The past couple weeks have been so fun. Everyone was home for Amara & James' wedding, and then for Thanksgiving. I was able to see everyone I wanted to see at least once and spend quality time with friends who live far away. I love when everyone comes home for the holidays.
First we were all able to go to Amara & James wedding. Amara looked so beautiful, and was so peaceful and elegant, and with a wedding day full of rain and freezing weather, she rolled with the punches and kept her cool. James looked so happy and so proud to have Amara by his side. It's been amazing to see them grow from a new couple dating, to walking out of the Temple hand in hand sealed for time and all eternity. I love them so much.
The Maid of Honor Analise, Amara's sister. And Lynsi, Amara's best friend.
I love my girls.
Waiting in the rain for Amara & James to come out of the Temple.
Later that night, we were all able to go to the wedding reception held at a beautiful house in Poway. We all talked and caught up on each other's lives, watched Amara and James dance with their parents, listened to beautiful toasts, and got to be a part of a beautiful end to a day we'll never forget.
Remember that one summer I was an EFY counselor and met Garrett, Jason and Addi? They are some of my very best friends that will be in my life forever. I'll never forget the first time I met Addi. She was my suite mate in the dorms we were staying in and I remember I walked into my room and she was stealing one of the extra desks. I was like what the? Who is this chick? She was so outgoing and frank and I was like wait I love her. From that moment on, we became inseparable, and the next session we had together we made them put us in the same room. We were roommates that summer at EFY and it was the best ever. Living with Addi was for sure one of the best and most hilarious experiences ever.
That was the summer to remember.
Anyways, Addi and her husband Zach came down to San Diego for the U of U game because they're super fans. Okay more than super fans. If blood wasn't already red, they'd bleed red. They live for that team. Maybe they can put their obsession to good use and find me a football playing husband. Just saying.
Anyways, I picked them up at their rental car place, and we were off on an adventure. Good thing I had Zach in the car, also known as my ZPS, because I had no idea where I was going in my own town. Embarrassing. We stopped by the furniture store to see mom and so mom could give Addi a hug and meet Zach. Then we went over to Fashion Valley and had lunch, talked, ran around in the rain and had some Dlush. I had no idea about Dlush until they told me about it. I know, I'm a failure in my own town. I don't even know how to explain Dlush except for amazing. Addi got this jello shot lemonade lookin' smoothie thing, minus the alcohol. Zach and I got the most amazing oreo shakes ever. Ever. It was so great to be with Addi, and talk about the old days, and see how much she's changed and how much she's grown and see her as a wife. And I just love Zach. They're perfect together. I love them so much.
I miss Addi so much. One day I'll have money and I'll be able to go visit her whenever I want. And maybe one day I'll get married, and our husbands will become best friends and we'll all live in the same town. Maybe my ZPS has tracking for bachelors.
Later in the week, I was able to see my "little sister" a couple of times. It's never enough though. She is more than a best friend, she is my sister. I love her so much, and we've been through so much together. I've watched her grow up and become this adult, which still freaks me out sometimes. I wish I could have her home all the time but I guess she has to go out and get her education and get married and all that stuff. Whatever.
Our sister dates at home consist of three things: Delicious food, sister cuddles, and pictures. Yes, our photoshoots may be deemed ridiculous, but when you go from spending 24/7 with someone, to having to plan out your sister dates, you have to capture every morsel...even the parts that are embarrassing and might make "outsiders" roll their eyes.
We know we're ridiculous. We don't care. We never will.
We went to CPK curbside and waited in my car for the nice waiter to bring our food. It was freezing outside and we didn't want to walk to the two feet to get our food. Plus we didn't want to give up the opportunity to have a photoshoot. Duh.
After, we went back to my house and got in my bed and watched a movie, ate our CPK and frosties, and had a sister cuddle with my dogs. Jess might be the only person in the world who loves my dogs as much as I do. Amazing sister. Animal lover-bonus.
I love you so much Jessa. 15 more days.
Lunch with Stace and Nicole Loumeau minus pictures = has never happened before. My bad.
Church with Stace+drive+music=regular summer sunday. Felt good.
Brigham and Jenny came home for the wedding, and for Thanksgiving. Jonathon came home for Thanksgiving a little later. Luckily, we all found time to hang out together, whether it was getting dinner, going to Starbucks, getting ice cream, hanging out at my house, going on drives, or talking for hours at Barnes & Noble, we all had a great time together.
There was still one person I needed to see. My Paisley. There's no one else in the world like Pais. She's crazy, loud, funny, care free, sincere, warm, and loyal. She without a doubt has a huge part of my heart, and I just love her so much.
We went to Jamba Juice, went for a long drive, talked for hours, drove even more, and then walked by my house and took pictures of the fall leaves in the warm sun. Such a great way to end thanksgiving break with my friends.
I'm really lucky I've been able to surround myself with such great people. You meet all types of people in your life, make friends, lose friends, but the ones who really matter stick by you, bring the best out in you, and teach you about yourself and continue to grow with you throughout your life.The other day at fhe this guy in a mocking tone said, "Nicole you have so many best friends. You need to just pick one." I know his purpose was to make me feel bad about myself, but why would I apologize for such a thing? Why would I ever turn something so incredible into something embarrassing? I feel so blessed to have a group of close friends who I know Heavenly Father has brought to my life to make it sweeter. Not one of them ever makes me feel less than wonderful, worthy, and special. Through them, I learn even more about the love of a Heavenly Father. He loves me and through them I feel that love more everyday. I try to remember and count my blessings and they are definitely a huge part of that list.
