life, according to my iphone

[campus murals; spicy cocktail tasting]

in some ways, it feels like this summer has just crept along and in other ways it feels like it has flown by so fast! i'm in the thick of final projects for my summer session and it feels like it wasn't long ago that i just started this class and was daydreaming of our few summer plans in between all the studying. even though this summer hasn't been filled with my normal plans of poolside hanging, happy hours, and nighttime bike escapades, i feel like i've perfected the longer study break to squeeze in those small moments with loved ones. and while it's not nearly as fun as the spontaneous meet ups i used to get to do, i treasure them just the same. 

happy hump day!

[food from movies; r+r with my gal pal]

[birthday fiesta for my unicorn mermaid!]

[happy hour; the sweetest movie]

[loving this mural; tasty homemade takeout]

[coffee breaks]

[pup-filled distractions]

[half and half pizza; diy decision making]

[new to us bar lounging]

[pancake day; lunch date w/T]

[pho ever lunch date; backyard views]

[impromptu family dinner]

[a new favorite pizza combo; nat'l ice cream day]

[goodbye coworker, hello friend!; mural touring]

light canopy

a couple of weekends back, T and i finally tackled a long-awaited to-do (even longer than our pipe shelving diy) - the light canopy for our back patio! we made one in our first place together but it broke after several months. the squirrels at our old place chewed through the wiring and the winds snapped the wooden poles. we learned a lot of lessons with our first canopy and couldn't wait to have a re-do with this project a second time around. 

[first lesson to use: thicker wooden beams and instead of concrete poured into the ground, it is poured into buckets that can be moved or thrown out]

[our favorite mosquito deterrent and all natural, aka the true mvp of this project]

once the concrete was poured, beams set and leveled, T drilled holes into the sides of buckets to help with drainage. then, we added small pebbles to cover the concrete and provide extra drainage for future planting. 

[T hanging our lights]

[second lesson to use: solar lights instead of plug-in, and fingers crossed squirrels don't attack these wires]

once the planters had settled, we added in soil, compost, and healthy citronella plants. i am all for greener solutions to keeping those pesky mosquitoes at bay. plus, as they grow, they'll fill in the rest of the buckets. win-win! 

[enjoying the fruits of our labor]

90th birthday weekend

last weekend, T's family gathered together to celebrate his granddad's 90th birthday. it was a big one to celebrate and the fact that it brought so many of us together made it even more special. now, when you think of someone turning 90, many would imagine someone less able-bodied and somewhat functioning mentally. but, T's granddad kills it as he is still making wise-cracks about his age and taking care of himself (driving too). he is #oldergoals in the best way. 

the actual party took place saturday, however, some family members came in town friday. so, T and i hosted a little cocktail hour to welcome everyone and catch-up. all the little cousins had a blast playing together while the adults got to visit and swap stories. 

[fresh lemonade, sangria, and mint water]

[mid-storytelling]

then, saturday came and it was time to celebrate the birthday boy! 

[brothers catching up]

[all the kiddos]

[viewing old photos of granddad]

[cheese!]

[coconut cream pie and white cake with vanilla buttercream and pineapple preserve filling]

[the webb men]

the party was a complete success and filled with so much love, great food (a huge thanks to sergios for all of their help), laughter, coconut cream pie (the birthday boy's favorite), and quality time celebrating our favorite family member. it was beautiful. 

[spiced pork rinds]

that night, T and i got together with some of our family from out of town for cocktails and dinner. 

[artwork courtesy of my 9 year old cousin alex]

after dinner, we showed everyone the views of campus at night and then went to have rolled ice cream (so good). 

[coffee + kit kat]