what have we been up to?

Since my last life update post, a LOT has happened!  We’re no longer on vacation in Utah or at home in Washington… we’re in Iowa for school!  We’ve been back in the Midwest for almost two weeks now, and it’s been super busy but also really fun, and I’m here to catch you up on all that’s happened with a summer recap + a life update!

 

Utah

Our trip to Utah was a lot of fun but also very relaxing, which we needed.  A lot of our time was spent watching Netflix while thunderstorms took over outside, running, reading, and eating.  We also got into DoorDash while we were there, which was a nice way to make some money while traveling.  Here are some of our highlights from the trip:

• Going to TopGolf with family to celebrate Nick’s and his sister’s birthdays
• Playing and practicing at the golf course near us
• Visiting Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and driving through the mountains
• Getting my hair done!

 

Washington

After our Utah trip was over, we headed back home to Washington for 2 weeks.  While there, we tried to spend as much time as possible with our family and friends, but we also had to get ready for our trip back to Iowa, so we did quite a bit of prepping and packing for that.  Here are some of our highlights from the time we spent at home:

• Sleepover with our best friends
• Golfing with friends and family
• I got 2 new tattoos with my best friend!
• Got our wedding pictures back!!!
• Saw a new movie with my family
• Nick getting his permit
• Dinners and breakfasts with our families before leaving (:

 

Trip to Iowa

Our road trip to Iowa was actually pretty fun despite it being a 30-hour trip in the car.  We decided to take the long way so we could stay with some friends and family and drive a different, less boring route.  It was really fun to see everyone on our way back to school, and the drive was much more interesting since we weren’t driving on the same roads we’ve been on countless times before.  Plus, Nick drove basically the whole way, so that was nice. (;

Highlights from this road trip include:

• me singing to Nick and yelling at my cousins as we departed with our new karaoke microphone

 

Iowa

As soon as we got back, we started unpacking and setting our room up (it’s still a work in progress) and got back into the swing of things. 

Someone on my Instagram stories asked how moving back to Iowa was and if I was missing home, and I have to say it was harder than I expected… last year, I was extremely anxious and homesick for a couple weeks after moving into my dorm, but once I got into a regular routine and grew closer to a few people on campus, it was much easier to be away from home.  Since I knew what to expect and was really excited to get back to Iowa, I didn’t really get homesick this time around, but I still had a tough couple days settling in.  I was in a new area, getting ready to go to a new school, moving in with people I didn’t know super well, and I was definitely uncomfortable for a little bit.  Not to mention, Nick and I were both exhausted and stressed from traveling and moving around so much the past few months.  But after a couple days, it started to feel more like home and I’ve gotten much more comfortable. (:

Another question I was asked on my Instagram stories was how married life has been – and we’ve been getting that question a lot in person too – so I thought that’d be good to address now too. (: In all honesty, our relationship doesn’t feel any different to us but it’s definitely weird to say it out loud.  When we tell other people we’re married or call each other “husband” and “wife,” it still shocks us a little.  And when other people call us that, it sounds crazy, but we love it. (: It’s been a lot of fun to officially move in together and spend a ton of time attached at the hip, especially when we get really hyper and giggly.  (: And even though we haven’t started school yet, I’m so glad we’re going to the same place again.  Basically, it’s a dream come true and we are having the time of our lives! (; 

Highlights from our last 2 weeks in Iowa include:

• Nick going on his cross country team’s camp-out
• Me visiting my friends in Cedar Rapids
• Going back to work
• Moving into our new place
• Shopping for and setting up our new room (:

 

coming up…

We are about to be very busy bees over the next few months.  We’re getting back to work this week and starting school on September 1; plus, Nick starts racing  in less than a week!  Everything is moving pretty fast, but we’re looking forward to it.  Personally, I love being busy and having a normal routine, so I’ve been ready for this for a while. (;

my 20th birthday!!

Just thought this deserved a little section of its own. (; Someone on my Instagram asked what I was planning to do for my birthday (September 8), so I thought I’d bring it up. (: In terms of formal plans, I don’t really have any… I think Nick is working on that, but I have no idea what it is.  However, I’m planning to take the day off work and run 20 miles throughout the day.  I got this idea yesterday from a book I was reading, and I thought it would be a fun challenge, so I’m excited!  

Since my birthday is on a Wednesday, we might do something to celebrate that weekend, too (hit up the golf course, go out to dinner, movie night…??), but I also have a little something-something planned for the end of the month. (;

 

Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@marissajohenry) if you’re not already to see all the craziness we’ll be up to over the next few months! (: