A trip down memory lane...

I believe it was no coincidence that 40 years ago our mothers were 9 months pregnant and gave birth to us within 24 hours of each other at the same hospital, me on May 4th and you on May 5th.  I believe we were destined to be great friends and share many wonderful memories throughout the course of our lives.  In celebration of your milestone birthday I wanted to share a few memories with you, my dear sweet friend!  I truly wish I could be there to share them with you in person and celebrate with you...  Happy Birthday!!  I LOVE YOU!!

Band Trip

Our Senior Year

I remember having a great time!!! Were did we go??  Dollywood in Nashville?

Graduation Day 1989

MHS - 1989
I remember a little sadness as my High School "life" came to an end, but lots of excitement and anticipation as I looked forward to starting at Mizzou in the Fall.  I was really looking foward to having you as a roommate in the dorms. 

Roommates - Laws Hall

We were packed and ready to head to Rockbridge Park for a study day during Finals Week - May 1990.  I'm sure we studied some ;-) but I do remember playing and hiking in the park a little that day.  Imagine us...taking a break?  never (ha ha)

Jamoca Almond Fudge

our FAVORITE ice cream!  I remember countless trips to Baskin Robbins to indulge ourselves.  I recall many times heading to the Quad to take "study breaks" and hang out with our treats.  I think this passion contributed to my Freshman 15+...lol!

"I'll Be Your Everything"

Remember this?  I remember calling some our friends and forcing them to listen while we sang our "cheesy" duet version.  This absolutely cracks me up!!! 

I love how you make friends easily...

I did get a little nervous though the night we were out at the 7Eleven getting a fountain Diet Coke after we had been studying late at Brady Commons and you befriended a guy who needed a ride home (a bit under the influence, too).  You volunteered us to drive him home...fortunately made it home safely after dropoff! 

Big Hair Days

Not the most flattering photo, but I love how it shows off the perms and teased bangs trend!  I also love how carefree we look! 

Ready for the Weekend

This was at my apartment at U Place...remember Sushi Lane?  I think we were about to head out to a party that night? 

Stacey's 21st Birthday

We helped her celebrate at Spanky's in Columbia!  Did we play trivia that night??

Christmas 1991

We got together briefly at your parents over Christmas break to exchange gifts...lovin our look! ;-)

Glamour Shots

I giggled when I came across this photo...what possessed us?  Do you remember?  BFFs!

Your Wedding

I love this one!

Gotta love the "Macarena"

This was such a wonderful day...you so happy and in love!  I still feel honored that I could be a part of it! I remember feeling such comfort knowing that my best friend found such a wonderful guy to spend her life with!

Minneapolis Visit

Fun times!  I think this was my first visit to MN after you moved there...I remember getting my haircut at your awesome salon!  :-)

Pumpkin Carving

You can always count on the Terrells to carve pumpkins near Halloween! :-)  So glad I was able to be there so I could participate!!

Brooklyn's Birth

I thought I had a photo of my visit to Minneapolis just a few days after Brooklyn's birth, but sadly I wasn't able to find it.  I was so glad to be able to make a quick trip up (those crazy Holiday seasons in retail) to meet your precious baby girl and catch a glimpse of your first few days of Motherhood.  I remember thinking what an amazing mom were and would become!

Trip for Brooklyn's 1st Birthday Party

Aww...what a sweet baby girl!  It was a delight to be there for her first birthday!  I remember she seemed to like the crazy legs bug we brought for her :)

Probably the most amazing night parade ever!  The company made it an ultimate experience!  Hugs!

My Bridal Shower

Does it seem like 10 years ago?  You were so awesome to not only help, but travel 4 hours each way to be there for my 2 hour event...you're the best!

Look at the bow bouquet you made for me to carry at my Rehearsal...I still have it!  Love it AND love you! 

My Wedding

I will never forget the time you took away from your family visit to get pedicures, makeup and hair with me... xoxoxo!

The most beautiful Matron of Honor! :)

I can't imagine having anyone else next to me (other than Dave on the other side, lol)!

Rockin the dance floor!!  What dance were we doing here?

We love you guys!

Dave's Graduation

What an amazing support you are...being there for Dave's graduation!  It meant so much to me (him, too)!

The Butterfly House

We were thrilled to have you as our first house guests in our home in O'Fallon.  I remember I was not well planned/stocked in the food department (even though you were extremely understanding about it)...now having children I would never make that mistake!  Isn't it interesting how motherhood changes you? :)  This trip to the The Butterfly House in Chesterfield was lots of fun!   

Baby Shower for Samuel

You (and your mom) were so generous to have a baby shower for me...it was a very special day!  I recall everyone that came had a great time!  Such a wonderful hostess!

Sam meets Aunt Nikol

Your first visit with Samuel at 8 days old...even though the timing didn't work well with Price being sick, I sooo appreciated your efforts to come!

KC Visit - July 2007

Price was so sweet with Sam!  I will always remember that!

Price's Birth

I remember getting the call to come over for Brooklyn that Price was starting to make his way into the world and you and Adam needed to get to the hospital.  Fortunately, we didn't live more than a few miles away at the time.  I recall Price was born soon after you arrived at the hospital.  Brooklyn and I had a good time playing together until Nana and Grandpa arrived the next morning.  My first time meeting Price he was in the NICU.  I remember Brooklyn sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" for me and told me she had sung it to her new baby brother.  I am so thankful I was living in KC at the time and could share in that time with you...

20-Year High School Class Reunion

Hmmm...don't know why I don't have photos of this.  I am sooooo glad you decided to come to this...I know it was not at the top of your list (it wasn't mine either), but it meant alot to me to see you!  I think you looked even more beautiful than you did at our graduation! :)

aka, "Wayne"

It still makes me laugh out loud to recall the first time you and Adam met Dave and trying to explain the "many" names of Dave over a game of Yahtzee.  Since he said he had to preference what you called him you settled on "Wayne"!!  That was a line/name from a commercial at the time, right??

Queso Dip

Remember "cruising the strip" after the closing shift at Hardee's when we were 16 (or maybe 17)?  You were the one who introduced me to Ruffles and Queso Dip :)  Several years down the road you got me hooked on Chips and Salsa :)  We have of course always shared a mutual love of Diet Coke! :)

XOXOXO

In hindsight, I wish I had gone about this trip down memory lane a bit differently, so that the memories could have been chronological, but hopefully you'll appreciate it almost as much ;-)  Obviously, these are just a few bits and pieces that are standing out it my mind right now...I have so many more as I'm sure you do.  I am so very thankful for your friendship and the influence you have had in my life, I am a better person because of you!  You are such a kind, generous and thoughtful friend; the kind most people don't ever have the opportunity to have or know...I am very blessed!  I HATE that the miles and life in general have kept us from keeping in touch over the last year or so!!!  I would LOOOOOVVVEEE to reconnect!!  Whatever happens though, please know that you can ALWAYS call on me for anything...even if it's just to reassure you when the alarm goes off in the middle of the night and Adam's out of town or any other happiness or sadness.  I love you so much, my dear sweet friend!  Wishing you the most fabulous upcoming birthday EVER!!! 

XOXOXO, Carrie Anna