Beach Photography...

I couldn't resist snapping this. The fact that nobody is in the pic is a miracle.I could wake up to this every morning. These blue chairs have been at Coral Beach since we started going 17 yrs ago. I'm sure they've been changed out. But they are a staple.

On my last morning I got a bit creative, and started snapping pics. Here are a few for you to enjoy.

Myrtle Beach...

I can never get tired of the beach. Relaxing by the water, feet in the sand, listening to the waves crashing. Ahh. It makes you never want to return to normal life. We had such a great time this year at Myrtle Beach. I had originally planned on staying till Thursday, so that I could make it back before my first Chem 112 lab and lecture of Summer II. But, in the end, I stayed the entire week. Why not? It was just the first day of classes. I couldn't have missed too much, right? This was my 17th trip to SC, and I relived so many memories. A favorite was the time Kally and Megan and I sang "I love Rock n Roll!" Hopefully I will return to the serenity of the ocean soon! The link will take you to all the photos from the vacay...http://picasaweb.google.com/kristennporter

USS North Carolina

My youngest brother Ryan, (10) is obsessed with all things WWII. He can rattle off just about any stat. And I'm confident that he can tell you in detail what happened during most of the battles right down to where each family member served. My Gramp Keller went with us, and it turned out to be an emotional experience for him as a veteran. So, when the opportunity presented itself to take a tour of the USS North Carolina, we knew it was a must. I was truly amazed at how large the ship was. We were only able to tour 9 levels, and I honestly can't imagine how much larger it had to be. It was a floating city! Everything a person could ever need had a special place on this boat. I'm so thankful I got to experience it. And I'm also extremely thankful for the amazing men and women serving our great country!

Taking aim on the 16 in big guns.

Ryan and I tried out the sleeping arrangements, which were surprisingly comfortable.

The fam on deck...Dad is missing because he was snapping the photo.

I took this and wondered how many times it was used to aim the Chicago Piano gun.

You can see the rest of our photos, including the freaky operating room on the ship...http://picasaweb.google.com/kristennporter

Nicodemus

I want a dog. I want a labradoodle. The problem is...I don't have a lot of free time. With full time school, work, and coaching...I just don't know if I can commit to the responsibility. Sure I could take a dog with me to the soccer fields, but I don't think MSU would like it if I brought my dog to school. I'm going to wait and see if I can find an apt close to campus, so I could frequently run home and spend time with Nicodemus. Yep...I've named a dog I don't have...Nicodemus is the perfect name for my future labradoodle. Maybe someday soon...

Madison the chemist dog!

I wish I was this excited about chemistry hmwk.
Oh now this is familiar...

I walked into my room today after breakfast, to find Madison asleep on my chemistry homework. I couldn't resist the temptation to snap a few pictures. She's so cute, even if she doesn't understand thermodynamics!

Josh's Graduation...

Josh striking a pose...

My parents with Josh...

Fun times!

Me with the grad...

I can't believe that my little brother has graduated high school! I'm so proud of him. We had a fun time at his ceremony, aside from the oppressive heat that floated upwards towards our "peanut heaven" seats at the top of the ACC. Josh plans on attending college at MSU with his big sister. It will be fun grabbing lunch at ADUC with him. And taking him to get books, and such. We are both definitely coffee drinkers, so I'll have to introduce him to all the good places to grab a coffee in between classes!