Florida Like a Tourist

May was a whirlwind! A week after school concluded, I hopped on a plan alone and headed to Florida! What I didn't know then was that I had three more Florida visits coming my way later that summer.

I had quite the welcoming committee when I arrived! These littles have done a lot of Auntie airport runs lately!

When I touched down, I hit the road running...literally!

From the airport to Tijuana Flats (priorities)...

Still my favorite Tex Mex

...to visit my Papa...

I didn't know then that this trip would be our last visit this side of Heaven. This silly selfie is so special to me!

...to a wedding and face time with so many good friends.

And that was only the first day!

Unfortunately, I had to leave my better half and our wild Weim at home. Ty kept me supplied with plenty of goofy Brook photos to ease the separation. :)

Yeah, she didn't miss me at all. :)

Each new day brought more reunions and hugs! This trip was a reminder of just how loved we are! Everyone asked about Ty and Texas and genuinely engaged in our lives. I felt like a celebrity!

My friend and SMU classmate, Mary Anna, joined the party on Sunday night, and my focus turned more to hosting and showing off my beautiful home state.

First stop, Wekiva Springs State Park! 

My favorite non-touristy attraction!

That evening, Mary Anna and I gave a joint recital at a local Steinway Galleries. We both played solo repertoire, and then we collaborated with some four hands, two pianos, and even six hands rep! There were about fifty people there, and I was once again blown away by the avid support of my family and friends!

We were privileged to play on one of Van Cliburn's pianos!

Even Erin joined the fun for some six-hand Rachmaninov!

After the recital, many of our friends returned to my parents' home, where we enjoyed snacks and great conversation. This recital provided an opportunity to see so many wonderful people at once!

Post-recital shenanigans, the tour of Central Florida began. Next stop? St. Pete Beach and Anna Maria Island. Beach + lesson with my former teacher = win!

We didn't stay the night as originally planned, but we did catch a gorgeous sunset! And we may have taken advantage of Taco Tuesday and hit up Tijuana Flats. I mean, we couldn't let MA miss out on that experience!

Wednesday was a lazy day -- the first one both MA and I had since finals. We sat out on the patio most of the day, just enjoying Florida living and storing up energy for our big day ahead at The Magic Kingdom!

Obligatory Castle photo!

When Disney World first came up in conversation, MA said something to the effect of, "Is that like Six Flags?" You can imagine my response. Ever since that day, I determined to show her the wonders of Walt Disney World.

My parents spent the majority of the day with us, and then my in-laws finished out the evening with us for the parade and fireworks show. We even had some time with my SIL and the Littles, too! Overall, we did eighteen attractions, so I'd say we had a productive day. 

Favorite part? Dining at Be Our Guest for lunch. It was a first for everyone in our party except for me. (My fifth time, I think?) This is hands-down my favorite quick-service in all WDW. It has free refills, an easy allergy-friendly ordering kiosk, servers who deliver your food, and the best decor ever!

After lunch we talked mom and dad into riding Splash Mountain with us. I didn't tell Mom about the drop. ;)

It never gets old! And my parents are the greatest!

Dumbo with Caleb!

Dad and I are considering going into pirate modeling.

We hit up the traditional Dole Whip stand, my favorites Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder, and even some attractions I hadn't done in forever, like Tiki Room and Hall of Presidents. We even closed out the night with a ride on Mine Train after the fireworks show. It was a packed day, but I think we successfully gave MA the WDW experience. She called her brother on FaceTime during the fireworks show, so he could experience the magic of Wishes, too.

One park down, three to go!

Mary Anna left the following day, and I snagged some sister time with these two! An evening of great food and even greater company. Family. Family style Asian food. Asian food. Enough said.

I flew back to Dallas on Saturday evening, so the morning was spent patio lounging and swimming. Like a true Floridian.

Other notables include: morning coffee with my mom, a trip to Track Shack (love, love, love my Glycerins!!!), running through my parents' neighborhood, and a date with Gabe and Sophie.

Married Life

My best friend and her husband are in town.

They recently passed the six-month mark of marriage.

2013 was a year of change and growth, especially relationally. I am so grateful for people who loved me through this process.

Tali Rose loved me well in 2013, and it was my delight to stand as her matron of honor last summer. These past six months have been a new season in our friendship, and they have been refreshing and lovely.

