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This weekend I had the pleasure to visit Bolivar for a weekend away and great time with my family.  We planned this trip back in June or July.  I had been looking forward to it for such a long time.

My flight on Friday was so early.  I took off at 6:50 which meant we woke up at 4:30 in order to leave at 5:00.  I need to take a second to brag on my husband.  He willingly woke up at 4:30 and made me a delicious hot breakfast - a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito - and drove me to the airport.  He's the best.  My flights were just fine.  I had a layover in Atlanta.  It was a little less than two hours.  When Mom came about two months ago her flight was cancelled.  In order to compensate for the inconvenience the airline gave her a $10 coupon to any airport restaurant - not exactly equal to a cancelled flight but better than nothing.  She kindly gave the coupon to me, and I was able to enjoy a free smoothie while I waited.  I landed in Branson where Dad picked me up to take me home.  He had an awesome SBU coat and a kind card waiting for me.  We enjoyed lunch at Culver's and dessert at Andy's and heading to Bolivar Intermediate School to visit Mom.

It was so great to see Mom at school.  Her students are getting ready to put on a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.  I so wish I could be there to see them perform, but the props and set look wonderful, and I know they will do great.  Break a leg!

I love Mom's idea of taking the flowers from my reception and making an adorable pillow

My next stop was Tea for Two at The Tea Garden Cafe with Memaw.  Memaw and I have had a Tea for Two date around Christmas for nearly two decades.  It's such a sweet time, and I know I will always remember that tradition fondly.  We caught up on all the latest news and enjoyed tea, muffins, scones, and crumpets.

On to Bank of Bolivar to see Jim.  He is so great at his job!  He does a wonderful job at explaining  all the loan details in a way that makes it easy to understand.  If you need a loan, go see Jim!

Memaw got me an appointment for a facial which I got to enjoy Friday evening.  Bolivar people, if you want a facial/massage see Donna Parke at The Gallery downtown.  It's technically a facial, but she massages your hands, arms, feet, legs, and neck while your mask sits.  She starts by washing your face, then exfoliates it, and then puts on a facial mask as well as a lip mask and cooling pads for your eyes.  It's such a relaxing atmosphere - nice music, candles, a hot wrap for your neck.  After the massage she rinses off the mask and finishes cleansing your face with toner and applies moisturizer and lip balm.  She sends your off with a smile and a bottle of water.  For $25 you get a 1 hour facial/massage.  Definitely worth it!  Added bonus: She prays for you the whole time.

On Friday night all four of us had dinner together.  We also decorated the tree which was wonderful.  My parents had decorated the whole house - outdoor lights, nicknacks, and set up the tree - but waiting to decorate until I got home.  Every year Santa brings my family a new game.  We got to open the game early this year, and Santa did a great job.  The new game is 5 Second Rule.  I won. :)  We also took a ride through Lights in the Park.

On Saturday Mom, Dad, and I took a walk to the park to feed the ducks.  We haven't found a place to feed ducks in Wake Forest which is such a shame.  Mom and I made a trip to Wal-Mart where I got to see half the town.

I had the pleasure of eating lunch and having a play date with Samuel and his parents.  Rest assured, he confirmed that I'm still his best friend and he still loves Miss Amy.  What a load off my shoulders!

Angry gorillas

Other highlights of the trip included church at the Encounter, lunch with Memaw and Pepaw (biscuits and gravy, omelets, baked oatmeal, and fruit), watching Snowball Express and What About Bob, and lots of family games.  I also got to catch up with Tiffani and go to the Festival of Christmas with her.  I enjoyed some catch up time with Tarah and James at El Rodeo and at church too.

On Monday I had to take care of business and get to cavities filled.  I had gone to the dentist in North Carolina, and he found two fillings that he wanted to fill for more than $300.  I thought I'd be able to get it done for cheaper in Bolivar, and I knew I would be making a visit soon.  Sure enough, the two fillings were less than half the price, and I was in and out in 45 minutes.

On Monday I had the pleasure of eating lunch with Carey.  She's one of those great friends where you can go months without seeing each other and then feel like you were never apart.  We gone some great catching up to do, and I thoroughly enjoyed our time together.  When I got home I got a text from Carey saying her boys were very upset that I hadn't come over - what a complement!  So I set aside 30 minutes and went over to play for a bit.  I sure love that family!  It's crazy to think about how when I first met them Miles couldn't even walk to talk yet and now he's in per-school and Cooper is a big kindergartner.

I wrapped up my time in Bolivar with a Sonic date with Dad and a quick goodbye to Jim at the bank.  Mom had taken a personal day so she could be with me and help Dad take me back to the airport.  No tears were shed, although I did get a little lump in my throat when the security lady said, "Your parents sure seem sad to go," and I had to say, "Yeah, I won't be home for Christmas."  Actually, that lump just reappeared.  I didn't cry at all whenever we were by ourselves for Thanksgiving, so I think I certainly deserve the right to cry a bit around Christmas, right?

My flight landed at 11:30 and I got home at about 12:30.  I woke up this morning rather tired, but replaying sweet moments from my trip to Missouri.  What a great weekend!