Weekend

Life has quickly become comfortable. I know that many use the word comfortable with a negative connotation. I do not. What a better way to feel than comfortable?

We are quickly settling into our new lives living together in Alexandria.  Things are better, things are happier.  Consistently, every day.  Not that there were ever any serious problems with the distance.  I actually think we handled a long distance really well.  But you start to hit a point where the distance wears on you, where you can think of nothing more than wishing you were together.

But now we're here. Happy. Comfortable.

This past weekend was absolutely perfect.  Took Addie to the Shirlington Dog Park on Saturday afternoon.  I've been waiting for Mark to get here for our first trip over.  We couldn't have been more amazed.  Addie has really grown up in the last few months, but I certainly wasn't expecting this.  Our little girl had such an amazing time and she was SO GOOD.  To start with, the park is just fantastic.  A long stretch of fenced in land along the river.  Dogs all around.  Running, playing, barking.  Really enjoying themselves.  I figured it all might be a little too intimidating for Addie.  I thought she'd stay close and be a bit timid.  To my complete surprise, she was thrilled.  She ran ahead of us, explored the area, played with other dogs, and would always, always, come when we called her.  Mark and I loved it maybe almost as much as Addie.  I predict much of our free time this summer will be spent there.

We walked across the street to 'downtown' Shirlington to sit outside with some coffee.  I'm truly in love.  And I'm pretty sure Mark is too.  Shirlington is quiet, peaceful, local, and fantastic.  Spending time in the pretty downtown area (even going back Saturday night for dinner and drinks at Capitol City Brewing Co.) and more time Sunday at the dog park (with Zues this time!) sparked more than a little interest in me.  Unfortunately, it's gotten me thinking of how amazing it would be to live right in the midst of that area.  We are so close now, about a 5 minute drive.  But I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the area's property. (Have I mentioned here yet my love of townhomes?  I think that will be our next step, hopefully.  More room, more like a house for our little family.)

Amy and Randy's wedding this weekend!  This date has completely snuck up on me.  We went out shopping last night for a dress and gifts.  No dresses were to be found by me, and a big big sorry to you babe for the bad mood it put me in.  Can't wait to spend Saturday with a room full of favorites, dancing, and what's sure to be lots of drinks and laughter!

Happy (belated) Mother's Day

Found a note mysteriously placed on the counter behind me as I was cooking dinner last night. It read:

Dear Mommy,

We hope you are having a terrific Mother's Day! You deserve it! You are the best mommy that two dogs and a cat could ever possibly wish to have. We love you Mommy.

Addie, Gracie, & Zues

P.S. If you find this late in the day, you shouldn't blame Daddy. We love you Mommy.


Did I mention Mark's here now? Maybe that had something to do with how the animals were able to get the note on the counter for me to see...

:)

Here's to...

Spent a beautiful weekend in Virginia's Northern Neck for Amy's bachelorette weekend. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, the company couldn't have been more enjoyable, and the time with good friends couldn't have felt more wonderful. Fun games, great wine, and great conversation filled the weekend. Exactly what I needed. So looking forward to Amy and Randy's wedding in 3 weeks. She's going to be the most beautiful bride!!

I'm finding it hard to believe that tomorrow is the day. I've been thinking, and hoping, and praying about this day for months upon months and it's almost surreal that it's actually here. Mark moves up tomorrow. He begins his new job on Monday, and we finally get to start the rest of our lives together. I'll get to go to sleep and wake up every single day next to the person I love more than anything in this world. To say I'm blessed and grateful would be an unfortunate understatement. So just let me say this: I'm blissfully happy and couldn't ask for more.

So here's to the next chapter. My love and me, in the same city and same home, permanently. To time with our precious puppies and kitten. And to everything I've ever dreamed of beginning to come true.