McSunset

Driving to DC or Virginia from Baltimore can be such a chore. This 33 mile jaunt can some times take an hour and a half or more with traffic. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what was taking so long on the DC Beltway as I didn't see an accident warning.  After a crest in the road I finally realized it was the SUNSET.

Literally the sun setting was blinding the outer loop drivers to a screeching halt. 

I would have been okay with this if it weren't for a very important going away party I was now late for due to the sun.

Then I saw this glorious site. I gasped for air and was so thankful I had my camera at the ready. God was delaying me. Slowing me down to bid farewell to one of my closest friends of all time. 

Were other drivers doing the same thing...taking photos of the Mormon Temple sunset?

It was a breath taking sunset and I know my Momma will be so proud of me. She is the sunset queen.

Traffic let up the minute the sun went down.

Thank the heavenly sunset I made it in time to kiss the squeaky clean Bird before going night night.

DC's most patriotic couple is heading to the Best (Left) Coast! It's beyond difficult to even cuss and discuss this loss of proximity to our pals.

McCall and Tyson are leaving for Southern California to rear the Bird closer to their families. They are both from California. We are so thrilled for them. But what will I do without my bestie who invented Diva Doubles, Diva Dinners and is Smart and Glamorous and Knows All of the Answers?  Sadness.

The buffet was decked in Red, White and Blue.

McCall was the hostess with the mostess looking smashingly June Cleaver'esque in her black cocktail dress and bow headband.

The food was even Star Spangled.

Beach house pals we've know for over 13 years were in tow telling very funny stories.

There are not enough words to explain this photo. Just know this old friend was wearing his baby spit up as a badge of honor on his cashmere sweater.

I donned my most favorite martini glass GTH pants and posed with my Dewey Beach Babes. There were 32 of us in the house on McKinnley a jillion years ago. A few of us were there to represent for the going away party.

Our other very dear DC friends, Kristen and Tom, came to The Party in Kalamazoo (our wedding). Kristen and McCall went to college together in Cali.

Some of McCall's oldest Capitol Hill friends came to kiss them goodbye as well.

As DC is one of the most transient cities in all of the Union, McCall would always buy a photo book for going away parties. I carried on her tradition and got one for this very special going away party. Sigh. 

She has names for everything and KNH and I couldn't remember the nickname for her first apartment. It could have been any of the following; McMinny Apt, McCottage, McCapitol Chambers...but alas, we all McForgot the name.

Bryn was reading her husband Charlie's hilarious comment about how he was glad they were leaving. Which is a lie. None of us are happy they are leaving. We are all weeping ourselves to sleep as of late.

Her husband Charlie was even close to jumping into the pool in protest. If you remember from my earlier post this year McCall and Tyson JUST purchased this six months ago. They close next week. God opened every imaginable door for them to move and took care of business FAST. 

Despite the reason for the gathering we all managed to pull it together and have a good time. There was a crispness to the night and we could tell that fall was nipping at our heels.

Tyson had a few friends show up from the Marine Corps. He has a BRONZE STAR and is a real live American hero. In the six months they've lived in Great Falls they have already befriended great neighbors. We will all miss this house and this hood, the yard and the pool. God's lighthouse was the nickname for this bad boy. Shining light on all who enter, truly.

Charlie went to check on the Bird who he heard on the baby monitor.

The Bird was fast asleep.

This gal pal is like a sister to me. We were in each others weddings and we just love each other to pieces. I'm in complete denial that they are really leaving and burst into tears upon arrival the night of the party. Thank heavens I was the first to arrive and could buck up for the party. 

Avery's, what can we say? We are so happy that the Bird will be able to grow up going to yoga with Pooty and learn how to play tennis from Caren Cam. We are thrilled she'll be able to know her cousins, hang with Kevin from Heaven, Aunt Cheetah and learn all about the family wine business. Tyson, we couldn't be happier that you'll be able to catch waves on your lunch break in the Pacific. McCollege, I'm just going to miss hugging your face so much but can't wait for our SoCal vacays and long walks on the beaches with you. We love you and wish you the most peaceful move ever. God bless you friends!

Bird, Bird, Bird...Bird is the word.

Uncle Charlie and I got to visit with some of our darling friends in Virginia a few weekends ago. Our bridesmaid McCall and her hubby Tyson invited us for a slumber party at their new home. We were so excited to visit with their daughter Birdy before she hit the sack.

She is the most precious little angel. Full of personality.

We had a fun little visit with books.

And a photo shoot.

She smiles ALL the time. Happiest little girl I've ever met! Seriously.

They are selling their other home and needed the furniture to stage the place. They just sold this week! Too bad. The living room is way fun sans furniture. Many a dance party USA could happen sans furniture.

I've never seen a Daddy more smitten than Tyson with his little Birdy.

McCall and I have known each other for the better part of 13 years. We missed each other by a semester at American University in DC. We were in a beach house in Dewey together and were always the last ones to leave the beach.  She is the most faithful woman and is always upbeat and positive. We prayed for each other to find good Christian husbands and both found our guys within months of each other. I love you sweet McKayla!

TyBeau, fiance, husband is the best dad and a hero! He has a bronze star from the Marine Corps. I feel so blessed that Eric and Tyson love each other too. It's amazing when your friend's husband ends up taking care of your in-laws at your own wedding. Tyson gets the gold star in my book. You rock my friend.

He knows how to make little Birdy squeal with laughter.

She had a little stranger danger with her Uncle Charlie.

But quickly warmed up to my sweet man.

'

It makes my hear just melt seeing E. hold a baby.

He's always worried he's going to drop or somehow break a baby. He got the hang of it quickly. I'll never forget him holding our friend Nicoletti's day old baby Kate at the hospital.

McCall and Tyson have just purchased a new place and it truly is a Lighthouse to the Lord. We watched the sun set, had dinner and later went out and looked at the stars with the IPad Stargazer aplication. Amazing. It was so quiet and so wonderful just to be outside, sipping wine with old friends.

We got to see all of the Bird's tricks before she went up to her nest for night, night. Clapping was a good one.

The best trick hands down was her night night opened mouth kisses. E. had to prepare himself for these. I've never laughed so hard and even now am cracking up laughing just typing as I remember this very moment.

Oh. My. Gosh. Is that not the funniest thing you have ever seen in your life? I can't wait to show this to little Birdy when she is older. Makes my heart happy.

Thank you for your wonderful hospitality McCall, Tyson and Birdy. We can't wait to come out and see you garden grow and hang by the pool! We love you guys so much. Amen!