She was so close to flipping out when I called her, but I encouraged her to make herself remain calm, and I told her that Charlottesville was looking clear, as was West Virginia.
An hour later, the kids and their teacher were moved onto the last flight into Charlottesville. It was so great to see her after 3 weeks, and especially after such a long, long flight.
I had cupcakes and 2 sodas waiting for her.
Once we got home, she gave us presents and then we all went to sleep very late- about 3:30 am.
I got up at 8, and made crepes. Finally at 11:30, everyone was awake.
Valerie took a nap while Asher and I played outside. The weather was an amazing, breezy 80 degrees. We had a WONDERFUL time outside.
Valerie left to hang out with her friends. I took Asher to Luray to watch fireworks. They were so beautiful. The weather was absolutely glorious. Luray is one of the most magical places I know. I kept thinking how romantic and lovely the town was the entire time I was there.
Saturday, I went to Charlottesville to take images of newborn baby Charlotte. She was a dream. Her mom followed all the rules, and the baby was an absolute joy to photograph. During her session, I had the most awesome conversation with Heather. She was so kind, and open. She told me she sees I am so much happier now. I could tell that she meant it. That meant so much to me. She and I were in young women together. I will be honest, it is always a little scary to do a session for people I used to go to church with, but she was just awesome. For her, I am always going to be grateful.
After the session, I went to Panera and had a late lunch with my sweet Kari, Kayla, Matthew and Kayla's baby, Candace. I tell you, it was a spiritual experience. The three of them were my family when it was just Valerie and I. It was just like old times. It was just... so, so life-affirming. I can not explain it. I felt so alive, so filled with love.
It was a wonderful Saturday. Then to spend the rest of the day with Asher, and fireworks from a tent in town... it really was just perfect.
Valerie left to spend a week with her grandparents in North Carolina, which is good for her. She loves going there, and her grandfather has been very sick for a year now.
Asher and I had another great, much more relaxed Sunday. There was a lot of life-planning and inventory on my part, but I tried to just play with Asher and help him have a great Sunday.
We were both slow to get moving this morning... ah... three days off...
We had just a wonderful three day Fourth of July weekend. For that, I am so grateful.
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