The End.

   If has come time to leave the dream park.  It is somewhat hard to  believe that it's already over. Don't get me wrong there were plenty of times when I thought the end couldn't get here any sooner but there were also plenty of times when things were flying by.  The past 4 weeks have definitely been the best of the season. I think it's because I've become more comfortable.  I no longer missed the little things in civilization but now rather just let it be.  I didn't care anymore that I seemed to be missing summer. I met some really cool people these last few weeks.  There were a few really fun coaches that were great to hang out with. I love being able to watch a coach interact with a player because I know that it really impacts the player's performance.  There have also been quite a few players that played here earlier in the summer and now have come back. TJ and Aaron were here, Jack and Derrick too. Then the Gallagher Select team that won week 10 came back for week 12.  Week 10 was when we had a really terrible ran delaying the game until 10:30 that night, but they ended up winning 9-1. They won again week 12 so it was fun to see them again.  I hung out with Frankie more too and he's just such a funny guy to be around.  

   I know that because of this summer I've become a better person. I've grown a lot. I guess sometimes all you need to do is leave everything and move 2000+ miles to the middle of nowhere in order to grow. I have no regrets from this summer.  My confidence has definitely changed. Having to deal with ridiculous comments from coaches, umpires and players you learn to be a rock.  I've learned to understand when someone is genuine and real though.  I've learned how much a smile and a hug help someone feel better.  I love to laugh and smile and there are people who love me because of that, even when I snort :)  I remember thinking back in January sitting in class looking into things I wanted to do for the summer. My only criteria….1) make money 2) have an adventure 3) not be in Utah. Well all of those were accomplished and then some. I did make lots of money, had more than an adventure and I definitely wasn't anywhere close to Utah.  I would encourage everyone to have an experience similar to what I had.  I learned a great deal about people.  As crazy as it sounds, only being 19, I know that I will be a better mother, friend, wife and civilian after this summer.  I saw the good, the bad and the ugly.  I saw 3000+ people every single day for 90 days coming from all over the place holding different beliefs, wearing different types of clothing and talking with different accents.  Not many careers allow you to interact with that many people that often.  I know that some of the people I met will become great friends and the conversations I shared with people will be remembered for a lifetime.  I'm grateful to everyone who contributed to this adventurous summer. From the kitchen staff who made me gluten free food, to those who drove me to pick up berries from the grocery store, to those who worked out with me, and those whom I got to celebrate birthdays with thank you.  Thank you to all those from home and school that sent letters, care packages, made phone calls and sent texts. I have incredible friends and they really become apparent when you are so far away.  

       I'm SO incredibly happy to be back in the West where you can see for miles and the weather is hot and dry, where the crickets chirp out my bedroom window and people wave as you drive by.  Especially after just spending a weekend in Hell's Canyon camping and boating with no cell reception I had a chance to recollect the summer.  I'm so grateful I got to go this past weekend.  Hell's Canyon on Labor Day reminds me of my childhood since I've gone there for 17 years.  I love being able to wakeboard, ski, surf, eat cookies, play cards, fish and lay on the boat late at night watching shooting stars and the full moon raise over the mountain tops. This world is truly beautiful.  This summer taught me how to really appreciate the little things and to slow down and enjoy the beauty of God's great earth and it's people.