Schae Comes to Scotland

Sorry for the long hiatus from the blog. Schoolwork has taken over. Blah. But alas I am back!
On Monday, I met Schae in Edinburgh, which is about an hour away from St Andrews. He came to visit during his fall break. It was a glorious but way too short reunion. (It's ok Schae, you can come back now.)

We spent the day walking through the city and enjoying the beautiful Scottish weather. Sarcasm. Luckily it stopped raining long enough to get some pics.

The castle on top of the hill. 

Hi Schae. 

The castle in all its glory.

Selfie time. 

I'm glad I always ruin these cute romantic pictures...

Shoutout to the asians who took this pic. You nailed it. 

One of the most famous streets in Edinburgh is called The Royal Mile. Lined with pubs and shops, the street leads up to the castle which overlooks the city. Men in kilts play the bagpipes adding to the Scottish atmosphere. 

Royal Mile selfie. 

Loving the bagpipes. 

We stopped for dinner at a little pub near the top of the Royal Mile. It was cute and had fantastic music. I may have sang along to one too many songs. But it's fine. 

If any of you back home are planning on studying abroad soon, I really recommend a trip to Edinburgh.  It's such a beautiful city with a unique Scottish feel. And you can visit me in St Andrews too!

Notre Dame Weekend

Last weekend, I flew down to Notre Dame for one last crazy weekend before I headed back over the pond to St. Andrews. I had a blast and got to see all 8 of my Vis girls who go to Notre Dame, the STA boys who go there, and Mary and Marie who were also visiting. 

I arrived on Friday and went out that night with all the Vis girls! 

Racine is a champion. 

Saturday morning, we crawled out of bed and threw on our ND apparel for the first football game of the year! 

We stopped and watched Sarah N's a cappella group perform on our way to tail gaiting. 

They sounded fabulous!

We then walked over to the Deasey's and Martine's tailgates and got the ND game experience started off right. 

Coincidentally, my uncle Carey and aunt Jess were down in South Bend for the game too with my cousins Ryder and Camden. We had a great time at their tailgate! 

Jess with baby Camden at his first Notre Dame game. Soooo cute!!!

Ryder just a little bit excited. 

Camden was quite the hit with the girls. 

The game day crew!

Carey and Mary preparing for shotgunning. 

Nothing like shotgunning beer with your uncle!

Carey puts us all to shame. . . 

After our fair share of tailgating, we entered the stadium and Mary and I snuck into the student section. 

Fighting Irish coming onto the field!

Ran into my girl Audrey at the game!

Touchdown pushups! 

Just slightly happy that I got to do the pushups.

Half time came as a great relief as tradition states that all students have to stand the entire game except for half time. We sat down (finally) and enjoyed the marching band. 

After the game which we won, we downed some ridiculously good food at Shannon's family friend's townhouse and then went back to the dorm to rest. Despite being extremely exhausted, we managed to rally for one last night out! 

Mary and I not quite ready for another night of fun. 

Ok, maybe we can rally. 

Love you Elle!

You too Shan!

I had the funnest (it's a word, ok) weekend ever with all of my Vis girls. Thanks to all of you for having me at ND! Don't worry, I will be back! Hope you all have a fabulous year!!!!

Minnesota State Fair!

When all other states are dreading the end of summer, Minnesotans celebrate as the end of August only means one thing - THE STATE FAIR!!!!!

Almost everyone recognizes the state fair as one of the best times of the year. Some people are lame and can't overcome their hatred of large crowds to recognize the amazingness that the fair holds. I don't associate with them. The fair is awesome.

This year, I went on opening day with Abby, Megan and Adam, who went to school with Abby and now goes to school with Megan. We also caught Cece just before she left!

In preparation for the fair, I starved myself for 6 hours and it worked.
We started out with some malts from the dairy building. Then let those digest while we scarfed down the best french fries in the whole world.

Lookin good. 

Seriously amazing. 

After finishing off the fries, we went to the Horse Barns. 

This little nugget snuck out of one of the horse stalls covered in hay. 

Abby as the horse whisperer. 

After we left the horse barn, we did some people watching while walking around. The state fair honestly has the best people watching ever. Hands down. 

Nothing like pulling your kids around in a mesh cage with a massive flag hanging off the back. 'Merica. 

Just a guy casually walking around with a pair of antlers. 

Feeling like we needed some more food, we lined up for the Corn Roast which is on many people's Must Eat lists for the fair. 

Freshly roasted corn, slathered in butter and salt. Amazing. 

About to break the braces rules and eat corn-on-the-cobb. 

Next up was mini donuts, another Must Eat. 

Sunset over Machinery Hill. How romantic. . . 

This year they had a synthetic ice arena you could pay to skate on. It was made of some sort of plastic that looked just like ice!

More people watching:

Bad quality, but check out that hair!

The Giant Slide is one of those things that just never gets old. Best three bucks you can spend. 

Bacon taken to the next level.

To finish out the night, we hit up a few rides! 

Adam tries his hand at the rigged ring toss. 

Another fabulous find. That hair is fab. 

Please Dad, please win me the giant evil corn!!!!

Fireworks signal that it's probably time to go home. 

But you can't leave without eating just a little more! I grabbed a calzone which was delicious, and Megan and I slurped up an Icee while walking out. 

If you aren't from Minnesota and haven't been to the fair, I recommend a visit. The food alone is worth it. 

P.S. Yesterday I got my braces off! Third time was the charm!