A Night to Remember

In a house full of family drama, I have learned how to saver the moments of love and laughter. Last night was one of the best nights the family here and I have had this entire summer. It started with sushi at a place that has a belt that carries rolls around and you take off whatever you want. 

 

And did I mention it was in the middle of a mall?

That's a lot of plates!! 

So we ate $120 in sushi and had a fantastic time. 

Check that off my bucket list! Mall sushi that I grab off the rotating thingy... 

Then we walked around the mall and guess what? There was a guy piercing ears. So I got a second piercing along with Michelle. 

Check that off my bucket list! 

Then we found Dave at McDonalds and he had bought fries. So I peeled off the monopoly price from the package and WON!! I got a free mcflurry! 

I love winning things :) 

And finally, we found our way out of the mall in laughter and smiles. When we got to the car, no one wanted to walk around the sidewalk to the parking garage so we climbed over the fence. But Dave couldn't quite get over... 

He was very stuck. 

It was so funny!! Can't even tell you how much laughter does for the soul. 

Thank you Father for night like the last that carry us through. 

I only have 2 weeks left with this second family. I'll be missing them, that is for sure. 

Can't wait to see my California family. Love to all,

Erin 

Beltways and Babies.

Out here in Virginia, there is a highway called the Beltway. It goes in a circle from DC to Virginia to Maryland. It's like the tri-state/DCMetro area connector and has various highways that connect to it. It's very intimidating. Nothing like highway 101. The thing about not having a car this summer is that I didn't even have to worry about driving that monster because well, how would I? 

(Pause in the story to start a new story, I promise they'll connect at some point) 

I met this amazing woman through the family I'm staying with. She was going to have a baby (scheduled C-Section) and needed a sitter for their sweet little boy during that time. So of course I offered to help out. 

(Here is where I do my magic and connect the stories)

The family offered me a car this past weekend because I would be coming over 3 times and they have this extra Toyota Highlander. It's an amazing car, my dream car actually. It's name is the Crusher. Yeah!! Oh and no AC. Ha! Who needs AC in the middle of July in Va? Not me, that's for sure. 

So I got this car,but I had to go on the Beltway to get to the awesome families' house. I got dropped off by my host family, I babysat for a few hours, then I hopped in the Crusher to go home. I had printed out driving directions and was set to go. But, I started out the wrong way out of the driveway. Then I hopped on the highway, and merged onto the Beltway (ps DC drivers are mean). I kinda knew how to get home, but I didn't have directions because I blew them the second I left the driveway. So, I just started going. And praying. I got off on the exit of a street I recognized and went right. I went a really long way then realized I should have gone left. So I got gas, the crusher was low, and turned around. I got back to where I needed to be and accidentally got on the Beltway again, though I don't know how.  I went up an exit and then back to where I needed to be and started on the home stretch. I ended up only making one more mistake before getting home. 

I'm waiting out nap time right now, I gave the keys back this morning when I got here. The crusher is back and I know he won't give up our secrets of lost-ness. It was a good time. Mom and dad will be home with new baby boy in a matter of hours and I don't think I'll be romping up and down the beltway alone any time soon. But, if I had to, I totally could. 

I am learning to seek adventure. But what's more, I'm learning not to fear it. Chances are, l'll survive most anything God gives me to do. At least all but one thing. I just don't think that thing will be 495 West to who knows where. 

The Crusher!! 

Happy 4th of july!

This year I was inspired by the 4th of July. If you know me at all or have spent time with me around any holiday, you will find that I don't enjoy holidays for the most part. I can't articulate exactly why, it is just one of those things. But, I love the 4th of July. Maybe it's that there are no expectations of me. Maybe because the point is to celebrate and have fun outside  It's delightfully warm outside. There is enough patriotism to go around. I just love America.
So, I decided that every year I have to do something fun on the fourth of July. That is why I pushed everyone to go to the Capital Lawn for the 4th. We watched the concert and hung out with the president. Well not really with him, but he was siting with us in spirit. It was very fun. Even Neil Diamond performed!  It was amazing.
I challenge anyone who reads this to make the most of living in a place like America. We are so blessed to be born into this country. To be given the right from birth to enjoy such an amazing place. The world is fabulous and worth exploring, but I have learned the past few months how special exploring our own country can be. It's spectacular.
Here are some of the best pictures from our day. God bless America!

I hope your day was as joy filled as ours! Sending love! ~Erin