My Last Day in Orlando and Coming Home

Brian's brother, Scott, and his family stayed over on Saturday night. I got in too late to see them, but we had a chance to hang out on Sunday morning. I hadn't seen them since Brian and Nichol's wedding and they've had a beautiful new addition to the family since then. They left for home shortly after breakfast.

I took off for church soon after Scott and his family left. I have so many good memories from this place.

After church, a bunch of my friends went out to lunch at Smokey Bones near the Florida Mall for one last meal together before I left.

While there, I was finally able to get a picture of Brian and Nichol (my friends who had been putting me up / putting up with me all week).

It was a little sad knowing it was my last lunch in town and having to say good-bye to everyone.

After lunch, my friend Wee-Gee and his wife Jo met me and Sue at the Panera's next to Smokey Bones. I'd been trying to get together with Wee-Gee all week, but he had gotten sick the day we were supposed to meet. I was thankful we were able to see each other before I left town. Christy also stopped by while we were there to swap photos with each other.

After Panera's, I went back to Brian and Nichol's to start packing and finish up some homework that was due on Monday. Brian, Nichol, and I ended up staying up late hanging out, something I enjoyed immensely.

Monday morning, I froze on the way to the airport -- it was a little cool that morning and I refused to put the top up for my last drive with the convertible. I returned the rental car and made it to my gate with no problems and had a turbulent, but otherwise uneventful flight home.

Mom and Dad picked me up at the airport and we went to Applebee's for lunch before they dropped me off at home.

Seeing Mom and Dad was a wonderful reminder that I have two homes -- one in Viriginia and one in Florida. As much as I miss Orlando, I also relish living close to family again and love my friends up here too. I am doubly blessed.

This week has been a good one, but a bit busy catching up on all the work I should have been doing while I was gone. I am almost caught up to where I ought to be and am adjusting to life at school again after a wonderful week in the warmth and sun. I can't wait for my next trip back!