15. Quick Stop Back In The States: LA/SD/AZ/SD In 3 Days

reuniting with my best girl friends! i love writing this post about you- you have all stood by my side through everything and being with you is always being home. red eye argentina flight to LA, bus to a train to an uber back to SD thursday afternoon- for 3 days back in the states before a 6 am flight Monday morning. my amazing friend kristie was getting married!! celebration time!

i admit i made a couple beauty appointments that afternoon since this was my last stop in the states for a long time- not the most travel budget friendly but hey, necessary. the amazing emily at the laser cafe had the best quote as i told her the decision to leave “hell yes, i'd rather work at pizza hut having a blast then working with a bunch of jerks!” i love this type of reaction from everyone in my life.

my friend alex was out of town so leant me his whole apartment – i’m so grateful this let me completely crash, unpack, repack, and get ready for an arizona and colombia.

that night it was my best friend amy’s birthday. we have known each other since day one at university of arizona (we met at initiation at our sorority- immediately nicknaming ourselves mee and woo- and have been best friends ever since). she already had celebrated her bday big the weekend the night before so amy, katie and i had an oceanside wine date. i had missed them both so much and valued each minute we had that night.

friday morning i had a 6 am appointment with my health doctor- she is like a mom at this point in addition to being the best teacher. quick shower, packing, nails and then i was off to arizona to be a bridesmaid in my friend kristie’s wedding. i sprinted through that 6 hour drive- calling friends to catch up, talking my way out of a construction zone 20+ over the speed limit ticket- well almost, he wrote it for 5 over not in a construction zone, and trying to take some deep breaths before getting to AZ.

my friend alysia’s parents have a house in arizona and SD so i have been lucky to become part of their family. they have always been so supportive and loving no matter what I was doing in life. that evening it was like arriving home to a mom and dad as they welcomed me into their house for the weekend. alysia and colin have let me be a third date many times colin is so patient in dealing with two girls getting ready for weddings. the support of my journey from the parkinson family radiated in every conversation we had- I truly thank you.

that night we reunited with the beautiful bride kristie, her fiancé jack, our best friends carly and matt, kristie’s amazing family and all the other guests for the rehearsal dinner. the next morning was full of celebration, hair and makeup, champagne popping ands lots of girl love. kristie and jack were truly glowing and their love so real. wine, champagne, dance, dance, dance, dance!

as much as i love traveling and meeting all the beautiful people and places, i also love the time with the people I adore the most. the time spent with these best girlfriends, my second families, husbands that are brothers, made me incredibly grateful for the past and all the support I have in my life. that weekend in a celebration of others, they made me feel so loved and supported in this travel journey. i hope you girls know how much i love you, forever and always. cheers to you again kristie!