Capturing Moments: Ohio

I arrived home from Ohio late last night! I left Friday night to go visit my BFF, Carrie, in Ohio for her baby shower. I LOVE going back to Ohio ~ I always feel so happy when I get to visit. Carrie's parent live on a farm (sheep, cattle, Holly The Dog, and Jenny The Donkey!...and Maggie...Carrie and Brandon's dog) and the Little-js always make me feel so welcome and loved. I went by myself this time because it was just going to be a quick trip ~ Scott stayed home with Cailey and Ben ~ I missed my family, but it was still nice to get away for a couple of nights. I know Cailey and Ben would love the animals and Carrie's family so much ~ maybe next time. On Friday, I didn't arrive until 12:00a (yes, a.m.). Carrie, Momma Little-j, and Lynn waited at the airport for me ~ SO SWEET, considering it was so late. I left Sunday night to come home. Carrie's baby shower was Saturday. We also were able to get a little group of high school friends together Saturday night for drinks and snacks ~ a little reunion of sorts. I love that so many us are still in contact after so many years. Because I moved around so much, that is something that is very foreign (and special) to me...to have lasting friendships and relationships is a real gift. Finally, the Little-js invited me to lunch Sunday afternoon and then humored me by driving me around town so I could take a little driving tour down memory lane to see my old house and some old stomping grounds. I would love to move back to Ohio ~ I love the small town atmosphere and the genuine kindness of everyone I come into contact with ~ it calms my soul and makes me happy. Carrie looks great preggers ...makes me smile to see her healthy and glowing and anticipating the arrival of their first baby. Oh, how life will change for them...but it's a good change :o) I am so excited to meet Baby M.!!! Carrie and Brandon don't know if it's a boy or girl ~ my bet is that it's a girl!!! I even bought a couple of pink gifts because I am so sure it's a girl :o) :o) I am excited for Carrie and Brandon and I know they will be excellent parents ~ what a lucky baby.

Scott hired our cleaning lady back while I was out of town ~ we dropped the cleaning lady when I took my leave of absence in order to save money, but now that I am back to work full-time, I have been wanting that luxury back, too :o) So the house is nice and clean!!! It was a wonderful, wonderful surprise! Isn't he great!! The kids were both asleep in the car when they picked me up at the airport at midnight. United lost my suitcase! Weird ~ this is only the second time that I have had luggage lost by the airline and both times it has been the same suitcase. Also, I have only used this suitcase twice. So, apparently this suitcase is cursed and I am going to throw it out and buy new luggage. We need new luggage anyway, so now I have a legitimate excuse :o)

Just a couple of pictures ~ I didn't take my nice camera (too big to lug around) and I was stuck with our little one...which I hate because it has a delay when trying to take pictures. Plus, the quality of pictures isn't even close to the great quality of my Nikon...grrrr!! Oh, well.

Baby GIRL M.'s first pink Chuck Taylors :o)!!