not in neverland///a growing up post

my "rapunzel" year.

it was crazy.

it was challenging.

it had deep grooves, and high mountains.

at times it made me wonder why?

but in others, it fit like a boot.

it flew by so fast my head's still spinning,

and yet at points it seemed to crawl by like a southern drawl.

As insignificant as a simple number change is, I can't quite wrap my head around the fact that in a few days I will be eighteen years old.

Nope, not at all.

18.

The year I've been waiting for since I was a little girl.

The point in my life where I'd refer to as "grown up." (yeah right!)

And the end of my minor-ness.

My minority.

Argh. The beginning of my Majorly years.

(you get the point)

It's the age that I looked to as if it were somewhere over the rainbow, but in actuality, has crept up on me.

And according to the majority of people out there, it's the curtains closing on childhood.

I don't know about anyone else, but that sort of intimidates me.

Not in a scared, worrisome way really, but more in that sort of "entering the unknown" kind.

I'm definitely a creature of habit, so big changes aren't a very easy topic, even though I know they're necessary. And, because of all these diverse and interesting feelings bubbling under the crust, I decided to chronicle some of the sizeable happenings since I turned 17. :)

-Received the awesome birthday present of a baby brother!

-said goodbye to my sweet black lab
- entered my senior year and all that jazz that comes with it
-finally got my learner's permit
-celebrated all of his "firsts" with Levi
-picked up my 15 year wish of a puppy
-joined in the excitement of a dear friend's wedding
-smiled big and watched the steady and sweet budding of Daniel and Abigail's courtship
-and am in the last days of successfully enduring a month without my 2 bestest chums ever. ;)

It's been a great year. A fantastic one, even. :) And now I'll begin technical "adult-hood".
(Just to clarify, this is not me throwing out all manner of childishness by any means! I'll be the same light-hearted, fun-loving Sarah I've always been. And truth be told, on the 6th I know I won't feel a ton different. ;) Anyways...

Here's to new seasons!

Here's to living life to the brim!

Here's to Birthdays!

"That's the funny thing about birthdays, they're kind of an annual thing."

(all pictures credit of Matthew Walker)