Illinois' Big Arrival . . . Alexis

Well, Alexis has been picked up from the airport and brought back to good ol' Decatur. And it was so fabulous to have the opportunity to do this - bring her "back". I have really missed her and that was reinforced yesterday when I spent a whole day with her and we had the best time ever - almost like she was never gone. These are the moments you long for in a friendship. That is when you know how true and rare it is.

It was 4 degrees yesterday and when she got off that plane, she walked straight into a brick wall of cold Illinois reality. It made her appreciate where she came from, North Carolina's 60 degree January flip-flop weather. Jamie and I had a pact that every time Alexis brought up NC's weather, that we would just ingnore her. hehe. But Alexis sucked it up, frozen teeth and all, to spend a day full of fun with us - her two very favorite people. Now that is friendship.

So what did we do? Well, we spent a long while at Barnes & Noble (one of our favorite hang-outs), then went and saw a movie - my first in probably 2 years!, Catch and Release. It had gotten bad reviews but we all loved it. It was a girly GREAT. I already am on the lookout for the soundtrack at a good price or else I will have to buy it on itunes. I love Jennifer Garner and "Barry" looked so dang HOT. (drool) We were one of the only ones in the theater, which is always such fun. You can laugh and talk and it doesn't even matter. We had a great time.

Then off to dinner and drinks (something else we do so well together) and then shopping (another girly given!). Got some excellent deals at The Children's Place - an additional 50% off already discounted items, plus a coupon for 20% off of that! - woohoooo! and I came out with 2 bags full - big bags full - so shhhhh don't tell Neil, they are still in Jamie's car (hehe). And then our drive home was quite interesting, but I'll just end it with that. It was quite entertaining and fun.

So today is a lazy day, and then the big big big Bears game. We can't WAIT! Let's party like it's 1986! (GO Bears!!!!)

So . . . what a great weekend. Can't wait for the rest of the week. I think we are going to go play Bingo tomorrow night, drive out to our new lot one day, have lunch at Robbie's and then have a slumber party Tues night before I have to take Alexis back on Wed. I'm so glad she is here. Now if Jen were here, too, life would be oh so perfect. (*smile*)