This is a ridiculously long post about the Austin trip. You've been warned.

I don't get out to Texas much so I wanted to pack a lot into this trip, but it was important to me that I also get time with every person. The trip was a blazing success.

Friday night Lindsay picked me up at the airport and we headed to Tracey's house. I've read about her identical twin boys Oskar and Abel since they were teeny tiny and I was so excited to see they were just as energetic and giggly as I had imagined they would be. Tracey's husband Jordan was extremely welcoming of all the insanity and Tracey was as warm and fun as I imagined.



(I think I got their personalities with these shots!)




My college friend Libby and her mom Betsy drove up from Dallas. I already know Libby is awesome (I mean come on, she's gorgeous, insanely smart, and super nice) but it was really nice to get a chance to get to know Betsy more. Betsy was a serious trooper, taking TONS of photos of us at Warrior Dash and carting SO MUCH stuff. She helped make race day feel easy, thank you!




We hung out until Sadia arrived with her identical girls, Melody and Jessica. Sadia has a special place in my heart because she is a software nerd, her husband is deployed, and she is INSANELY upbeat and positive. The woman has patience like you would not believe. And ridiculously cute girls. It was a great treat to get to hear her voice and see her live, and I know we will see each other again. (She also gets the "only one cooperative kid" thing.)




Saturday morning, Libby, Betsy, Lindsay and I met up with Erin and her husband Bryce. The conversation flowed easily and you would never know we were a bunch of strangers from the internet. Bryce was a real trooper and it made me like Erin more knowing she has an awesome husband. The only thing that surprised me was Erin is tall! We had a blast and it was over way too quickly. Next time we meet, can I wear make up and regular clothes PLEASE?!




Saturday afternoon was Warrior Dash and it was INCREDIBLE. This might be the most fun race I've ever run. Through the run, I got to know a little more about each woman. I mean... I already knew these things but the run amplified them.

• Tracey showed her love of adventure when she cheered as she jumped off the roof of a burned out car.
• Lindsay showed me true friendship hauling my scared butt over the fire.
  
• Rachel showed her love of fun when she kicked mud all over us during the mud river run.
• Libby showed her ability to do anything when she showed up and ran this with almost no running training.
  
• Jen showed how nice she was when she kept pace with us slower runners despite probably being able to win the whole thing (seriously, she is as nice as Jon which says a LOT).
  
• Lisa and Michelle showed their competitive side when they wouldn't let a guy in a sumo suit beat them (we beat him too, that thing was hot!).

The course was fun. No insanely cold lake with algae like the PA Warrior Dash. Pretty warm temperatures. And free beer at the end.




Afterward we headed out for some delicious Texas BBQ and conversation that ended way too soon. This is always the problem with blogfriend meet ups... not enough time to say everything. I could have stayed all night chatting with these wonderful ladies.

Sunday I took pictures of Lindsay's family and Tracey's family which unfortunately I will not be sharing because they might be for holiday photos. Lindsay's mom Anne and her husband were so incredibly nice, and put me up on the most comfortable guest bed ever. This probably won't make the Christmas card cut, so I'll give them a sneak preview to say THANK YOU for welcoming me into your home!



The biggest shout out of the the entire trip goes to Lindsay, for taking me up on this crazy offer, getting her mom to let me stay at her house, driving my butt around, and meeting all these people with me. From the beginning I've said she's my best blogfriend (BBFF) and that fact still remains. I felt a little sad leaving her at the airport with no plans to see her again but like all my friends, I know time will come when we will see each other again. Soon.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... 2010 Best Year Ever.