It's been a long time coming. Both a new blog post and a trip home to the greatest state in the US of A. Since it's been so long I crammed a lot into a short time span, but loved every minute of it. I got to see some new family, old family, and dear, dear friends.
But before I take you on my journey to SC. I must say a big "Thank you!" to everyone who helped make my birthday such a fabulous one! And there were many of you. My cubicle at work was decorated and stocked with Starbucks for two days straight. I was beyond elation that I received not one,
not two,
but three beautiful floral arrangements.
If you know me, you know I love, love, love fresh flowers, so this was triple the excitement for me! I also got several phone calls and a bazillion facebook/email messages. Danielle even wrote her own bday song for me! The work crew wouldn't let me pay for lunch at Hard Times or happy hour. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you!
I was also excited when this photo on my tweet about birthday lunch at Hard Times got retweeted by "Arlington's Best." Yay!
On Thursday after the birthday my plane lifted off from Dulles Airport (my not-so-favorite airport) en route to home home. Someone asked me on the plane if I was going or coming home. I wasn't exactly sure what to tell him, so I said I was coming home from home. Which really is the truth. Whether I'm coming or going, it's home.
There were a few main goals to the trip, and since I'm quickly approaching my self-set 10:00pm deadline on this, I'll use photos to tell you what they were. Check out the picasa web album
here for more from my trip.
Reason #1:
The newest branch on the Young family tree. Isaac. It was such a delight to hold him in my hands and praise God that my sister, Brooke was able to bring him into this world healthy as he is, despite the complication thrown their way.
Reason #2:
My first nephews Andrew (left, red) and Matthew's (right, blue) 7th birthdays. I feel old. 7 years ago they were as tiny as our beautiful little preemy Isaac. So grateful for 7 amazing years, 5 of which I spent watching them grow up just a 30 minute car ride away. Miss you boys!
They greeted me in the airport when I got off at baggage claim. I was so happy to see them that I squeezed Matthew so tight in a hug that he said, "Ouch, Aunt Sarah! Too tight!"
They're all growing up so fast! Lillian is about to turn 4. I loved this photo too much not to share! I know, photos galore!
Reason #3:
A beautiful wedding and rehearsal dinner for my former boss (and former NRA employee) Jennifer Bradey, and the man she met and fell in love with under my watch.
This is Jennifer with her dad, but I must tell you that if you could see her footwear, you would understand the purpose of the photo at that moment! Jennifer sported cowboy boots under her wedding dress for the reception at the Spartanburg Country Club. AND, in their engagement photos they're sitting on the bed of an old pick-up holding their prized possessions: their hunting firearms. I died when I saw it!
I spent a good portion of the evening catching up with my big sis and fellow Converse alum (Jennifer is one too) Mallory Beckett. We really did have a great time, and the wedding was absolutely beautiful. Photo props to one of my favorite HBA board members and his wife, Jay and Allie Beeson.
Reason #4: Celebrating my birthday with my parents, which I somehow... didn't get a photo of, and I'm REALLY hoping my dad got at least one photo of each of us together.
Mom scheduled a visiting hour for my friends from Lexington and Aiken (she tried to surprise me), and I was so delighted to have some quality time with three of my closest girlfriends.
My "might as well be" lifelong best friend Courtney stopped by on her way to the hospital where she just got asked (repeatedly) to take a promotion to Assistant Nurse Manager of the night shift, (aka she's amazing at what she does). Yep, that's my friend!
And a trip to SC just wouldn't be complete without seeing my fellow Connie besties Margaret and Danielle. Wooh, I was so tired by the time his pic was taken, but I was so happy to welcome them for a visit.
Oh, and how could I forget my boys? Well, I should say my men. :) Clay and Jake both made time for me on Saturday to hang out with them and catch up on life as we know it. Unfortunately, I have no photo documentation, which I'm hitting myself for now.
I'm going to TRY to blog tomorrow after Trivia about my visit to the old stomping grounds of Converse, but please forgive me if it waits a few days. I'm already 10 minutes over my deadline, and I must put my freshly washed sheets on my bed before I can tuck myself in it for another nights beauty rest!
xoxo
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