Trip to see Lesley!

Lesley is my oldest friend. Not that she's old (our birthday's are only 1 month apart and I wouldn't call almost 30 old, would you?) She moved to Baton Rouge when we were in the 6th grade. We became friends way back then and actually lived in the same neighborhood. Then we went to highschool together and then on to the same college, Appalachain State in Boone, NC. We roomed together in a tiny dorm that first year. We've stayed friends even though we haven't lived in the same town since 2000. She moved to Ohio for her MA then to Knoxville for her PhD in Wildlife Studies. Somewhere in there she got married and I got married and we were in each other's weddings. Now she and Jason are living in Richmond, VA. She had her first baby 3 months ago. I never got to see her pregnant and I guess it's been over a year since we've seen each other. So, on Thursday I rented a little car and drove up there--without the girls! It was a very exciting trip. I've never been away from the girls over night before. So, I was gone for 2 nights and 3 days. Lesley and I hung out around her beautiful house and talked to and played with baby Alder. We went on a long walk and ate at a great Indian restaurant. When Jason got home in the evenings we had great adult conversation. Nobody was asking me questions and I didn't fix dinner or any meal for anyone, clean up after anyone, OR wipe anyone's bottom for that whole time! I mean it's not that I don't like to do most of those things on a regular basis . . . It is just nice to have a break from daily routines every once in a while. It was a wonderful vacation and I couldn't think of a better place to spend a few days away from my family. Daniel was very encouraging the whole time. He knew how much I missed Lesley and how important it was for me to get to see her. He was excited about being home alone with the girls for a few days. They loved having all the daddy attention! We plan to get our family's together in the fall for a beach trip.