It wasn't to get away from the cold or to go to the beach or to enjoy the warm sunshine.
It was to visit with dear friends, marvel over the growth of kiddos, meet new babies, and see moms-to-be.
I was amazed that it had already been 7 months since we moved. In many ways it felt like we'd never left, and for that I was grateful. It felt so good to immediately fall back in sync with our friends there, and I was touched that everyone made time for us. {You like us, you really like us!}
You see, our group in Florida is quite unique and so special. We all met through the Young Adults bible study group at our church, and we've spent weekends together skiing, boating in the Keys, and camping on a ranch or working side by side on community projects. We've seen each other find love, marry spouses, buy houses and now have children. We've shared joys and difficult times. We've spent hours and hours hanging out during barbecues, birthday dinners, bridal and baby showers, wedding receptions, beach picnics, play dates, trips to Disney, walks in the park and pool parties. Us girls would get together weekly for The Bachelor viewing parties (with our Fantasy Bachelor brackets and participation points) for I can't even remember how many seasons. They are more than friends to us; they're family.
So, thank you, Chris, Marie, Sarah, Mike, Tedd, Vanessa, Sherrie, Andrew, Johnny, Audrey, Erick, Kasey, Christie, Francois, Amy and Brian -- along with all the kiddos Noah, Brennan, Grace, Gabby, Gwyneth, Ryan, Stella, Alexander, Claire, Wylie and Ella -- for being as committed to this awesome group as we still are from afar.
Photos through the years...
My favorite quote from the weekend was from 4-year old Brennan: "Where have you been?" Aww, he missed us, too!
Awww... he definitely misses you! And I definitely realized that seeing you in person, makes me miss you even more! So glad that it won't be another 7 months til we see you again! See you in 3 short months! :)
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