Arizona!

My freshman year of college was a difficult time for me. It was one of only a few times in my life when I experienced real lonliness.  In spite of being surrounded by a sea of people, I wasn't really connecting with anyone.  I can vividly remember when I was home for Christmas that first year and I told my parents that I wanted to transfer to a local college.  Ahh - it was so hard to return after that break.  Many tears! But they persuaded me to finish out that first year and I'm so glad they did!   In the subsequent months and following year, I met and made lifelong friends (and husband!).  God was so gracious to provide those relationships.  Friendship is an amazing gift.

If you've read my blog you know that I get together with some of those close college friends every fall.  This year we met in Arizona where my dear friend & college roommate, Kelly, lives.  As always, it was a blessed time.

Here's a pic of us in NYC 11 years ago - I spent a few Thanksgivings with Kelly's family and we would take the train to the city the Friday after the holiday.  great memories.

Here we are now!

 The rest of the gang.  Jen, Andrea, Allison, Erin & Kelly.  Our friend Christy couldn't make it this year because of her newborn baby.  We missed her!  I love all of these ladies.  Sisters in Christ.

We took a hike one morning on some trails close to Kelly's house.  Good time. Great talks.

Here is a pic of Kelly's beautiful home.  Very modern, very clean, very organized.   Kelly was a wonderful hostess.  She truly served us all the entire weekend and prepared delicious food and beautiful place settings for each meal. 

Take a look at that food!  For dinner one night we went to a wine bar.  For those of you who know me well, you know that I am a picky eater. It's a part of my personality/taste that I am trying to change.  So this particular dinner was a good thing for me because it stretched me ... again.  Eight different kinds of brushetta : )  All of that soft cheese about did me in!!

Here's my friend Jen with Sarah.  We had our annual clothing swap on Friday.  That was definitely a highlight.  We also went to a consignment store on Saturday. 

As you can tell, I took little Sarah.  She was such a pleasant baby and I'm so thankful!!!  She won everyone over with that cute smile : )