California Dreaming

This weekend was full and beautiful.

We, James and I, arrived in California in a little 22 seater plane on Thursday morning-and didn't stop moving the entire weekend.

Thursday I had lunch with my dear friend Ryan and James stayed home to "take a nap". That afternoon we swam in the Pacific Ocean and it was delicious. After showers, Thursday evening we had dinner with my parents and the Pierce family. Ian and Courtney arrived after what would not be the last of complications at the airport. Lots of laughter was had, and I loved that my parents got to spend time with us.

Friday everyone, and I mean everyone, arrived in the morning for french toast breakfast. Courtney's family is really fun, and there was definitely a buzzing house that morning. Friday James and I spent the afternoon at the Dana Point Harbor with my parents, and we wandered around and down to the beach. James got to talk a little with my dad and we went back, eventually, to their hotel and enjoyed a beer together on the rooftop. I will add here that the weather was absolutely perfect all weekend. Friday night Ethan (the littlest) Pierce graduated from high school, and we all attended and cheered him on. I'm super proud of him and all the recognition he received. He is truly amazing.

Saturday began early with a birthday breakfast of cinnamon rolls for James. After that wedding preparation began in full swing. We ran errands, went over to the site to help set up and got ready for the day. Ian and Courtney's wedding was stunning, as was she. It was held at James' grandparents house, which overlooks the Dana Point Harbor and Pacific Ocean. Simple, elegant, fun, and full of joy. I took lots of pictures that I will post soon.

Saturday evening was special for James and I, but more about that later.

Sunday we went to church and connected with friends like the Spinello's, Davenports, Norton's and so many more. I haven't seen many of them since I moved to Baltimore and it was great to connect with that community again. Kevin, pastor, brought James and I up on stage to pray for us. I am so blessed by them, the way they believe in us and the encouragement they bring. It was also lovely to have my parents there to share and see a bit of our community. In N Out for lunch. We got to see Kate's new studio apartment and I almost moved in with her on the spot. Dinner with the Pierce family, which I felt extra apart of. Sunday night I spent the night with Bethany--no words. She is home to me, we cried and laughed, rejoiced, ate, expressed frustrations, caught up, and slept.

Monday Beth and I went to Kean. My favorite coffee shop while I was in college. I appreciate it a hundred times more now than I did then. Monday afternoon we met Cristina to get some pictures taken and they turned out fantastic. We had so much fun, especially because Caleb was there to root us on. After we picked up Rebekah and went home to have a water fight in the backyard. Pizza with Sam and Jessi that evening, fantastic.

Tuesday brought tearful goodbyes. I was a mess as our little propeller plane took off out of Carlsbad that morning. Little did we know it then, but we would spend the entire day at LAX and then have to sleep in the airport in Houston due to thunderstorms in San Antonio.

Usually I don't list like this. But this is a weekend I want to never forget.