for the twinkle of a lightening bug to catch my eye.

There's a bit of what summer has always meant to me.

One little family of cuteness.

I got the chance to photograph a fellow photographer and her adorable little family! (I was a tad intimidated because Jaimee is awesome at her craft, but I got over it.)

How cute is their puppy?! Like really! It gave me puppy fever.

(Cory, you might need to buy me a puppy right away)

David, Jaimee and I actually attended the same college, but this was the first time we actually met. Its too bad I didn't meet you guys before! Just hanging out with you two for a short hour, I could really see how much you loved each other and how God was really at the center of your lives. And, puppy Lana, you're really cute. I wanted to squish and kiss you.

The week as seen by Gus.

 Perfect summer evening = barbeque, cherry coke, and sitting on the patio with friends.

Getting off work early means sitting in Barnes&Nobles with coffee and magazines.

 

 Yay for 3 day weekends that makes it possible for Shayna to FINALLY take care of her nails. 

 Worship in a beautiful church on sunday morning.

 Memorial day weekend and temps up in the 90's! All the Milwaukee-ins go to Bradford. One dip in the Antarctic like waters of Lake Michigan is enough to keep you cool for hours.

Another late "end of the week" post. But it was a holiday weekend, so its fine. 

This week had the best weather! HOT. Thats what summer should be. I loved it. This memorial day weekend had the best weather for officially kicking off the season. 

Highlights of the week:

1. first "official" barbeque night

2. books and coffee

3. met up with a very old friend to catch up

4. perfect sunday downtown with my ladies :). church, food and coffee at Alterra, walk, few hours at the beach, good conversation, and then ice cream to wrap up the day.

Thank you to all those in the Military who have given some, and the some who gave all.

instagram: shaynicsj

 

What I put on before I leave the house.

 shirt: F21; skirt: F21; shoes: Target; necklace: thrifted

Lately, my new thing is skirts. I love skirts. They’re comfy, they’re flowy, and they’re cool in the heat. Yay for skirts! (and dresses).

 In the past couple years I think I’ve finally “gotten” my style. I know what I like to wear, so I wear I it. Simple as that. I’m really enjoying branching out, and just not worrying about what other people think anymore.

“yes I know I wear this shirt a lot, but its my favorite!”

“yes I know this skirt is a little different…but I really like it. So I’ve decided that I’m gonna pull this look off! BAM.”

Ladies, admit that when you like you’re outfit, you feel so much better about the whole day. Right?! I know to some that might sound really vain or shallow…but its true.

 What I choose to put on my body, to me, is a form of expression. Like art, photography, or writing. When I was younger, I really had no “style” to speak of. I took my cues from everyone, and just tried to be “cool”. I’m so thankful there are not many photos of me from 6^th to about 10^th grade. It was a rough time.

But at least I did have the good sense to skip the sparkle faze. Anyone else remember that? Sparkle body spray, sparkle body rub, sparkle hair spray, glitter this, glitter that. What was with that? Or how about those choker necklaces! You know the ones that were stretchy…had little beads on them or a  pendent. God bless the 90’s.

The week as seen by Gus.

Beach afternoon with the boys :)

The day before he left. He didn't get the smile memo.

my wedding shoes came :) :). I want to wear them NOW.

Its been a very hot couple days. (yes thats King Of Queens in the background)

First beach day of the season! Woop woop! (yes those are asian tourists in the background. we couldn't figure out what attraction this place held)

Teal skirt :). Happy sunday.

It was a very long boring week. But as far as weekends go it was a pretty good one.
This week is gonna be crazy busy. Again. Already can't wait for the weekend.

Really really can't wait till August 19th. 

The long, and boring week, and busy and hot weekend was broken by a quick evening thunderstorm. The best feeling is to stand in a hot summer evening under a cold soft rain, and let it erase worry.