Fall Break 2010

     *Sigh* Tomorrow is HALLOWEEN and the last day of October! It has been a crazy month, let me tell ya.

 October 20-24th was Fall Break and Jackie and I took full advantage of the time off. I had an absolutely wonderful time, but how could I not? Jackie is one of the sweetest people I have ever had the privilege to call my friend and a great traveling buddy PLUS we got to see some amazing landmarks and scenery AND share in the joy of our dear friend getting married!! I mean seriously, it can't get much better than that. After flying in late Wednesday night, we started our Fall Break adventure the next morning by taking the Metro into Washington D.C. I had been once before but for a very limited time, so it was so nice to have a full day to see more of the sights. Granted there is no way you can see everything in one day, we made a pretty good effort.

     The Metro took us into the city, but for the rest of the day we walked the gorgeous streets of American History.  As if just being in Washington D.C. and seeing everything wasn't enough, we encountered something very different on our lunch break. Our group of 5 stopping into the Ronald Reagan Building for some lunch in their large basement cafeteria. Toward the end of our meal as Jackie was standing in line to get a cookie, the entire building's alarm system started going off and we were evacuated! It is my understanding that when a fire alarm is activated, you typically are not supposed to use the elevators but to my surprise people still did. My group decided to play it safe and joined the herd of people scurrying up the stairs. No one knew what was going on, including the security guards at the door.

     To no surprise of anyone in my party, I whipped out my video camera to document the event. I still don't know what happened that day, but it was an interesting experience to see hundreds of confused businessmen standing around in the courtyard. I learned two things that lunch break 1.) communication IS still key and 2.) if you really want a cookie, buy it before your meal. ;) The rest of the  day could be summed up with stops at the White House, Washington Memorial, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, the Capital, National Archives (where the Constitution can be viewed but not where "National Treasure" was filmed unfortunately), and I'm sure dozens of other historical landmarks that I didn't even realize. The fact that the city was crawling with American history really fascinated me. Without knowing it, I passed dozens of intriguing statues and office buildings that contained our nation's greatest secrets. How cool is that? I really felt I was apart of history or at least getting a peak inside some of the events that shaped our country into what it is today. It is so important to remember all of the people that gave their life's work, as well as their physical bodies in the pursuit of freedom for all Americans. Every memorial really was a humbling sight. Needless to say, Washington D.C. was incredible and I would love to return again soon. There is still so many things I have yet to encounter.

     Friday morning I headed over to the precious little church Kim and Dan would be getting married in. As the event coordinator, I was apprehensive on what exactly my role was within the group. Kim had decided to have the rehearsal mid day which turned out to be a fabulous idea. Everyone was in high spirits and we didn't have to work late into the night to get everything right. I worked mostly with Megan, Kim's sister and maid-of-honor to get all the little details ironed out. I'd be lying if I said I knew going into it how much work this was actually going to entail. It was challenging, but with a notebook glued to my hands and an two amazing families to work with, it all came together wonderfully and I couldn't have been more pleased. The pastor ensured me if I wanted to move to Maryland, I would have the job of event coordinator at the church waiting for me. :) 

     Saturday morning, the women of the Maley house were surprisingly calm. The bridesmaids were just walking around, getting ready and Kim was completely relaxed. Not at all what I expected to see coming into the bride-to-be's house the day of her wedding. Emotions did pick up once we got to the church, but helloooo we were having a wedding!!

     Kim had not let anyone but her immediate family see her wedding dress so when she unveiled it, we were all stunned. She looked ABSOLUTELY beautiful. To say her dress was perfect would be an understatement. As she walked down the isle I had to peel my eyes away from her and look at, in my opinion, one of the most priceless facial expressions anyone can bear in their lifetime; the look on Dan's face when he saw his bride for the first time. The ceremony truly captured the beautiful merging of the two families and I felt so blessed to be able to be apart of it. The reception was held at a lovely country club that overlooked an amazing field of changing fall trees.

It was at that moment I realized why Kim had been so dead set on her wedding in Maryland taking place in October. It was breathtaking! This picture really doesn't capture how truly magnificent Maryland was with it's curving roads and glorious brick homes. The reception was a lot of fun as we danced with the bridesmaids and took a large group picture. Kim had baked the wedding cake and groom's cake herself and they tasted amazing, and I'm not just saying that. Jackie even caught the bouquet and is now on the search for her leading man. :) After the festivities, Jackie and I headed to the third house we had occupied over our 4 day adventure and took a little nap before we had to leave at 5am for the airport. Once we arrived back in Dallas, Jackie's lovely parents took us to her aunt's house where they had made us a wonderful brunch. Full, happy, and incredibly tired, Jackie and I made the 3 1/2 hour drive back to OBU. Fall Break 2010 was a huge success and who better to spend it with than loving friends and kindhearted new ones? <3 <3 <3