Catching up in Arizona.... Girlfriends and Jessica's Baby Shower

This past weekend I flew down to Arizona for my "little sister's" baby shower. I was paired with Jessica when she was 9 years old through Big Brothers/Big Sisters and have been very close with her over the years. Jessica unexpectedly announced she was pregnant(at 15 yrs old) earlier this year so it was mixed feelings that I attended her shower. I am debating on what role I need to play in her life now- should I be the strong voice of reason? how do I continue to keep her on a path to college?

The rest of the weekend was spent in general girl time mode with Candice, Brandi and Val which made me yearn for the days when we were all in the same town. I also had a great lunch with Janice Gillespie, who I realized still has not met Derek in person!! (Janice is Ralph Gillespie's wife and a "god mother" of mine for about 8 years.) The AZ house still looks good! I took a run by the home in Chandler and had a little nostalgia. (sigh!)

I also loved spending some time with Miss Abbie Fox over the weekend. She was a trip! Very cute, very charming and very fun. Val and Eric are rock star parents. (Send photos Val so I can post to this blog site!)

Derek spent the weekend home with the dogs chilling out and then went on a field-trip Monday and Tuesday out to Ollala to help fix Maryann and Steve's PC. This was a good way to thank Steve for helping Derek build his pocket door in the basement last week. The dogs got to tag along too so it was an adventure for all.

To top off the catching up, Merrie traveled to portland on Monday and tuesday and got to have dinner with Ralph Gillespie and caught up for the first time since the spring. Ralph continues to be a great mentor in my life.

I am truely blessed at having such great friends, great mentors and great family. (Reminds me to give some props to my dad for keeping up on his training for our 1/2 marathon in january at Walt Disney- keep it going dadddy!)