DONE. SON.

I feel like a million bucks.

I finished the bar exam yesterday and I couldn't be more excited, happy, relieved...you name it! I really hope it went well, but with those things it's tough to tell. It was a beast that consumed my life for far too long, and I am thrilled to let it go (let's hope I don't ever have to take it again).

I unfortunately missed a lot of fun and wonderful things this summer while I was slaving away studying. The Wagner family reunion in Idaho has to be what I am most bummed about having to miss. All those awesome people in one place at one time and I had to study. Ugh. It sounds like they all had a great time though. And I did receive a shirt, which made my day (yes, it was that boring and pathetic studying that the receipt of a shirt made my day). I also missed Dean's first 2 months of life, meeting Oliver, Jenna, James, playing with Ansley and Addie's first steps.

I even missed a WHOLE week with Cara and Ryann hanging out in Napa. Stupid test!

Anyway, it is the first time in forever that my to do list is filled with fun, stree-free things. Who knew law school would fly by so fast and I would actually be a real, legit lawyer? (well, almost).

Here's a brief glimpse of my to do list:

(1) Finish planning Europe;

(2) Play soccer with Ethan;

(3) Bribe Katie so I can babysit Dean next week;

(3) Go buy myself a cool finishing the bar present;

(4) Schedule movers for the move into my very own place in Chicago;

(that's the view from my new balcony!)

(5) Kiss on Addie;

(4) Pick out what I am going to wear to dinner tonight;

(5) paint my toes

Where's the hard stuff on there?! That's right, there's NOTHING.

Fortunately (it's a good thing, I think!), I still feel like a kid. A happy, giddy, kid who just got asked to prom by the older dream boat boy she'd had a huge crush on. If you want this feeling, just go to three years of law school, study your butt off for 2 solid months and take a grueling 3-day exam. I promise, you will then feel euphoria.

Buuut, I don't recommend it. Just go to disneyland or something.

xoxo

Quite the Delay

Over the past month I have pondered whether or not I would keep the blog going during my partner-in-crime's time away from all things modern. As I contemplated the hefty decision, I thought to myself, well, what would Zach do? He most certainly would carry on. And so, here I being an attempt to keep the legacy moving forward. I want Zach to have something to scan through on a bored night at home post-mish.

But really, I have been swamped--big time! I am officially a graduate of the University of Chicago law school and am the proud owner of a J.D. degree. Weird, I know. It wasn't until our Dean (more on that in a minute) of Students sent out the finalized graduation list today that I knew for certain that I would be crossing the stage. Of course, I strongly thought I would be up there on that list, but you never know until you see that ink on the page.

Nevermind graduating, I have a brand new baby boy nephew named

D E A N M I C H A E L W A G N E R.

I was able (by a stroke of good karma I've been saving up over the years) to be in Napa when my lovely sister-in-law Katie went into labor; meaning, I was in the waiting room when Cory rolled out the little munchkin, letting us know we were the proud family members of a healthy little bouncing baby boy! And what a sight. Even at minutes old he was staring at us all through his beautiful eyes. I heard some of his first cries just a few minutes later, with tears welling up in my eyes, as I watched my big brother (some would refer to him a my hero) help the nurse weigh and measure the little beauty.

It was a very emotional time (duh, I am a Wagner) for me, to see my brother reach such a monumental time in his life and to realize that the little boy there was loved so very deeply and perfectly by my big brother. Well, me too, of course, but I can hardly compare the love of an Auntie to that of a father (even though I like to think my heart just expands like crazy every time a new one of these beautiful blessings join my life).

Katie did fantastic throughout the long labor and was seemingly undaunted when things did not go exactly as planned. She had to be the most beautiful pregnant woman I have ever seen (sorry Britti and Ash, but she seriously looked like a million bucks every time I saw her). I am so grateful she found her forever in my brother and am so pleased they have decided to start a little family. I know Emma and LouLou will be fantastic big sisters, no doubt.

