Best-Surprise-Ever

 Last weekend Jenn, Anna and I had plans to go on a fun little outing together.   It was a vintage garden and home sale about an hour away.

 Scott was so sweet to take Lindsay with him to camp for the weekend so I didn't have to take her along and end up regretting the whole thing.

 We had a fun time checking everything out but came away with nothing.

 Little did I know that "JOY" was going to be my word of the day!!

 On our way home, we stopped by an enormous cotton field.  I am absolutely fascinated by cotton.  I have some that Scott picked for me before we moved from Texas.  I have it in an apothecary jar and i.love.it.   Jenn wanted to get some for a jar of her own, so we became cotton pickers.  We watched closely for any farmers carrying guns though. Yikes!

 We got back to town and decided to look in a few local shops and have lunch at KOBE's (yummmy!)  I had talked to Shae earlier in the day and was looking forward to seeing the pictures of her day at an apple orchard with her friends from Liberty.  Jenn's husband's family goes and makes homemade apple cider every year, so I was happy that Shae was going to have the "Virginia apple experience" too.

We finished our lunch and Jenn offered to come over and help me with some things on the computer...any time I am offered help on the computer-I take it!

So we were sitting in the kitchen doing a project and  Anna was baking pumpkin bread when the doorbell rang. 

It was Maeghan, Shae's best friend.  She showed me a Liberty University shirt that "Shae had sent her" and said that it made her think of us and stop by.    

It is NOT unusual for Maeghan to come over while Shae was at school,  so I thought nothing of it, except to be happy she came by!

We were chatting and catching up on the events of Maeghan's life when I heard the screen door behind me open....

IN WALKED SHAE!!!!

Maeghan had picked her up at the airport Sacramento that morning!

I can't even describe the SHOCK I experienced. (my heart is beating so hard and fast even NOW, as I am recalling the feeling!)  Jenn had been in on the surprise!!  Anna and I could not believe what we were seeing!  I was so convinced that Shae was in Virginia it took me a little bit to let it all sink in!

(I am sure that Scott was probably thinking hmmmm...wonder how much this cost and how many classes she is missing!)

"We waited for Anna's pumpkin bread to be finished, and headed to camp to share the surprise with Scott, Lindsay, Grandma and Papa!

Grandma was busy setting tables for dinner for the  the ladies' retreat when Shae walked in on her!

Her reaction was priceless!

Lindsay had no idea who this was...

Until she spoke.....

These really are life's most precious moments.  NOTHING could be more wonderful.

We stayed for dinner at camp,

went on a golf Kart ride...

(Lindsay was in HEAVEN having Shae AND Maeghan on each side of her!)

Then we started our weekend of "Shae's favorites" by having mini cupcakes and gelato at Sweet Spot.  (she had "In n Out" after Maeghan picked her up!)

The next morning we went to do a little shopping at the store where Maeghan works.  (Lindsay stayed at camp-I could NOT believe she didn't want to come home!)

Good thing this sign was hanging on the register at For Elyse! Phew!

We enjoyed every single minute we had with Shae!

Shae brought Lindsay lunch at school,

(It was pajama day) Lindsay was thrilled when she walked in and she kept saying, "My big sister!!"

What a special gift Shae gave us by coming home for a surprise!  I NEVER dreamed I would get one of those surprises since she goes to school on the other side of the country.

It was priceless and refreshing to see her so unexpectedly.

I think we can all make it until Christmas now....it really WOULD HAVE been a long time to wait to see her!

The night before Shae left we walked across the Sundial Bridge since it is decked out in pink during the month of October.  It was so fun.

{this is the best thing I saw all weekend}

worth.every.penny.