We spent the morning doing school. (That’s what we do most mornings!)
After school, my friend Michelle came to pick us up. Michelle and I have been “penpals” for over 3 years. She originally found my blog through a Google search. We began emailing regularly and our friendship grew without ever meeting each other.
It’s a weird experience meeting someone for the first time in person who already knows many details about your life. Not only that but replacing pixels with a real voice and real expressions is quite a trip. At one point, I blurted out that I was having a hard time connecting the Michelle in my head with the real life Michelle. FYI, the real life Michelle was even more wonderful that the Michelle in my head…I didn’t even think that would be possible!
Michelle kindly took me to The Garlic Shoppe (I loooove garlic) in Gilroy where we pet animals and bought overpriced garlic items including ice cream. I had to have a bite. It was strange not necessarily gross but strange.
In the evening, Brent met up with us at her house where Michelle treated us to Mr. Falafel. The kids played and once her husband got home we stayed until 11:30 that night and I think we could have kept talking until 11:30 the following night.
I also have to show you the cutest little garland she made us. It’s a string of hearts cut out of a map with a family picture in the center. The hearts each have a state on them.
Our home state. (I noticed they are in alphabetically order. A girl after my own heart!) ;-)
We hung it over our door and it looks darling. I’m going to take after pictures of our rv remodel as soon as I clean it up get a chance.
Meeting Andrea and Michelle and other bloggers I know got me thinking about the internet. People criticize the internet but in my life it has been a huge blessing. For starters, it allows Brent to work remotely and without it I don’t know if we would be doing this trip. Secondly, it has introduced us to many amazing people. Sure I have wasted numerous hours online looking at pictures of hairless cats (I looooove hairless kitties…sorry Meow Cow) or bangs the night before a haircut but overall I’m so grateful for the doors it has opened up. I’m also grateful that you take the time to read about our lives.
Love and Laughter,
Jenn
November 9, 2011 at 2:05 pm
That garland is fantastic!!! I love it.
I want to go to the Garlic Shoppe (I must always pronounce this “shoppie”). And eat at Mr. Falafel. Hmm, maybe I’d better go make my breakfast…
Happy trails, I hope to see you when you make it to Michigan!
xoxo
November 12, 2011 at 8:30 am
I’d love to see you!!!
November 9, 2011 at 2:51 pm
This post was 100% you. I loved the garland, so sweet!!!
November 12, 2011 at 8:30 am
Garlic Girl!
November 9, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Loving your posts! reading every word! That garland is amazing! What a beautiful gift.
November 9, 2011 at 6:46 pm
Really enjoying your trip. So glad and thankful you are taking the time to share your adventures. The garland is just too cute for words.
November 12, 2011 at 8:31 am
Thanks for reading Mom. Love you!
November 9, 2011 at 8:31 pm
How sweet! What a thoughful gift! And so creative, too! I love garlic it’s so good for preventing colds.
November 12, 2011 at 8:32 am
Yay for garlic!
November 10, 2011 at 3:09 am
I am so jealous of Michelle in this moment:) Someday this will be us too!! And I love that garland – can’t wait to see pics of the RV!
November 12, 2011 at 8:33 am
I can’t wait to meet you!!!!!
November 10, 2011 at 4:05 am
Ahhh, loved that post and so funny, it looks as though I have a vice-grip on your hand in that pic – if only we had more time but hopefully next year … Our family will always remember your family’s visit with wonderful memories. Getting to meet you is one of the highlights of 2011! Safe and happy travels my friend; lots of love too! Until soon …
November 12, 2011 at 8:33 am
Thank you again Michelle. We had a wonderful time and I can’t wait to meet again! XOXO
November 10, 2011 at 4:06 am
PS – I still wish I had given Meow Cow belly blows – it would had been soooo worth getting hair in my lip gloss!
November 12, 2011 at 8:34 am
He he!!!!
November 10, 2011 at 3:29 pm
Glad you had such a wonderful visit with Michelle!
November 11, 2011 at 3:40 am
Oh I’m so excited! Yes, Michelle is the best. She is sooo thoughtful. That garland is priceless. When I came to visit, she had thoughtful gifts too- an adorable frame with a photo of my Dad and I that I have on my bedstand. What a winner of a human being. <3
November 12, 2011 at 8:40 am
What a thoughtful gift!!! You and her both put me too shame with your thoughtfulness!!!