I don't remember when I met Melissa, but it feels like I've known her my whole life. We went to different schools, but became fast friends and saw each other every Wednesday and Sunday at church. Then, in 6th grade, the greatest thing in the world happened - Melissa moved into my school district! We had several classes together and became even better friends, spent the night at each others' houses all the time, and I went home with her from school every Wednesday. During Christmas break in 6th and 7th grade, we took ski trips to Creede, CO where we stayed in her family cabin.

(If you click on these pictures, you can see where we signed the guestbook in '92 and '93!)

It was a very sad day in 9th grade when Melissa and her mom decided to move to Colorado for good! I have no idea how we did it back then with no cell phones, internet, skype, or frequent flyer miles (we must have written letters!!), but Mel and I stayed in touch.

Finally, 15 years after my last trip to Creede, I got on a plane last year and saw where my oldest friend had been living all this time . . .

So, when Mel called and said she would be in Waco for a weekend to visit family I figured out a way to get there ASAP. We had a magical night of George's, Rollo's and karaoke - and it was like she never left!

Halloween!!

On my way to Austin over Halloween weekend, I stopped in Waco and was greeted by this little pumpkin:

On Saturday morning we had a breakfast tailgate (or 2) and headed to the Baylor game. . .

and it got a little sunny

but I did get to stick around long enough to see my sweet nephew in his costume. I have a feeling if he was able to tell us what he wanted to dress up as, this is exactly what he would have picked:

tradition

Baylor Homecoming this year did not disappoint (well, except for the score of the football game) and it was so much fun to introduce some of my favorite people to the traditions I have come to know and love over the years.

We started the weekend at the pep rally and bonfire . . .

and as soon as Shilah, Mica and Jenne made it from Dallas, we headed to George's, of course:

notice that Shilah has to use 2 hands to hold her big O - that's how awesome they are.

Jenne loves George's too!

experiencing the Waco nightlife:

We got up bright and early to make it to the largest collegiate homecoming parade:

and I got to snuggle with my favorite tiny Baylor fan!

We even did a little tailgating - Baylor style - which means concealing your beverages and watching football games on TV that are much more exciting that your own!

Shannon and Ryan drove up from Houston, and this is the only picture I got!

We had another fun night out on Saturday, but sadly I did not get any pictures. We only lasted until about midnight due to our advancing age and lack of sleep the night before, but it was a good effort!

All in all, it was an awesome weekend - though, the highlight of the trip down to Waco had to be witnessing Jenne's first trip to an outdoor restroom:

Homecoming!!

In honor of one of my favorite weekends each year, I decided to go through the photo archives and pull out some homecoming memories!

2003 - my first homecoming after graduation:

2005 - 3 months after moving to Chicago:

2006 - the weekend we stuffed a million wedding invitations:

2007 - the same 3 girls, one year later:

2008 - first homecoming since moving back to Texas:

I have so many amazing Baylor Homecoming memories, and I'm so excited to share this weekend with several friends who have NEVER been to Waco. I can't stop thinking about all the things we HAVE do in one short weekend! Regardless, I'm sure I'll have plenty to photos to add to my collection . . .

home sweet home!

I finally finished unpacking my new home and took some pictures for all of my friends who haven't been able to see it in person yet.

Master bedroom:

Top of the stairs/bathroom/laundry:

Guest room/office:

Dining room:

Living Room:

Kitchen:

I am so lucky to have found such a great place to live in a perfect location! Come visit!

more miami pictures

my good friend Kristen, looking out over the streets of Miami, thinking about what a disappointment the DASH Miami boutique turned out to be . . .

I had to talk her out of buying this shirt . . .

the BEACH!

vacation - had to get away

I can't decide if I'm fortunate or cursed to have some of my greatest friends spread out all over the country - but for now I'm going with blessed! This past weekend I got to escape the Texas rain and travel to beautiful Miami, FL to visit Kristen at her temporary home-away-from-home. We also celebrated her -1 year anniversary, which means it is now officially less than one year until she becomes Mrs. A!

My trip to Miami was everything I wanted it to be - relaxing, sun-filled, good food, and quality time with my fantastic friend! We explored Miami, Coral Gables, South Beach, Miami Beach, Star Isle and even spent some time by the pool. Of course we also did some serious shopping, and checked out the DASH boutique, which was a big disappointment. In Kristen's words, "it smelled bad and they only had clothes for infants." I would like to add that the clothes they did have were hideous and nothing anyone I know would ever wear. Also, while we were eating lunch on Saturday in South Beach, I ran into several people I know! 2 gals from Waco and 2 of my XO sisters - I love the small world we live in!

I'm already thinking about when I can head back and enjoy the Florida sunshine - and the great company, of course!