Here is a list of a few of my favorite things: weddings, reunions, traveling, and time with Ben. The fact that all of these were tied into one long weekend made my heart so, so happy.
Early Thursday morning I boarded the plane to Seattle, home to two of my favorite people, Hannah and Jamie! To back up a bit, Seattle was never originally in the cards for this past weekend. My original plan was to fly to Portland to meet Ben, then drive on down to the wedding. Due to crazy flights and conflicting schedules Portland just wasn’t going to work out. Then, it dawned on me that Seattle probably isn’t too far from Portland and a reunion was in order with Hannah and Jamie and the flight times were just perfect. So, why not?! Ben, Hannah, and I were discussing that funny concept this weekend. When in the mindset of travel distances seem so much shorter and the “why not” attitude more prevalent. The wedding was six hours from Seattle, but it seemed so close to Seattle so why not make the drive?! That’s the same as if I found out a friend was stopping through Charlotte and driving down to see them. Funny, right? Back to the story. I flew into Seattle that afternoon and Jamie picked me up from airport and all was well. We drove into the city and onward to Ballard to El Borracho to indulge in margaritas, chips and guac, more guac, one more order of guac, and tacos. I have said this before, but I truly love getting to see my roommates in their new cities and catch up on new jobs and new adventures. It is so refreshing to have a real life conversation with such a sweet friend. God love ya, James.
After dinner, our hearts were set on some sort of treat. After wandering the streets a bit, we found a couple sharing one heck of an ice cream cone and asked where on earth they got it. That led us to Cupcake Royale which led to quite the dessert. 
Post treat, we drove by the Fremont Troll before stopping at Gas Works Park for a sunset view. Seattle looked quite dreamy from that viewpoint.
Jamie, I wish we could have a taco, ice cream, sunset watching date every week. I cherish your friendship, James!
The next morning Hannah and I hit the gym before walking all over the city. We did a little shopping a lot of site seeing and even more catching up.
Like I said about Jamie, it is so fun to see Hannah in her new city. Seattle looks good on ya, Hannah. 
Always say yes to the free peach slice man. Always. 
The gum wall weirds me out, but I mean, when in Seattle. 
After loads more shopping and wandering we took a breather back in her apartment before heading to the park with our Molly Moon’s ice cream. 
We shared quite the dinner ordering just about everything on the menu. Seriously, I’ll have one of each. We spent the evening with roof top views and nonstop talking. 
I hit the road Saturday morning to head to Portland to pick up Ben and Jean Luc for our final trek to Black Butte Ranch. It was the perfect drive accompanied with great conversation, breathtaking views, and a soundtrack prominently featuring the Lumineers. We pulled up in the nick of time, quickly changed, and hopped on the bus to the rehearsal dinner. The barn was stunning with twinkle lights, beautiful tables, and a picture perfect backdrop. Eric and Anna deserved every bit of celebration and every word of every toast. Ben and I are incredibly thankful for their friendship and hold our memories and adventures together in England, Annapolis, TBS, and now these next steps so dear to our hearts. Ben always laughs because I always say I can’t wait to be old friends with those two. What a blessing it has been to have another couple who is walking through this strange crazy stage of life with us. 
Time to dance in the gusts of wind!
Looking good you two!
Another favorite couple!
What a crew, I tell ya.
This group of people have made these past few years so sweet.
My favorite dancing partner of all time.
THEN IT WAS WEDDING DAY. One of my favorite things about weddings is the opportunity to meet the couple’s friends and family from all walks of life. It is one of the only times in your lives where just about everyone you love comes together in one place to celebrate you. Let’s take a moment and realize what a gift that is. I loved meeting all of Anna’s friends and sharing Sunday morning coffee on the back porch with a perfect view. Ben and I fit a little morning run in before he was off for groomsman responsibilities. Finally, it was time to get these two married. Anna was absolutely stunning and Eric looked so handsome in his uniform with that big smile across his face. I tear up at every wedding, and this one was no different. I swear I could attend a wedding and know nothing about the bride and groom and still have waterworks. 
Mr. and Mrs. Davids!
I was testing the lighting on the picture below, but like look how handsome he is!
Now begins just about every combination of humans in several poses in various photos.
^ What. A. Crew. Forever thankful for this group. 
Please note the stunning view behind us. Everyone should get married with this in the background. It just feels right. 
Every detail of the wedding was simply beautiful.
They ordered him to give a real kiss, and that he did. Well done, Eric!
How could you not just adore the two of them? They have a crazy road ahead, but I can’t wait to see what is in store for them.
Gosh, I just love him with my whole heart and it is such a joy to be his wife. These next few months we may not see each other all too often, but if our little reunions are anything like this, then that is fine by me. Also, I’ll take any excuse to get all dressed up and for Ben to wear his uniform ;)
We danced the night away, sang with the band, threw in a few flips on the dance floor, roasted a few smores, and celebrated the happy couple. Everything was just perfect.
Monday morning was time to head back to Portland to drop Ben and Jean Luc off at the airport. I joked with Ben a few times that I was going to change his flight and I was praying it would get cancelled. As I pulled up to the curb the tears started to flow as I bid him farewell. After a hug and a kiss or two I drove off towards Seattle and minutes later got a text reading, “Turn around!” Then another letting me know it wasn’t a sappy “I miss you” text, but rather a serious “turn around my flight was changed and I am joining you in Seattle” text. HIP HIP HORRAY! Ben swears I did something to change his flight ;). What a blessing to have a few more hours with Ben to road trip, spend time with Hannah, celebrate the 4th, and visit a new city together. We grabbed lunch, did a little site seeing, and all caught up with one another. It was just what I needed. 
The 20 Cockspur roommates were back in action!
We even stopped by the Starbucks Roastery (that Hannah lives literally 20 steps from, but had yet to venture in to…) for a little afternoon pick me up. 
That evening we dropped Ben off back at the airport and Hannah and I spent the evening watching fireworks from the rooftop.
It was a whirlwind of a weekend and I returned to DC feeling so blessed and grateful. Grateful to have a sister in law turned best friend to spend days just blabbing on and on with, grateful to celebrate two dear friends at their wedding, grateful to catch up with the sweetest roommate, and grateful to spend a little time with Ben, whom I miss dearly these days.
I am the upper left of this country’s new biggest fan.
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