What Would I Do Without My Friends?

Last night, I enjoyed a lovely dinner with my friends, Leslie, Nichole, and Wendy.  I have been friends with these ladies for 12.5 years, ever since I moved to Richmond.  We've been gathering for dinner every 2-3 months for a while, which is pretty remarkable for such busy people.  We talk SO much that we are amazed when it is 11:15pm on a Sunday night!  The time flies.  We laugh, we cry, we challenge and support each other and we just enjoy being together.  Our lives have changed so much in 12.5 years, and Nichole has even moved all over the country and back (thankfully).  We still make our friendship a priority.  (Leslie, thank you for motivating me to blog again).

Last weekend, I met my college friends in Myrtle Beach for the weekend.  Susan, Anna, Billie, Deanna, Thea, and I had a blast!  Lots of talking, laughing, eating, and shopping!  We definitely had a lot less drinking than in college!   We saw the movie, No Strings Attached and loved it!  It was perfect for a girls' weekend.  We have been friends for approximately 15 years and our lives have dramatically changed as well.  I had not seen Susan in 6 years and we didn't miss a beat.  She's an amazing lady and I've missed her!  It just warmed my heart to see them all and to be together.   Thank God for Phi Mu for bringing us all together and creating this lifelong bond.  The weekend was rejuvenating!  I can't wait to see them all again.  Here are a couple of photos:

I've always thought that when you leave your family and go away to college or to a new town, your friends become your "new family".  I could not have chosen a more wonderful "family". 

I would be lost without my friends!

Visit to Washington, D.C.

We took the day to visit Amanda, Chris, and Drew in Washington, D.C.  We enjoyed a nice brunch at their house, a Metro ride, and a visit to the Smithsonian.  It was a fun day! 

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Halloween in the Ridge

We had a busy and fun Halloween weekend.  Ian was dressed as Spiderman most of the weekend.  Ruby wore 3 different costumes, Minnie Mouse, a VT Cheerleader, and a ladybug.  My friend, Kathy, and I planned the 2nd Annual Magnolia Ridge Halloween Parade and Pizza Party.  It was a huge success!  Then, we trick-or-treated with a wild group of parents, action heroes, many princesses and fairies, 2 little bugs, and one "sexy chick". 

I was amazed by Ian's ability to keep up with his older cousin and friends as they raced from house to house.  And Ruby got into trick-or-treating and would say "trick-or-treat" and "thank you" sometimes not in that order. 

Mom and Dad were in town and they helped me with the pizza party and then handed out tons of candy at our house.  Ian and Ruby were so happy w/ the Halloween treats from Meemaw. 

We are so lucky to be in such a fun neighborhood with so many great friends (and family)! 

Here are some photos:

"Candyland is Not in Virginia"

I had an interesting conversation with Ian this morning.  He said, "Mommy did you know that Candyland is not in Virginia?" (Clearly, I've never taken him to For the Love of Chocolate in Carytown).  "No, I didn't".  He said, "I think it's in Mexico."  Then he said, "I know it is in North America."  I said, "Well, Virginia and Mexico are part of the continent of North America."  Ian said, "Well, I like Mars (the planet) because it is red.  I like the color red." 

(We are ready Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice, so that's where the Mars reference is from, the Candyland info must be from school).

Too funny!  Early morning conversations w/ a 4.5 year old are most entertaining!

My Favorite Quotes

From Ruby:

"I love to Read!"

"Mommy, please tie my rainbow" (putting her tennis shoe in my face)

"Meemaw is my best friend."
"G'Daddy is my best friend."
"Ian not sharing."  "Ian not listening".  "Ian pushed me".  (Okay, these are not my favorite but she says them a lot).

Me to Ruby: "I love you to the moon and back".  Ruby says, "And the sun and back".

From Ian:
"Mommy did you know I'm playful?"
"I love soccer!" 
"Landen wants to be the boss of his football at his house.  I will be the boss at my house."  (said through his tears)

We were talking about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk (on 10/23/10).  I explained that Aunt Meg was very sick as a child but she took medicine and had special xrays and got better.  I told him that we were walking because we love Aunt Meg.  He said, "And Uncle Erik".  "And Landen, Kate, and Cohen."