Holiday Mart 2022

Holiday Mart 2022 has come to a close (it ran September 29-October 2 this year) and I am so proud of our entire committee for all the work that went into planning the show this year! We welcomed 100 amazing retailers back to Bartle Hall and had several new events including opening with our Exclusive Preview Party (featuring entertainment from Stage Right Performing Arts). Over the weekend we held our Friday evening Happy Hour, and Saturday Miller Marley performed. Sunday closed with a visit from Santa’s reindeer.

I’m so grateful to my amazing co-chair, Heather, for her partnership, leadership and friendship. I couldn’t have made it through the year without her! Thank you to everyone who came and shopped this year, I can’t wait to cheer on our Holiday Mart 2023 Co-Chairs, Halie and Kristen, as they start planning next year’s Mart (and attend as a shopper!)

Photography by Andrea Nigh

Hannah & Lucas

On July 9, 2022 we celebrated the marriage of Hannah (my cousin) and Lucas! It was a beautiful backyard Kansas wedding complete with sunflower bouquets. My sister, Sophie, was a bridesmaid, I was the guest book attendant, and then Grace performed at the ceremony and reception. I’m so grateful we had our family together for this very special weekend! Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Phillips!

Photography by Moriah Ruth Photography

Last Day in Dubrovnik

Day 20 (June 17, 2022) was our last full day of the trip! Sophie, Alex, Dale & I had to get up early to pack up and switch Airbnbs but were able to spend a few more hours at the pool before dragging all our bags into the city walls to our last place. After checking in, we headed to a pizzeria for lunch and then decided to wander around town for some last minute shopping and exploring. We made a stop at the 700-year-old apothecary/pharmacy hidden inside a 14th-century Franciscan monastery and then were honestly pretty exhausted and took a break at a cafe. After relaxing for a bit, we decided to walk up to the cliffside bar and take in the views.

That night we dressed up for dinner and decided on a place just off the wall on the ocean side of town. We celebrated with one amazing final dinner (I had delicious shrimp and zucchini risotto) and then we took in the sunset with one last gelato! Our grand finale of the trip was a scavenger hunt through town before bed (it’s harder to find a pigeon after dark than you would think!).The four of us made so many wonderful memories in Croatia and I’m already looking forward to the next time we are able to travel together. Thanks for following along our time in Europe!

Boat Trip to the Elafiti Islands

After our lunch we had booked a boat trip to the Elafiti islands! We had an amazing guide who took us around to several islands with several stops for swimming and exploring. This was one of our favorite, most relaxing days spent enjoying the clear blue water! Once we got back to the Airbnb we changed and headed back into town for a late dinner inside the city walls.

Dubrovnik Views

On day 19 we started the day with a trip up the cable car to see Dubrovnik from above! It’s a quick ride and the views were worth it. After taking some photos we headed back down and spent a few hours relaxing by the pool. We had lunch inside the city walls (my fish was amazing!) and stopped by Peppino’s for gelato (again). It really is the best gelato in Dubrovnik!

Views from the City Walls

On Day 18 the four of us were up early to be the first to walk the Dubrovnik city walls! The views were amazing but it did get hot super quick, I would definitely recommend going first thing in the morning during the Summer. After making our way all the way around we spent some time exploring the city. We had brunch just inside the city walls and when Dale asked for chocolate milk the waiter brought him a tiny toy car instead. I included these photos in my last post, but we also found the famous Game of Thrones shame stairs and did some shopping. The rest of the afternoon was spent at the pool before we grabbed an early pizza dinner.

I don’t have great photos, but that night we went on a kayaking adventure all the way around Lokrum island at sunset. The island isn’t inhabited, but is home to the ruins of a Benedictine monastery and is believed to be cursed! It was a beautiful night and we also spent some time chatting with a British couple before ending the day with gelato from our favorite spot, Peppino’s!