everyday SUNSHINE: Back to Orlando

Barrett and I took Carter back to Orlando to visit friends and take in a few tourist attractions.

It has been a year and a half since we moved away but it will always feel like a piece of home. When we landed at the Orlando airport it honestly felt like we were coming home. We have been passengers in that airport many times. We even helped some "tourists" find the baggage claim.

Driving away from the airport, I felt like we should head directly to Garvin Street...our home for seven years! It was where we brought our baby girl home from the hospital. It was where she spent her first two years...in that little pink and chocolate nursery. It was where we had countless playdates, showers and dinners with dear friends. It was where our dog Copper grew old. It was where we were blessed with great neighbors. It was truly a home not just a house.

We created friendships that would define the word friendship. These people will always be in our life and their kids will always be in Carter's life. I know life goes on and things get busy but these types of friendships will endure and grow stronger. We were fortunate and got to visit with most of them. I can honestly say it felt like we were picking up where we left off. These are the easiest and best friendships!

Orlando was a wonderful place to live and now it is a wonderful place to visit.

We have so many cherished memories there and look forward to the ones we will create in our visits.

Our trip:

When we arrived on our first day, we had lunch with Faby...which she told me her wonderful news by showing me her growing belly! So happy for you Faby! We did drive by our old house and see the neighborhood. We had dinner with the Pedricks, Terrys and Warrens at the best BBQ place in Orlando....4Rivers! One place that Barrett and I definitely miss! It was nice to enjoy a casual dinner with them while catching up on everything.

Day 2 - We had lunch at the Peacock's house (Courtney made a fabulous chicken pasta!) Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of Sam...but he is getting so big...and his hair is adorable!

Carter and Sam played well...until Carter mistakenly took Sam's favorite toys...it was too funny! After lunch, we headed down to Disney to take Carter to Magic Kingdom...even though there was a threat of a tropical storm. Were we crazy? Thank goodness it did not turn into anything and we had a wonderful time...minus just a few sprinkles!

We are getting so excited! Even the monorail was brightening our smile...

We had planned to spend the day at the park with the Warrens and Crescentis. Unfortunately, the threat of the storm put a little kink in our plan. However, we did get to visit with the Crescentis for a little bit before going into the park. They had to go a little earlier...also it was Gracyn's birthday! We missed spending the day with the Warrens and Crescentis but want to thank them for "helping" us get in.

These two picked right back up as the best of friends...love these sweet faces!

We did have a "first" on the trip. Carter had her first haircut. I know hard to believe...she's almost four and never had a haircut. I couldn't cut the curls...fortunately I don't think they are going anywhere.

Disney has a little barbershop on Main Street that I have always wanted to take Carter...but when we lived there she really didn't have enough hair to cut.