A Fabulous Farewell Weekend

Last weekend we were able to do one last great "farewell tour" of sorts. Luckily we were within only a few short hours, and able to spend the last weekend before our packout with some of our very, very favorite people!!! We were first able to spend some good quality time with Noah's parents. Much to my delight, we were initially greeted by Pop-Pop's stunning hydrangeas!! (they had transplanted them from his yard after he passed several years ago) Aside from tulips, these are my absolute favorite! These were my favorite color as well. Loved it.

We celebrated Porter's birthday a few days early with a delicious strawberry shortcake

And, my MIL and I had a FABULOUS time out for a little girl's night shopping; where she spoiled me rotten with this beauty for my birthday/going away gift! Wowzers, huh? Isn't she a beauty?! And, in my signature color. I am in love:) I am also one VERY lucky girl. Thank you, thank you again! Now to take it on it's first big maiden voyage...only 5 more days!

We also got a terrific surprise of finding out that Shelly and Kendall (some of our besties from the college days & officially the only couple who we also double dated with when neither couple was yet married) were going to be in the area visiting from Texas!! AND we were able to finally meet baby Kaitlyn, being 10 months old already! What a cutie she is!

We were able to go into Manhattan with them for the day, and had a wonderful time! We went to Dylan's Candy Bar for Cupcakes and ice cream, then Gray's Papaya for lunch (ya, that's how we roll:) Then we buzzed to Time's Square for a trip to Toy's R Us, and sadly to discover that ESPNZone has now closed. The men were disappointed. It had been too long since since we'd seen these guys. Far too long. I was SO happy that we got to get in some time with them before we left. Perfect timing guys!!

And last, but most definitely not least we were thrilled not only to see Tim and Ashley (can I say again how much I love that they moved closer to DC?!); but Baby Gavin Noah was kind enough to arrive just in time for us to see him!!! I'm so glad that we didn't miss getting to meet him.

The timing was perfect, as we were able to watch the World Cup Final together, and Ash and I got in some great last girl chat time too! Gavin is SOO handsome and oh so brand new. These are the moments that make me baby hungry. So here we have it, the whole crew...boys, boys, boys! Ash and I will have to stick together for sure!

And yes, apparently we are so in tune with each other that we all decided to wear a shade of blue for the picture!

We have been so blessed in our lives to not only have great families, but also tremendous friends that we count as family as well. It was so wonderful to see everyone this weekend, and made for a perfect send off!! It also makes it a little harder though, I must admit. I don't know that I will get "homesick" really, but more so "people-sick". This phenomenon though is one I have already been learning to handle for years. If only my ideal set of friends and family lived in one place instead of spread across countries and continents. Ahhh. A girl can dream though. Anyway, loved seeing you all this weekend. Can't wait for visitors in Istanbul!!