Angela is turning the big 4-0 and the Air Force currently has them living in San Antonio - so what does she want to do? fly to DC - a memorable place that she treasures in her life. She thought of the idea back in Sept and wrote Diane and I in hopes that we could celebrate with her. Sure its the weekend after Thanksgiving - sure we are busy with kids, family and life - You wonder if taking the weekend to celebrate with a treasured friend is the right decision - than it all falls into place - the plane ticket is $130 and my travel companion is Diane and our destination is the McCulloughs and imagine how wonderful Angela will feel. Yes, Yes - its meant to be - we get to celebrate with Angela.
Here we go. I loved boarding the plane with Diane - and landing in DC meeting Farrah for lunch - what a posh set up. As soon as we got on the plane I was excited to grab my book and enjoy some serenity - it was super cute how Diane had the idea of a 'free write' for farrah and other fun Diane tasks - if only the plane ride was longer....
So here we are at REAGAN airport.
Lets grab a bite to eat and than find the guest of honor. I haven't seen Angela since we left Germany in 2011 - it was fun watching all the passengers walk to baggage claim playing - that's not Angela because..... There she was! DOES NOT LOOK 40.
Angela was staying in Old Town Alexandria in an area where her and Chad truly began their relationship. She was successful in Radio Marketing and had several friends that still lived and worked in the area. They were all meeting us for dinner. Now as an added bonus and one of the reasons I love FB - was my friend from when we were LTs in Germany in 1999. Janelle Price lives in the area and was able to tear away from her life for a glass of wine with me - she is a momma to 3 high spirited boys too - gotta stick together....So fortunate for the time to catch up.
It was also a rainy yucky night so we were kinda thrilled when she offered to drive us to the restaurant. No judging her mini van that normally carts around those 3 boys =)! Needless to say she is prepared for anything! Here we are tucked in the back seat. I was sitting (but not strapped into) their car seat. Way better than a wet walk!
Farrah grabbed a bottle of champgna at the bar to toast this wonderful night. It really felt like old times just being around old friends - and I don't mean age. We were so fortunate that those years in Germany we all really were family to each other.
After a wonderful dinner where we got to shower Angela with memories and thought for her many years ahead - it was wonderful just watching her soak it all in. Being surrounded by a table fully of pals from all walks of your life that made the effort to be there for you on that night - she was full of the warmth.
Here is that German family
and the whole crew
That evening Diane Drive us back to the McCulloughs where Brian, Macy and Tate werent feeling 100%,
so we tip toed in and headed to bed.
The next morning Farrah was so sweet to let us go to Ikea as I was wanting some fabric to finish my drapes and they had it in stock!! The kids hit the play place, Brian got to relax and we got to shop - win win. I bought too much (carry on Sara, carry on) Ikea only lets you keep the kids in the play place for 30 minutes - can you seriously make it through the store in 30 minutes? We need to talk to thm about their business plan!!
Next was a pick up of some extra yummy pies for dessert tonight and a stop at a wonderful winery in occaquan. I think Farrah and Brian can sniff out these little town gems with great wine so well and this was no exception. Great beer too.
Brian found the energy to cook us an AMAZING Brian McCullough dish that night even thought we offer to grab take out many times so he could rest (but we were SO thankful for a exceptional McCullough meal with fresh noodles too - he has a talent that guy!)
That night Amy Roberts was able to come over and Farrah had all the supplies to craft 3 different Christmas ornaments.
The great treasures of our time together.
Now its Monday and time to head back home - but felt absolutely filled up with time together with wonderful friends. Diane and I enjoyed the plane ride and opted to take a photo in front of the Christmas Tree at Bradley Airport. Much smaller than the DC one - but equaly as magical.
Angela - this weekend was a wonderful tribute to the miles friends will travel to be surrounded by friends and how we all feel better for many reasons.
By the time I was home - Chris was already in Boston for some Tyco foam system training (amen to my folks being close by so that our double booking wasn't tremendously horrible - Oma Sue and Goomba got the kids on the bus!). He was staying with my sister and her family. So Tuesday morning , Nick was to work making eggs for breakfast
And here are those smiley dudes enjoying the remnants of our first snow fall. nick when are those teeth going to come in?
and here is one of the many reasons why I love Farrah - she sent Diane this photo just a few days after we were all together. Oh how true.....
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