Texas

So, not this past weekend, but the weekend before I traveled to Texas for an engagement party for my dear friend Jessica and her fiance' Ryan. I was in California when the invitation to the party arrived. So, basically I didn't get it until two weeks after it was mailed. At first I looked at flights and then I got it in my head that I would drive to Texas. What is a 10 hour trip anyway? I had hoped to find someone to drive with me, but everyone was already going out of town that weekend.

So, my mom and Jessica's mom were not really keen on me driving by myself to Texas. Mostly because a good part of my trip would be at night based on when I would have to leave Auburn. I knew that I was going to the engagement party though because I wanted to be there for Jessica at this special time and she would so be there for me. So, at the last minute I used some Delta award miles and paid $150 for a flight. And when I say last minute I mean the Friday morning of the day that I left. My boss was pretty impressed. Nothing like a somewhat spontaneous flight to Texas. I had packed the night before, so I was ready to go. By the way, my friend Jessica didn't know that I was coming. Her mom did, but Jessica didn't know until I called her on my way to the airport. She was kinda impressed that I bought my ticket that morning as well.

My flight was delayed two hours and some of my fellow travelers did not make the flight all that enjoyable. Smelly man, someone who snored and a perpetual sneezer. No fun. Oh well. When I landed in Dallas I went to pick up my rental car and Jessica and her brother Matt surprised me at the rental counter. So excited to see her! About the same time her friend Holly's family (Holly, Steve, and Fenway) arrived at the rental car terminal as well. And I mean terminal. Two story building just for rental cars. We all got our cars and then headed out for dinner.

After dinner at IHOP (Jessica and Ryan love pancakes:), I followed Matt down to Athens, Texas. We arrive around midnight at the hotel. I was beat so off to bed. The engagment party was being held at Jessica's parents ranch in Athens. Next morning I woke up early ready to help in anyway that I can. After running a few errands, I left some messages at the ranch and with Matt. Matt called me back a bit later and I met mama D and friends at WalMart. I followed them back to the ranch. Then I left the ranch and went to pick up Steve at the hotel. Once back at the ranch I helped Sandy (family friend) with flower arrangements. I didn't really do much but did notice that the oasis that was purchased for the center pieces was not the right kind. I went back to town (about a 15 minute drive) and went to a few different stores to try and find some. Stroke of luck I found some, bought it and a cheap trashcan and water to soak it on the ride home. Dropped it off and then headed back to the hotel to get ready.

The party was so much fun! Jessica and Ryan had family, friends and co-workers come to the ranch to wish them well. The party started outside, but the Texas sky had other ideas. About 2 hours into the party we were sent indoors. It was totally fine though because the dj and food moved inside as well and lots of fun was had. Food was great, people were great, and the cake was great. Such a beautiful cake! Will have to post pictures when I figure out how to do that. Holly's son Fenway was entralled with the cake. It was so fun to watch.

The wedding date was announced as July 17, 2010. Get excited! I took tons of pictures of the party. Apparently 251. Jessica counted when she downloaded the pictures the next day. I was able to spend a few hours at the ranch prior to leaving for the airport. I wasn't able to go on the atv ride, but maybe next time. I am so glad that I was able to go to Texas and celebrate with Jessica and Ryan. I am so happy that they found one another and so excited for their wedding.