Tyler and I spent a quiet and chilly New Year's Eve on our favorite beach with Tali and Garrett. We enjoyed the solitude of the Island and the fellowship of friends and welcomed in the New Year wrapped in blankets and the warmth of conversation. It'll be hard to top that New Year's Eve. We all voted it the best yet. 

I have been hesitant to publish these words, because they are special and were spoken with great depth and difficulty in the presence of close friends and family. If they were true then, they are even more sincere today.

To my bestie,

Good choice - Garret is a keeper! I love being married BFFs with you! It's the best. Hands down.

June 16, 2013

Tali Rose and Garrett,

It is my joy and honor to stand beside you both as you begin your new life together. From my nearly 12 months of experience, I can say I find marriage to be a most incredible adventure. I highly recommend it. You will grow and learn and love more than you ever thought possible.
Garrett, although we haven’t had the opportunity to get to know one another, I have come to know you - albeit in part - through Tali. It is evident that you lead her to Jesus and bring her tremendous joy. And you have the guts tell her when her adventurous ideas are borderline dangerous, so I know she'll be in good hands with you. You have found great favor in the eyes of my best friend, and this alone is reason for me to say that you have found favor with me. With joy, I stand aside and commend you, "Enjoy the late nights, the sleepovers, the laughing-until-you-can't-breathe feeling, the tears, the dinner parties, the cranberry mimosas, the spontaneous adventures, the Speed Scrabble games, the literary dramatizations, the neighborhood walks...the everyday." And of course, make new favorite pastimes and inside jokes and memories as Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Treece.
Tali Rose, I am thankful that we have been able to share the last fifteen years together - whether by pillow whispers or phone or email. You remind me that beauty is to be enjoyed, that the Gospel is changing lives, and that laughter is good for the soul. So much of you has shaped who I am. The LORD penned you as a main character in my story, and I treasure each chapter in our history. Now you have the amazing privilege of building a life-long history with Garrett and watching your story unfold. While I feel a twinge of sadness when I think of how we've grown and the changes that have ensued - the good and necessary changes - I am overcome with gratitude, for I know that all of this is Grace. From playing orphans in the treehouse to loving the needy at the Brickyard, from biking to the “halfway point” to completing our triathlon, from losing pet sitting keys to finding the men of our dreams -  all is Grace, and we are blessed. I am blessed to call you my bestie and know that wherever life takes us that we will always share memories - memories from our childhood, memories from this day, and memories we've yet to uncover.
I want to leave you both with words from Cummings - words which Tali left with me when she moved to Idaho.
"I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)I am never without it (anywhere I go, you go my dear)"
You will always hold a treasured place in my heart. I love you and pray God's best over you. To Tali and Garrett.

January 2014

Holidays are for History

I love how holidays afford opportunities for catching up with friends, especially those who live far throughout the year. While our lives change and move in different directions, we have a history - a bedrock - of friendship which keeps us close despite the distance.

This week, Ty and I enjoyed these friends and their encouraging company. What fun we had recounting crazy high school dramas, Mexico experiences, and beach trips, as well as updating each other on current events - all in the context of good food and board games! This prompted me to do some reminiscing through my photo library. I found some gems!

2013

Dominion fun!

You can always count on friends who have been in the trenches with you.

Served alongside you.

Climbed to great heights with you.

Put up with you.

Given away their hearts with you.

Goofed off with you.

Surprised you.

Rejoiced with you.

Grown up with you.

We are blessed!

Happy Feet

I took a week of forced rest from most everything. (Is anyone really surprised I was sick in bed all week after my last post?) Rest is so hard for me! I know it was much needed, though, because I'm still recovering.

My family is on a beach vacation this week, and Ty and I snuck over for the weekend. While I knew my long run wasn't happening, I felt good enough to do two miles down the beach and two miles back.

The view was splendid. My feet were so happy to get moving after a week of rest.

The following day, this guy came with me. 

Matching shoes!

This was the view from the condo. If pictures could speak, you'd hear this one calling my name.

That's right. That glassy water was the perfect greeting after our beach run. It made me miss my very short triathlon career! Cross training is so fun! Sadly, I don't have a Gulf in my backyard. But one of these days I'll get back to road-biking.

There were some other happy things going on, too! And you can bet these little feet kept moving all weekend!

Noodle fights!

Sandcastles!

And now that we're home...

Some happy paws.

The end.