though i was supposed to teach today, on friday, i was feeling completely overwhelmed at everything i needed to accomplish before jesse’s arrival. especially since the day after he leaves, i will be heading out to california for a couple of days (if you want more info on this, feel free to email me!).
as such, i called the trusty sunday school president, and he let me off the hook. so, saturday was ‘prep’ day. i cleaned my car and my room, hunted for water shoes (for tubing day), and took care of a few other things before hopping in the shower and getting ready for lara’s ‘bachelorette’ party.
lara picked me up and we headed to ned devine’s, where we met up with two other friends, kathryn and valerie.
kathryn had gone to great lengths to make this a memorable evening for lara, and aside from attaching her veil immediately upon arrival, she whipped out a book she had created with tasks to be accomplished.
tasks included things such as practicing putting the ring on her betrothed’s finger, having someone put a garter belt on her, practicing eating cake by feeding and being fed marshmallows, and practicing the aisle walk by finding a gentleman to escort her to the bathroom. each task had an assigned point value for an attempt, as well as successful completion. each task had to be witnessed by one of the ‘witnesses’ in the bachelorette party, and signed off on by the gentleman helping to complete it. the goal was to reach 100 points, which would ensure a successful marriage. all props were provided, and the book was attached to a sash that read simply ‘bride.’
it was clever and absolutely darling, and of course made for a fun evening as we perused the bar looking for willing victims. lara was a good sport and i am happy to report that she achieved her goal and is now guaranteed that successful marriage!
the music wasn’t fabulous, but there were a few songs that allowed us the opportunity to hit the dance floor. though kathryn and valerie are both ‘new’ to me, we all had a great time!
after lara dropped me off at home, i had just made it inside the door when i saw a car with a giant birthday cake on top of it pull up in front of the house. it was 1:30 am, so i couldn’t fathom what might me going on, and i went out to check on it.
i was shocked to find susie and sarah chapman exiting the car.
as a part of lynn’s delegate campaign, he ‘and company’ created a float and participated in the leesburg fourth of july parade. on the float was a giant cake that said ‘happy birthday america.’ the chapman’s had altered and customized the cake and brought it over to celebrate mom’s birthday today!
though i had hoped to see her initial reaction this morning, i slept in, and when i did get up, i got the best news ever.
as a part of the agreement allowing kate’s move out of state, kendyl’s father ronnie gets her for six weeks this summer. they met kate half way yesterday to pick kendyl up, but since they are not required to ‘share’ her, we had no idea whether we would see kendyl or not. it was a wonderful surprise to have them offer to bring her to celebrate mom’s day.
mom, dad and i were all like expectant fathers..pacing the floor, looking out the window, and waiting for her arrival. finally she came, and i think it was a miracle none of us broke down in tears.
it’s been almost exactly a month since kate and kendyl left, and we have all felt every minute of it. last week when i called kendyl to wish her a happy birthday, she got off the phone and said ‘i love you tara,’ which of course, was my emotional undoing.
to see her today was the best thing any of us could have wished for. though she was tired, she was excited to see all of us, and we got to spend a couple of hours with her while getting caught up with ronnie and his fiancee jess. as it turns out, they are moving about five miles from us, and are planning on sharing her much more than we could have hoped! this is especially good news to me, since i have no idea how much longer i will be in the area, or how many more opportunities i will have to see her.
eventually, it was time to say goodbye, and kendyl, who has always been hit or miss about affection (i think she takes after me in that regard!), made the ‘goodbye’ rounds. she gave nana kisses, then said to me ‘want kisses?’ of course i said yes, and she ran into my arms and gave me big kisses. then we went to find papa, at which point she said ‘i need kisses!’ how darling is that?!
it did all of our hearts wonders to see her today!
the rest of the evening involved a celebration of mom’s birthday at the chapman’s, and a fireside by one of my favorite local speakers ever, before returning to the chapman’s for dessert.
all and all it was a fun AND productive weekend. i had a lot to accomplish since so much of my time this week and next will be spent playing and traveling. one more day of work, then it’s on!
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