So...I am finally back to the world of internet, and only have about a thousand pictures to share-ha! I had a WONDERFUL time sharing Christmas with my friends and family this year! I am SO glad I was able to go for a good long visit. Despite sleep deprivation, it was a completely perfect time! There was so much fun having, I decided to divide the trip into days. This post actually includes Wednesday and Thursday of my trip, but since Wed. was mostly driving FOR-E-VER from Virginia to Georgia I thought I would just combine:).
Here goes Day 1 began with getting up early and loading up my car....
My packed bags.I did in fact pack things other than blankets-ha! I can pretty much sleep anywhere, but I HAVE to have my own blankets with me. I DID manage to pack a few clothes in there too!Then I loaded up my car. Yes, I did say MY car! Working at a Honda dealership does have some perks:)! I was able to get a really great deal on a 2010 Honda Fit!!!
I was too lazy to go take a picture of The Fit, but she looks just like this one...so, there you go. I had some adjustment issues at first with missing my Lil' Civ-ha, but we managed to bond during some snowy travels in Virginia and the million hour drive to Georgia. I think we might work out:).After I loaded up, I went to work a half day. Im not sure, but I don't think I have ever been so distracted on the job! I was Ready To Go!!! When NOON came I was ready! I hopped in my car and started on my way to GEORGIA!!! YAY!!!
I have to say, I was not sure I was gonna make it there for awhile. Somewhere around South Carolina some Lady Gaga came on the radio (I know, I know, Ms. Gaga is CRAZY, but in this situation it was much needed!) . It was just what I needed to perk up my drive and help me push through to home.
It was, of course, night when I actually saw the welcome to Georgia sign. But, I posted this one for you because I swear the pieces of my soul came back together upon glimpsing it-ha! I have missed this state.
When I got to my dad's, I just unloaded and went to sleep, because the next day was gonna be CRAZINESS in all the right ways!!! I woke up in the morning to find Jen, Micah, and Amelia had made it, and we enjoyed a little coffee and conversation with my dad and his wife Marcie. I was able to go for a quick run, and it was so nice to take in all the familiar places I had not seen in so long. Even though I have lived in GA the past two years, it had been about six years since I had stayed at my dad's house. Before we lived here, the land and such belonged to my Great Grandparents, and no matter life changes-I have spent every single Christmas morning in this house. The place is full of history and all the open land is just BEAUTIFUL! Walking around and taking it in was the BEST way to begin my trip!
Old trees in the front yard. In the spring it has Mulberries.
Bell they used to use to ring people in from the cotton fields. They also used it to announce Weddings, Births, and Deaths back in the day.
Muscedine Vines
Magnolia Tree
When I got back from my run I found Ms. Amelia eating up some pancakes my dad had made! My dad is basically a pancake genius, and growing up would make his girls any shaped pancake they requested. Amelia got a bunny:).
My first peak of Athens! Can I just say....this made me SO happy!
Got to meet up with my good friend Christopher Cook. He was kind enough to visit with me as I walked around in the COLD and just soaked it all in!
LOVE
Athens is a pretty musical city, so it is not unusual to see people playing on the street corners. These guys were pretty good actually! I have missed scenes like this one! I love how interesting and artsy Athens is....
From downtown, Christopher and I walked through University of Georgia in order to surprise our friend Wendy at work! Was nice to see the pretty campus, and GREAT to see Ms. Wendy(I did take some pics with her, but they were not blog approved-ha). Wendy and I left Christopher for some Starbucks and girl time 
Pretty at Night too:)
Old trees in the front yard. In the spring it has Mulberries.
Bell they used to use to ring people in from the cotton fields. They also used it to announce Weddings, Births, and Deaths back in the day.
Muscedine Vines
Magnolia Tree
When I got back from my run I found Ms. Amelia eating up some pancakes my dad had made! My dad is basically a pancake genius, and growing up would make his girls any shaped pancake they requested. Amelia got a bunny:).
After breakfast, I got ready and went to meet my friend Angie for lunch. Angie and I were in the same youth group growing up, and became even closer through our college years. She is married now with a little boy, so she is super busy! I was so glad I was able to catch up with her a little bit! I didn't take one picture :(!
From Angies' I headed to ATHENS! Be still my heart-ha! I don't think I love anyplace better.
My first peak of Athens! Can I just say....this made me SO happy!
Got to meet up with my good friend Christopher Cook. He was kind enough to visit with me as I walked around in the COLD and just soaked it all in!
LOVE
Athens is a pretty musical city, so it is not unusual to see people playing on the street corners. These guys were pretty good actually! I have missed scenes like this one! I love how interesting and artsy Athens is....
From downtown, Christopher and I walked through University of Georgia in order to surprise our friend Wendy at work! Was nice to see the pretty campus, and GREAT to see Ms. Wendy(I did take some pics with her, but they were not blog approved-ha). Wendy and I left Christopher for some Starbucks and girl time 
Pretty at Night too:)We then headed to one of my favorite places in All The World!
The Bush Home! The Bush's are a family from our church who welcomed my sisters and I into their family a few years back! I even lived with them for a little while before I moved to Virginia. When I walked through the door I truly felt at rest!
Jack cooked a DELICIOUS meal for me:). He is such a great picture of what a godly father looks like, and his wife Susan is the best picture of a surrendered wife and mom I have ever seen. I am BLESSED to have them in my life!
The Bush's have three boys, but only their youngest Daniel was home for Christmas.
- Mr. Daniel Bush-
(aka My Favorite Little Bro:)
I don't know what this is...but I know that it is special-ha!
He is Silly:)!
Love my Athen's Family!
Jack cooked a DELICIOUS meal for me:). He is such a great picture of what a godly father looks like, and his wife Susan is the best picture of a surrendered wife and mom I have ever seen. I am BLESSED to have them in my life! The Bush's have three boys, but only their youngest Daniel was home for Christmas.
- Mr. Daniel Bush-(aka My Favorite Little Bro:)
I don't know what this is...but I know that it is special-ha!He is Silly:)!
Love my Athen's Family!I spent the evening getting to visit and laugh with the Bush's, Christopher, and Wendy. They were gracious enough to let me reclaim my former room. So, after lots of much needed hang out time-I pretty much passed out. Had to get some sleep in order to be ready for A Georgia Christmas-Day 2!
