My weekend with Erica

I stole these pictures from Erica's facebook page. She recently got a new camera. A beautiful camera. ( I am only slightly jealous )

My friend Erica is moving from Central IL where we grew up to Maryland where her husband has a new job.

I didn't think that I would be able to see her again before she left but everything just seemed to work out, so Emma and I headed south.

With Emma not loving her car seat, I was a little nervous about how she would do. On the way down she did ok. She fussed a little here and there and at about 3 hrs into it she had had enough. Thankfully we were close.

Needless to say she was very happy to get out and crawl around.

I think Erica was so very excited to meet little Emma. To be honest, I think she fell in love with her.

But.....who doesn't when they meet her?? ;)

For dinner we went to my favorite restaurant. Monicals.

And yes, I did eat pizza.

And yes.

 it. was. amazing.

Truth be told, I think I could have eaten for snack Friday night and for breakfast Sat. morning.

I think Emma was impressed.

Erica's boys had plans to spend the night with their Grandma and Grandpa at a local church camp for "cousins camp."

I love this picture. Kyler kept giving Emma a funny look b/c she kept trying to grab his hat.

Back at Erica's we had 1 tired baby on our hands.

We gave her a little snack

 and let her play, and then she almost happily laid down.

Erica and I stayed up late, watching a movie (which was REALLY good) and just talking. We finally headed to bed around 1:30. Which ironically was the time Emma wanted to get up for a snack. Thankfully she went right back to sleep.

But was up at 6 for the day. Yikes!!

The next morning, we went to the local cafe for some coffee and donuts.

Emma couldn't decide which one she wanted. But she finally decided upon a raspberry filled donut. Wise choice little one. Wise choice. ;)

(btw, I think this is my favorite picture of Emma)

After the donut shop we went to the park. There was a cancer walk going on and 1 of Erica's friends had a booth promoting her photography. (which she is really good at)

After the park, we went to Erica's parents house.

Erica's nephew Chase was there. I don't think he was to sure about Emma.

Erica's Mom took the kids on a wagon ride.

And I do mean a wagon ride!!! :)

I had such a nice weekend. I was so nice to catch up with each others lives.

Maddie and Nathan were mad at me that I didn't take them with me. But this wasn't the trip for kids. (Emma doesn't count. )

On the way home, Emma was so exhausted that she slept almost the whole way home. She woke up about 45min from our house. That was 1 quiet ride!

 I LOVED it.

I don't get to see Erica all that often, maybe once a year at best. But I so enjoy her friendship. She is full of energy and fun loving. She is kind and thoughtful. I don't really have memories of her ever being mean to anyone. I miss Erica, and I miss her friendship. I miss the lifetime of memories that I have with her. I m so thankful that we have kept our friendship current and alive. I look forward to many more memories to make.

(I am also thankful for my hubby who let me sleep in on Sunday morning. He got up with her when she woke up early for the day. #it's the little things.)