Raleigh March 23

While I was home in Charlotte for the first week of my break, I was able to not only see my family, but also catch up with a few friends. The second day I was back my friend, Nathan, came to visit me, it was fantastic to see him again. Then the next day (Saturday) I met up with my best friend, Kristin, for lunch. We had a great time talking and catching up on lost time. Then Sunday after church and going to see Ryan and Kristen, I flew to Raleigh, unannouced to most people. Only a select few knew. Jeff Jagoda picked me up and we were off to surprise the Atwater house! When I stumbled into Atwater Estate I silenced the room and was welcomed with a lot of confused, but yet pleased faces. It was really exciting to sit and tell stories with everyone again. Then Olivia came over and we dropped by Cookout so she could get dinner and then headed over to Okelly. Now no one in the Okelly house had a clue I was in town, well, except for Matt who had previously seen me at Atwater. So, Olivia walked into their kitchen first and they all cheered to welcome her, and once everything was settled I took a deep breath in as I looked into their hall mirror then crept around the corner. Aaron was talking, and was the first to see me, which when he stopped talking everyone turned (note all of this happened in seconds, but seemed longer to me). They knew I was in Charlotte, but I had told them I was not going to make it to Raleigh, but I decided to go up for Jeffords birthday and to sign my apartment lease for next year. It was fun sitting around the dinner table like old times and chatting, then we headed to Brickhouse because Matt insisted on celebrating my very belated birthday. It was really fun. Then I spent the night at Olivia and Laurens place. The next morning Lauren and I headed to campus then to see the apartment complex. After that I borrowed Bens car to go visit Allison Lee and the twins! It was great to see them again, I was afraid Shephard and Kiki would not remember me, but I have a sneaky feeling they did after a few minutes! After that I bought some Goodberrys ice cream, which I dearly missed then took a nap and reading break until Emma called. Emma and I met up at Atwater then walked to a nearby park to just catch up, it was so refreshing to speak finally in person rather than email. Then later that night we had a Southern themed birthday party for Jefford, it was a brilliant time, made me realize that I did miss home. The rest of the time home was really nice just hanging out with my mom, Olivia, dad, and Scott. It was especially nice to see my babies.... cats (Pebbles, Crisco, and Principessa) and King Louis. I also was blessed to have the opportunity the first Saturday to babysit for Joelle. It was lovely to be around kids again, I loved that. Made me glad to know that I will be coming home to babysit this summer!