Happy Friday, Friends: I am BACK!!

I AM BACK and couldn't be more excited!! It has {almost} been 4 weeks since my last blog post and I have missed this special space so much over the past 28 days. Life has been busy and I had to put a few things on-hold in order to manage everything else that was taking place around me. But I promise {promise, promise} that I won't take that long of a break again. I look forward to catching up with each of you and can't wait to see what has been going on in your world!

I am going to kick-off my return with a recap of The Chalk Family Summer Bucket List. This summer was full of adventure and memories with those that mean the most to us. After looking back at everything we did from June - August, I can only imagine what our little family will be up to between October - November!

ONE: Spa Day at The Umstead Hotel & Spa 

Status: Not Complete -  I am mad at myself for not carving out a few hours to enjoy a day at the Umstead Spa. I'll have to make this happens in the Spring so I can enjoy the view from their pool. 

TWO: Weekend Getaway to The Greenbrier Resort

Status: Complete - This weekend was one that we will never forget. Having the entire Chalk Family together was so much fun {not to mention that the Resort is fabulous}. Read all about our visit here.

THREE: Attend the Food Truck Rodeo in downtown Raleigh 

Status: Complete -  We kicked-off the summer with the Food Truck Rodeo and it was a blast. You can see all that we were able to enjoy here.

FOUR: Enjoy cocktail hour on our deck more often than last summer

Status: Complete - Even some of the evenings that were humid and sticky, we sat on our porch to sip and catch up on the day, it was perfect. 

FIVE: Visit the Summer Farmer's Market in downtown Apex

Status: Not Complete - I may not have made it to the Summer Farmer's Market in Apex but I did make it to Raleigh's Farmer's Market multiple times. I could walk around there for hours, it is the perfect Sunday afternoon activity. 

SIX: Spend the afternoon fishing with TC

Status: Not Complete - Well darn, maybe we can squeeze this in before the winter temperatures make their way to NC. TC loves an afternoon by the pond, sitting on the truck bed, listening to music and seeing what he can catch. 

SEVEN: Plant a garden & enjoy fresh vegetables all summer

Status: Complete - Oh my goodness, yes! We enjoyed endless cucumbers, tomatoes, squash and zucchini from our garden this summer. I am pretty sure that you could probably still find a few veggies still trying to grow out there. 

EIGHT: Attend a few outdoor summer concerts

Status: Not Complete - The summer flew by and we could never make it to one of the {many} outdoor concerts BUT we did buy tickets this summer for the American Roots Music and Arts Festival in Raleigh. So that half way counts, right?

NINE: Spend the evening shagging to our wedding band, Band of Oz, at a local venue

Status: Not Complete - Darn it, I really wanted to see our wedding band again. 

Perhaps we will add this to our Fall Bucket List.

TEN: Go on a picnic in the park with TC and the pups

Status: Not Complete - I wish we made this happen but I am confident that Tenley and Bo spent plenty of time outside, eating sticks, swimming in the pond, etc. All the things that they would have enjoyed at the park!

ELEVEN: Soak up the sun by spending the afternoons on Lake Jordan

Status: Complete - Our lake adventures were always a blast, I am already dreaming about being back on the lake even if it is in the Spring and we are bundled up. 

TWELVE: Celebrate our 1 year anniversary on September 20th!!

How are we already celebrating our 1 year Anniversary?! 

Status: Complete - I have no idea how it has already been a year since that very special day but I am thankful for each hour, day and week that I have been able to spend as TC's wife. Our anniversary weekend was spent in the North Carolina mountains, I'll be recapping it this weekend!

{I loved slipping back into my Rehearsal Dinner dress and Wedding Day shoes for our Anniversary Dinner, it took me back to that amazing weekend.}

THIRTEEN: Enjoy cookouts with our friends & family

Status: Complete - I may have gained a few pounds thanks to the multiple cookouts that we had with our family and friends but it was well worth it. The cookouts will continue into the Fall and I am not complaining one bit.

{One of my favorite corn salads to make for our cookouts.}

FOURTEEN: Go on a road trip {or a day trip} with TC

Status: Not Complete - This will be another activity that we will attempt to tackle in the Fall. Windows down, the dog's ears flapping in the wind, and good music playing...let's go!

FIFTEEN: Find a few good books to enjoy while sitting by the pool

Status: Complete - I read "The First Phone Call From Heaven" by Mitch Albom, I have read every book by Mitch and I haven't found one that doesn't bring me to tears. This was no exception.

SIXTEEN: Visit 2-3 local breweries in the area 

{Brueprint Brewing Co., Crank Arm Brewing Co., Aviator Brewing Co.} 

Status: Not complete - You will definitely see this re-appear on our Fall Bucket List.

SEVENTEEN: Train for the Philadelphia Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon 

Status: Complete - Oh, hey Danielle! I can't wait to cross the finish line with you.

EIGHTEEN: Visit Washington, DC for a weekend

Status: Complete - We were on the move this summer and I loved every second of it. DC, we will be back because our visit was way to short. 

NINETEEN: Host a 4th of July party, read more about my plans for our celebration here.

Status: Complete - As I have said many times, I love having an excuse to plan and host a party. This was a great day filled with friends and a lot of red, white and blue. After re-reading my post, I wish we could celebrate all over again!