Last First Day of School

I am not sure if I can stomach the reality of today, my last "first day of school".  You mean I am supposed to grow up soon, do amazing things with my life, make real decisions, and know what I am doing.  I remember countless nights before my first day of school where I would delicately lay out my first day of school outfit.  I would hang it up to look like a real person, place the shoes and socks underneath, and draw a face on a paper plate to complete the ensemble.  Falling asleep was always a challenge as I would fall asleep with butterflies in my stomach as I anxiously anticipated the coming year. 

This year was a bit different however, I failed to make a paper plate face, I picked out my clothes this morning, I slept fine, and I had nothing new to wear. However, true to tradition here is my picture from this morning and a vow to never stop learning, to challenging myself in everything I do,  to give back and use the knowledge I have gained to bless others, and to forever to promote education.  And who knows maybe this isn't my last first day of school, perhaps a PhD will be in my future.

Mills Family Vacation 2011

When I think of the Mills Family Vacations I think of epic coordination, mass mayhem, lots of food, 25 independent thinkers, 2 babies under 6 months old, small amounts of sleep, large doses of time together, late night games with chatting and cookies, 14 nieces and nephews, a spacious 1,800 sq ft gathering place ha ha, and one classic vacation.

The Mills Family Reunion took place right her in Los Angeles this year.  The lineup of activities included family Olympics at the church, outdoor movie, LA temple visitor center, Redondo Beach, bonfire at Dockweiler Beach, Griffith Park Observatory and pony rides, Traveltown, a hike and swimming at Aunt Barbara's, dinner with the siblings, Great Park in Irvine and the Paige Reunion at Laguna Beach.

Here is a picture overload; however I promise it is actually only a few when compared to the hundred of pictures I took over the week.

Havasupi

This was one ultimate trip. It all began with a 10 hour car ride, 5 hours of sleep at a parking lot by a cliff, followed by a 20+ pound backpack, a 10 mile hike, 16 fun and fabulous people, 90+ degree heat, 3+ awesome waterfalls