Unfortunately, I will be having to watch Dean grow and develop over photographs in text messages and emails for the next while. However, I know I will be back to California often and will take full advantage of holding and cuddling the newest love of my life. And Dean, Auntie loves you more than you know. You have been born into a very fantastic family and we cannot wait to watch you grow into the wonderful young man you are destined to be.

I love you little guy; more than you know!

I lied. By popular demand I am being forced to blog again. This time it is about our church history tour. Not really a blog. mainly pictures

Sunset in b/t horses and Mississippi River

Nauvoo Temple

Adam-ondi-Ahman

flower thing

Far West Temple site

unsuspecting mom

Liberty Jail.

Community of Christ Temple (RLDS)

What more could I ask for?

This will most probably (definitely) be the last blog that I (Zach) will post on this blog for at least 739 days (thank you uncle Paul for the atomic countdown clock). What should I write about for my last post? I could try to be funny or I could be sappy.

SAPPY IT IS.

It has been a pretty emotional week for me. I had to leave BYU and all my friends. It was definitely the best time of my life. I now have to say goodbye to all my Napa/Benicia friends, I am saying goodbye to FB pretty soon, and soon the cell phone. I am not too worried about these things actually. "Going Monk" as Hansel from Zoolander would say.

Anyways, what I am really trying to say is I am excited to go on my mission. It's not really going to be that long. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where I have a divine calling to specifically teach the elect of God who are willing to follow Jesus Christ. I cannot wait to see the impact that the gospel will have on those of Texas. And knowing that I am going to be a part of that process makes it so much sweeter.

I am so grateful for my family. They always tell me how awesome I am and what not, but without my family I would be nothing. I have learned so much from each one of my siblings, my parents, and my brother's/ sister in law. I love them so much. I am so lucky to have been given a family that really has shown me true love. What more could I ask for? I too often take them for granted and hope they all know how much they mean to me.

Sometimes I wish I had been an older sibling because I feel like I have missed out on all the good times of growing up with the kids. I can't remember really any of my siblings as being young kids(except that one time we went to Jamaica and all the girls had crazy hair). But I know that the experiences I can remember are just as awesome.

I know that my mission is one of the greatest things I could ever do to give back to my Savior who has given me so much, and I am going to work as hard as I can while I am out there. But I will always remember what is most important.

Love, Elder Wagner

P.S.

Attention all siblings attempting to contact me in person on my mission:

AKA These guys:

The only way to see me is if you want a missionary discussion :)

Baby Brother

As I sit looking out my 5th floor window at the taxis and business people flowing up and down the streets, I can't help but feel sadness that very soon I will be saying farewell to my little brother for two whole years. I know it's where he wants to be and that he will gain so much from his experiences. I am not at all sad for his adventure and time in Texas, I am just sad because I will miss him so much. Not sad that it will be hard for him out there, because I know he will have an amazing time, have lots of support and meet some lifelong friends. Sad because I am selfish and want him to be at every holiday like he always has been. Selfish because I want him to pick up the phone when I call or be on the other end when I skype. Even sad that he won't be around to make fun of me on facebook photos or send me youtube links.

But when all is said and done, and when the tears dry, I cannot adequately express to you how lucky I am to have a little brother who is so deserving of all this love I have for him. He is the best, most supportive and loving little brother in the world. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for making it all the way to six.

I am so proud of you, Zach and I love you SO much.

Goals for mission:

1. baptize a family and see them go to the temple

2. Grow closer to Jesus Christ

3. understand and become familiar with the promptings of the holy Ghost

4. Receive pictures of nieces and nephews all the time in the mail

5. become fluent in Spanish

6. be able to grow a mustache by the time I get back

7. Work as hard as I can and follow all the rules

btw this is zach

xoxo (copied from Cory)

Pops

I LOVE this man. He's a stubborn bugger but great father. I appreciate his love and support in my life and appreciate his patience in raising me :)

He's a lot funnier than you might think. Oh, and I would not be surprised if he personally induces Katie in order to ensure June stays "his" month.

(Yes, that's us trying to take a girls picture, and he snuck in)

I KNOW I speak for the entire family when we say we love you, Dad and we are so HAPPY you are healthy and well.