Party like it's 2003

One of my very favorite people came for a visit this weekend - Abby Jansen!

Abby and I met through church while we were in high school and were

roomies/housemates at Calvin College. We made tons of great memories

during our time there! We stood up in each other's weddings.

In spite of geographical distance (Abbs moved to Denver after college), we've

been able to keep in touch and visit each other about once a year. Most of our

visits have just been for a few hours here and there, so to spend an entire weekend 

together was so great... especially for Abbs, who is a mom to THREE very busy little boys!!!

Since we graduated college in 2003 (ugh, where did time go?), I thought the theme of

"Party like its 2003" was appropriate for our time together :)

She flew in on Friday night and on Saturday morning we we're off to Orange Beach!

One of the things I am loving about living on the Gulf Coast - beautiful spring days like this!

Abby and I enjoyed a lovely afternoon in Orange Beach. Sipping on

Abita Strawberry and soaking up the sun was the perfect way to relax. 

We both got a little (ok, A LOT) burned on our backsides while taking a nap!

I took Abby to dinner at Cobalt, one of my favorite restaurants in Orange Beach.

I had 3 1/2 inch wedges on and Abby was wearing flats, 

so I look much, much taller than her in this photo!

No trip to Orange Beach is complete with a trip to the world famous Flora-Bama!

The Bama is a bar located on the Florida/Alabama state line that is 

well known for its signature drink, the "Bushwacker" - basically, a milkshake

concoction full of liquor that tastes coffee-esque.

 We each enjoyed one and then spent the rest of our night listening to a few

very fun bands, dancing, and being entertained by our fellow patrons!

People-watching at the Bama is amazing...it's such a mix of young and old, 

everyone mixing together and having a great time.

Abby had to take a photo underneath the rafter of full bras in the main bar.

The tradition of "get a bushwacker and leave your bra behind" was not one we participated in!

Sunday was a full on stormy day so I don't have any photos to share.

I took Abby to see where our new house will eventually be and

then we had "comfy time" watching movies and chatting.

It was great to have so much quality time together! Abbs is much more

experienced blogger than I, so she'll probably have a great account of our time

together over at her blog. 

Abby, thank you so much for coming to see me in my new home.

I love you so much and your friendship means the world to me!

I'll hope to see you in Denver (or Alabama) soon :)