Back Home to the Coast

It's almost been a year since I moved to the Midwest and it's been a pretty great adjustment but I also could not wait for my visit home. There was no particular reason I chose to go home this time other than it just felt like a good time to go home, one of my best friend's had a new baby I had yet to meet and the timing worked out that I was able to be there on my older sister's birthday. My flight left disgustingly early but the bonus was that I had no delays, no wait between layovers and both seats were upgraded so I had all the leg room. I used to be terrified to sit in the Exit row but now that I've experience it, I do not want to go back to the squished seats I was in before.

I started my trip in the Atlanta area. One of my very  best friends from college, Sharon, had her little miracle baby about 5 months ago and it was a priority to get to meet her. I think the second best thing to one of your siblings having a baby is for your best friend to have one. We had such a good time eating good food and just hanging out together. Sharon is married to a wonderful guy who just completes our friendship perfectly.

 Mellie let me hold her. She smiled, she cried, she pooped. She was wonderful in every sort of way that a baby should be. I loved every second I got to spend with her and can't wait until I get to see her again. She's my first official niece so that makes her extra special.

A visit with Sharon is not complete without a viewing of the Little Rascals and also Matthew made us chocolate peanut butter cookies which were absolutely delicious. I couldn't think of a better way to start my vacation and I miss this sweet little family so much already!

Another of my best friends, Amanda, is currently in that area as well and on Sunday she met us for brunch and then I went back to spend the day with her. We spent hours catching up on life and love and asking each other all the questions about why things are so. We decided to go back to one of our favorite spots and went for a hike at Kennesaw Mountain. It is absolutely gorgeous this time of year. Some of the way up there you question your sanity but the view from the top is always worth it. Life epiphanies always seemed to happen on this mountain while in college so it was nice to be back. We finished night eating Zaxbys which I visited multiple times in Georgia. MULTIPLE.

 The following day we got up and went for a run then road tripped home to the Coast. We listened to Ashlee Simpson, cursed the traffic spots, and laughed at Tyler Oakley's podcast which made the drive fly by. I got to my sister's place and immediately felt back home. I lived with my sister most of my time back in Brunswick after college so we spent a lot of time together. The rest of the week I hung out mostly with her which was just so good. There's something so relaxing about being back with your older sister and getting to slip comfortably back into little sister mode where you know you'll be taken care of. 

Kim still had to work part of the day while I was there and I mostly relaxed and watched the Cooking channel. I know that doesn't sound terribly exciting but it's not often you can just relax in the middle of the week in the middle of the day. We also got delicious fro yo with the nephew Tre, road bikes, and went for a walk. When I moved back home to Brunswick I discovered my active side and it was nice to be back with my old workout buddies. The best part of the day was when Kim was test driving her bike and the entire wheel popped off. Crazy, hilarious things happen when Kim or Leann are around.

Ayden, the other tiny nephew, loves to dance and to get home and have him put on a show was just the best. I also made Kim a birthday cake and he helped me put on the sprinkles. I'm telling you this vacation was also an Aunt ToTo tour but I loved it so much. On Kim's birthday the foretasted rain was no where to be found and we went to the beach! Normally I get bored after an hour but I think being away for so long helped me to appreciate it. We also got Barbecue at one of my favorite spots on St. Simons, Beachcombers. The sweet potato nuggets are what dreams are made of.

It was a relaxing fun day for everyone as you can see. And thanks to that baby sunscreen which was at SPF 50, I managed to walk off the beach without a crazy sunburn.

My dearest friend Lexie who hails from South Carolina drove down to see me for the evening! I love spending time with her too because its always dance parties, quoting the internet, and laughing. We went out for sushi/hibachi for Kim's birthday and to a few spots after with friends. We stayed out later than I have in the longest time but it was so much fun. I am a 28 year old old woman and love my early bed times but I will sometimes sacrifice that sleep for quality time with people I love. 

As quickly as it started, my vacation came to an end. We woke up and made a delicious breakfast and then were entertained by this cute human. He's definitely at that age where almost every thing he says and does is entertaining and I was happy to see him before I left. We hit up the mall on the way to the airport (we just happened to be matching sisters) and I finally purchased a pair of overalls. I'm pretty excited about that. My seats for my last flights were assigned but it was a dream come true when I had all the leg room in the one I did get. 

It was a wonderful wonderful weekend spending time with people I love so much. It's so good to be around people who know you and who can make you laugh and feel like the best version of yourself. It was a great trip home and I can't wait till I get to go back. 

Life's a Peach,

Tori