Reunion

I tried desperately hard to get rid of the "fat arm"by using my special technique of popping my arm out--but to no avail.
Not only does my arm still look fat...it looks awkward. Doesn't vanity go out the door with pregnancy anyway? I don't know why I try so hard?! :)

On Monday afternoon I enjoyed a long over-due reunion with an old roommate and long time friend, Rachel. We met when we were both teenagers. She a little younger than I but very much on the same page: blonde, smart (she far more than I), often sassy, and seriously boy crazy (I hate admitting that...but it's true). We connected right away and found our paths crossing through the years (thanks to Rachel's mom, Alexis and a little serendipity).
It has been six years since we last saw each other...it was a monumental occasion. We met in the parking lot of the San Diego Temple. It was there (not in the parking lot, of course--but inside the SD Temple) that Rachel and Tyler were married for eternity together. I remember the sunlight filtering in through the stain glass windows on the upper floor of the Temple in the room where the wedding was performed. As cliche as it sounds, I felt like I was in another world...I remember thinking, "This must be what heaven is like."
Interesting that a wedding is what brought us as friends together again. Rachel's brother, Jacob was married in the Mesa Temple to a darling girl named, Erica. Brandon and I were able to witness their marriage as well. They were married in the same room that Brandon and I were six and a half years ago.
It was such a treat to have Rachel and Tyler in our home. Rachel and I are due days a part and so we were able to sit with our round bellies on the couch and talk, rub each others sore/fat feet, and yes, eat...one of the things we do best together :)
We committed (likely while eating a decadent treat of some kind) to run a sprint triathlon next fall together. We both need the motivation to get our selves back in shape and it is a great excuse to travel to Sparks, NV to see her and her lovely family (soon to add a third girl to the bunch). Oh, and can I also comment that Tyler (her husband) is a total catch. Tall, handsome, and SO thoughtfully sweet. She got a good one :)
They left today to reunite with their two little girls: Lily and London, both of whom were staying with Tyler's parents. I miss them already. James teared up this morning when I told him they were leaving on an airplane today. He requested that we take a picture of them so that we don't have to miss them as much. So cute.