I met Carolyn when we were entering the 7th grade. She and her family had just moved back to the U.S. after 4 years spent as missionaries serving in Moscow. We endured middle school together, then attended the same high school, during which we set an all time record for spending a night on the most back to back to back weekends at each others' houses; We were heartbroken when someone went out of town and we had to break the streak! I wish I remembered what that number was.... something like 10 or 14 or something.
After that we were roommates at OBU for 5 years. People cautioned us left and right about living together, and while no two people can live in the TINY dorm rooms/apts we did and never have differences, it was in college that our friendship really blossomed and became something we both know will endure our whole lives long.
Last fall, Carolyn's husband Andy called me and asked if I would be up for a visit from her. I was like UH --- Y.E.S!! So he and I schemed together, nailed down a weekend and he purchased her flight -- presenting the info to her as a surprise on Christmas day. Andy, I know this was technically Carolyn's Christmas gift, but it was a major gift to me too! Thank you from us both --- and thank you, Mikel, for taking the weekend off to watch Nolan so us girls could hang. You guys are keepers. :)
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Reunited after 2.5 yrs!
Sorry C - I had to include bc it makes me laugh!!
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It was a lovely weekend of "normal" with a dear friend :)
We went for a little hike.
finish & flash!
On Mikel's day off, we all payed the zoo a visit and enjoyed the most perfect weather.
Nolan loves the zoo!
That night, we grilled out and played a few rounds of Ladder Golf.
Khaki added an extra challenge by swiping the balls every time we tossed them.....
Ha!
"My dad dressed me."
On Sunday, we attended church, and then Carolyn and I got to leave the boys at home and head out for a while on our own.
First stop ----- Starbucks and pedicures. Both more enjoyable with a good friend.
After that, I drove C up by the new house, where we attempted to hop a little fence onto the golf course and get a gander at the awesome back yard. I don't have any pics of the blessed event, but it went like this:
- Hop over the rod iron fence onto the golf course. No problem.
- Walk the cart path to the house and enjoy a look.
- Return to fence and find it much harder to clear from this side...
- I attempt it first. I fail. My tennis shoe ends up stuck between two of the rods and I dangle backwards.
- I pray no golfers come along.
- C attempts to lift me up and over.
- We make it out alive, albeit with some serious bruises to show.
So research shows: That little fence is more effective than one might have thought at deterring wanderers. Good to know.
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Nolan loooooves Carolyn. For the first 24 hours she was here, he just sat and stared at her - whipping out that little dimple to pile on the charm. He was mesmerized -- and who wouldn't be?! She's lovely! It wasn't lost on him, that's for sure.
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Going out and about was awesome, but my real favorite was the chance just to return to "college" and lounge around with my friend.
So easy - so natural - so valued.
This was more like it.
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I love you, Carolyn, and I am so thankful for this weekend together!!!!!! It was good medicine for the soul. I am thankful that no matter where life takes us or how different our paths might look, we can come together and click instantly into place. You are wonderful, and I am lucky that you're my friend.
Now, come back with Andy!!!
