Since my last update was in Spring, it looks like it's time for a summer update. I'll give you the highlights so far with photos!

First, though-- a few thoughts (of course).

Has it really been 6 months?
July 9th marked 6 months being married to Ryan and my new living quarters in Wisconsin. In a lot of ways, it feels like it has been more like 6 years, yet at the same time the time has flown right by! I am not sure how that is possible, but it has been a good 6 months and I guess time flies when you're having fun ;)

Capital Fun
I really love the Madison area. I remember when I first moved here and I told people I was new, they would say, "You are going to love it here." They said it with such ease and confidence that I eventually started believing them, but as the months went on, that belief became a reality based in truth! There's really nothing not to love about this place, especially in the summer. I probably moved here at the worst possible time (in the throes of a Wisconsin winter), but in a way that was maybe for the best, so that it could only get better!

The summers here are the best. There are countless things to do, and every weekend home feels like vacation. There is the Dane County Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings where you can walk around with a bag of the hot spicy cheesy bread, which is basically like Heaven in a bag. It is also peppered with tons of local produce, beautifully bright seasonal flowers, and any type of cinnamon roll or scone you could imagine. Even if you're only there to walk, the fun atmosphere and beautiful square is lovely.

Walking up and down State Street is always an experience, especially on the weekends. All the cute local shops drag their merchandise out onto the streets and it's abuzz with lots of shoppers, and these days, Poke-goers. If you walk far enough, you'll run into Memorial Union Terrace, which is actually a UW landmark but one that people of all ages enjoy. It's situated right on one of the lakes with bright, colorful chairs and brats, beer and corn on the cob. Oh, and you can't forget about The Daily Scoop, which offers delicious ice cream flavors each day!

On Wednesday evenings in the summertime, there are the famous Concerts on the Square. The WI Chamber Orchestra plays themed music each time, and even though the concert doesn't begin until 7pm, locals come in the early afternoon to lay down quilts in the Capital yard to start reserving spots. By the time the orchestra starts to play, there are vendors set up everywhere selling wonderfully smelling treats to enjoy while you listen.

The bike trails here are about as numerous as the roadways, and everything is so well-kept. There is anything from beautiful prairie land as far as the eye can see, to lush and green grassy knolls with breezy trees, and fields and fields of brightly colored wildflowers.

And also... the eating. I have already tried many, many restaurants and have found some tried and true favorites, but have so many more places to experience! I love all of the unique eats & treats, and the focus on local farms / organic selections.

Any Challenges?
OK, I'll stop bragging about Madison ;) but it really is great and a GREAT place to visit!

I would say the biggest challenge of being here is just being away from friends and family, but that was to be expected. I am quite a social creature, so I miss the daily camaraderie of a mom, sisters, and friends at my fingertips. With that said, people have been great about visiting and calling, which always helps keep my spirits high.

Additionally, we really love the church we attend here (Blackhawk) and have some opportunities to get involved. I am particularly looking forward to joining a Life Group this Fall!

I also recently took a class at the Dane County Jail in order to start ministering to the ladies there with bible studies, which is similar to what I did at the Tazewell County Jail.

I have to remind myself that I just moved here in January, and I can't expect overnight friendships & community to unfold in front of my eyes. It will take time to stretch out and join new groups and get to know the people here. I am thankful, though for the opportunities I have had so far and the ones I will continue to have.

Time for some pictures!

HOPEfully... I'll be back before the turn of the season with an update ;)

T