I love any excuse to go back to Abilene. It will always feel like home to me (although I did forget the shortcuts to a lot of places in the short year I've been gone). Brad and I both loved our college years and then the 4 years we spent as a married couple in Abilene. There is just something about it.
And, there is something about ACU. Except for the debt (!), I don't regret the decision to go to ACU at all! It was such a pivotal time in my life and I have some really great memories of it. Even with all of that said, I was really nervous about going back this year for my 5 year reunion. Would people remember me, would I remember them? Would I be embarrassed if I remembered them, and they didn't remember me? I could already feel the redness starting in my face just thinking about it last week! But, it turned out great. And I'm so glad I went. The weekend was so much fun and it was a blessing to catch up with old roommies and other friends there. Brad was glad he had soccer games away this weekend so he didn't have to go! Poor guy. He is usually just following me around wherever we go and doesn't know anyone. This time it was Brooke's hubby Michael that had to withstand a 2 hour dinner at a table full of girls! Sorry Michael. But thanks for helping me keep Mallory entertained!!
I will say, blogging put a new spin on Homecoming this year. I will admit I look at a lot of blogs of people I really don't know personally. I say look because "blog stalking" sounds really creepy to me!! Anyway. Most of the people's blogs I look at are friends of my friends, or at least people I knew of at school...that makes it okay, right? A bunch of us were laughing about how we feel like we really know people just because of their blogs, when in fact, we probably never even knew their name while we were at school. I had to remind myself of that a few times. "No, you can't go up and ask about so and so, you don't really know them!!" I was relieved at the same time to hear that other people do it too.
GATA breakfast, pledge class of 1999
College roommies! So fun to see them, and their babies again. We had our own little "reunion" back in February. Since then, 1 baby was born and there are 2 more on the way in December! Brooke, I'm so mad we forgot to get belly shots together!!!!
Here are some of the kiddos at the parade: Caleb, Ella and Mallory in the back. Hayden and Faith in the front. It took a couple of times to get the majority of them to even look at us!
And, the other friends. I stayed with my BFF Kara and her family over the weekend. What a blessing to have friends that open their home to me and Mallory (sorry about all the estrogen Tim!!). Here is Kaylee striking a pose for me before church. For some reason, I didn't get any pictures of Brooke and Mallory together. It's always fun to see them side by side since they are only 11 days apart.
More friends at lunch after church! This is Chris, Sarah and Noelle. Noelle was another one born last summer. She and Mallory are about 6 weeks apart. So fun!
So much fun! I was off my normal routine of an afternoon nap every day (sigh), so I was pretty wiped out when we got home on Sunday. But, we had a blast and I can't believe it's already been 5 years since college. I'm getting so old.
College roommies! So fun to see them, and their babies again. We had our own little "reunion" back in February. Since then, 1 baby was born and there are 2 more on the way in December! Brooke, I'm so mad we forgot to get belly shots together!!!!
And, the other friends. I stayed with my BFF Kara and her family over the weekend. What a blessing to have friends that open their home to me and Mallory (sorry about all the estrogen Tim!!). Here is Kaylee striking a pose for me before church. For some reason, I didn't get any pictures of Brooke and Mallory together. It's always fun to see them side by side since they are only 11 days apart. 
7 comments:
Hi Shannon, it's Tracey (Harper). I could totally relate to your nervous feelings before the reunion. And - I have spent so much time checking out blogs, as well. Many are friends and friends of friends. Although, I had never come across yours before until last night when Meredith P left me a comment and yours was linked to hers. I read a few of your entries and the tee-tee post was absolutely hilarious!! You will do great with 2 kiddoes... if you've read any of my long-time ago posts, you'll see that I think that my transition from 0-1 was much more difficult than 1-2. Breathe a sigh of relief! Having 2 kids... especially so close in age will be so fun! The most difficult thing for me with 2 kids is having very little time for myself. Best wishes on the rest of your pregnancy... I'll be checking in with your blog now!
Glad you had such a good time. Very impressed that you braved it solo with a toddler and pregnant!
Mallory looks so sassy in that little outfit...cute! :)
Hey Shannon,
Here's the thing about blog stalking . . . everybody does it!!!
And think of it this way, would you feel creeped out if someone with the appearance of sound mind walked up to you at Homecoming and said, "You don't know me but I found your blog from a mutual friend and I think you're really funny and love your pictures of Mallory"?
My guess is probably not. In fact, you'd probably be so happy to meet someone new who reads your blog that you'll more than likely become great friends and do lots of stuff together resulting in Brad having to endure socially awkward dinner conversations with the husband of your new BFF!
Plus, since everybody does it, there's a good chance that not only are they a blog stalker themselves but they may have already stalked your blog, too!
So I think you should feel comfortable introducing yourself when you see people whose blogs you read . . . even if it's in some random store in Belton! :)
That being said, if your blog stalker doesn't appear to be of sound mind . . . yeah, you should probably spray them with mace, grab Mallory and run like Forrest Gump!
Glad you had fun walking down Memory Lane in Abilene!
Shannon, it was good to see you! And, of course, to admit that we read each other's blogs! I'm with Wade -- I felt weird about it at first too, but now I think almost everyone does it! It does add a new dimension to Homecoming and reunions though, huh? Glad you and Mallory had fun!
Wendy
We had a blast with you and Mallory!!! We love having you guys hang out so please come anytime!!! Kaylee and Brooke kept asking for "Mowri" after you guys left. You will have to come next time when one of my girls needs to start something new. I realized after you left that last time you came, Brooke started walking and this time Kaylee actually starting potty training!!! Amazing! They must like you a lot and want to impress you.hahaha!
I agree with everything you said about ACU and Abilene. I can't wait to visit again. And I agree with everything Wade said about blog stalking. I hope to be blog-stalked someday.
It was so good to see you and Mallory (and Morgan) again! I think I would much rather take pictures of our girls after they're born than to do belly-shots! You looked great, btw. It was funny to have Michael at the girl table. He was a good sport about it. I hope we have as many people show for our 10 year as our 5 year. Can you imagine what changes will have occured by then?
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