Visitor-ama

Rachel came up for her last Spring Break of grad school and stayed for the entire week (til the following Sunday!)  Unfortunately it was pretty crappy weather for the weekend through Monday so we just ended up shopping and doing things indoors.  It was great though because we were able to hang out, low key - and not have to worry about trying to do something or see it all..we could just hang out as if we weren't in a "tourist hot-spot!"

The week was pretty busy and Charlie was a trooper and went everywhere with us.  I'm super thankful that the Warren's allowed me to take him out...it was a lot of fun, and work, but it provided good memories with Charlie (as well as pictures too!).  Rachel's first roommate from college, Jennifer, came up on Tuesday and thankfully the weather was beautiful from that point on and we were able to do so much! 

We managed to: Walk Old Town & Georgetown.  See most of the monuments up close.  Visit Arlington National Cemetery (a first for me since living here, but 3rd time).  Paddle boat in the Tidal Basin (beautiful). Eat delicious food.  Road trip to Gettysburg, PA (historic and amazing). Monuments at night (my favorite). Capitol tour courtesy of Eric. Go to the Newseum AND get stuck in their "glass, hydraulic elevator."  It was a week of fun and memories and I got to be a tourist for one of my last times while living here!

March to Texas

I suppose since it's almost April I should make another post... I'm pretty far behind and might have a hard time remembering everything.

So to catch up:
I spent the first two weeks of March traveling for work.  The first stop was Texas for a week. The second stop was Orlando - though I have no pictures from that trip!

Charlie and I took our first solo flight (without Sharla) to Texas and needless to say, many prayers were answered and it went perfect.

I got to see my fam while I was there too, so that was wonderful.  Charlie & I actually spent Tuesday night in Fredericksburg with my sis, Eric and Will..and my Dad was there too.  My mom came up on Thursday so I got to spend a little time with her as well.  It was perfect timing for the trip to Texas because I had been trying to figure out how I was going to make it home before May...and then I did!

A few pictures from the Texas trip are below.  It was so fun to watch Will and Charlie play together.  I often wonder what Will will think when I'm no longer "with Charlie."  That is what he associates with me currently - as well as an airplane.  Soon I will no longer be with Charlie or an airplane ride away. It was so cute to watch them play.

Charlie & I on the bull in the Expo Hall @ DOE

Will on his 4wheeler

Charlie playing in the yard

Will in his Gator

Charlie & Will in the Gator.  Don't worry we were following closely behind them.

pretty cute!

number 9 will be oh so fine!

can't wait to meet this little bundle of sweetness in October.

Due date of 10-1-10!

oh what a joy it will be to have nine nieces and nephews!

my favorite birthday wish!

Elton John & Billy Joel: Face to Face

by far one of the BEST concert's I have EVER been to.

Every effort that was made to get to this show was worth it.

Rachel & I met up in Kansas City - just for the concert.  We were supposed to see them in Denver but they cancelled so we headed to Kansas. We were not even there for 24 hours.

The show was 3.5 hours long -

the pianos, the brass instruments... clear path to my heart right there.
-not to mention two people who have incredible music and talent.

That just topped off my 24th (wow, it was so weird to type in 24 there) birthday.

Rachel & I

Elton & Billy

Elton

Follow the Yellow Brick Road...

Elton

Billy Joel

Billy Joel

...you'll have to wait for video footage!

This and That

So remember how I said in a previous post how I would be "making the most of my remaining days up here..." well, that would be the reason for the lack of posting on my blog. SO if there are even any followers left, I'm sorry for the delay. And if you're just joining...welcome.

My blog is a place were I'm journaling my life. I moved out of Texas, thus being what started the blog - but when I get back (in May) I have a feeling I'll probably keep it up.

I last left of with our massive snow storm and A LOT has happened recently.

One of the best things I've ever been able to be a part of, the engagement of Matt & Lauren. Matt proposed on Saturday, February 20th 2010 along the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Monument. I was positioned hiding behind a tree, taking pictures. Needless to say it was cold but worth it. I semi-introduced Lauren & Matt back in October and clearly things went well and they're getting married this year! I love it.

I haven't known Lauren for a year (we're coming up on that mark, April 21 (Muster) and it feels as if I've known her my entire life. And Matt, we met back in September/October - he's a Texan and an Aggie and it feels as if I've known him for my entire life as well. I love how the Lord orchestrates these friendships as if they've been here all along, and we've never missed a beat.

The same could be said with a lot of my close friends up here.

Needless to say, I'm so thankful to be a part of Matt and Lauren's life and love how solid our friendship is.

The future Mr. Matthew Robert Kodzik:

twenty-four

After my 23rd birthday I was almost convinced no birthday would ever top it..mainly because I was in Washington, D.C. celebrating and of course never envisioned that (ever) in my life.

However - I was wrong, oh so wrong. And I'm so glad I can say that.

A year ago, I had one friend here - it was rough.  Trust me.

This year, I have more friends that I could ask for, close - good friends that I'm so thankful for.

Twenty-Four certainly is the best birthday I've had.

It's was a birthday WEEK! (Oh, how I love birthdays!)

Monday - I got cards and a gift from my sista, Eric & Will...love mail (hint)


Tuesday - I got more cards and a gift from the Duty's.


Wednesday - I got a cake! My parents sent me one from Janie's Cakes in Tyler, Texas.  I highly recommend trying their cakes!  I got a few more cards.  I was so excited when I got home from dinner that I could not sleep! (It's possible it had to do with the amount of food I consumed at dinner though!)
Wednesday night I went out to dinner with Rob & Sharla.  They took me to L'Auberge Chez Francois - a small French restaurant in Great Falls, VA.  It was absolutely delicious and the quaintest place you ever saw!  I loved spending time with them.  Charlie had a babysitter - so he wasn't there.  It was so nice just to be able to talk and have good conversation.  I'm so thankful for them and the opportunities I have because of them.  I can't imagine a better situation than the one I'm in.

Thursday - MY BIRTHDAY!  I actually didn't get any mail! ha.  But I got lots of phone calls and Facebook wall posts (yes, those make me very excited oddly enough!)
Midinight - I received a text from Rachel
1:15am - Michael (brother) calls to wish me a Happy Birthday and was just thrilled that he woke me up.
...various calls were received throughout the day and it was great!
Thursday night I went over to Lauren's house and we had a little birthday party. It was so fun. We made personal pizzas and Lauren made a cake.  Carrie made the dough for the pizzas from scratch and it was SO delicious!   I got lots of great presents and cards from my friends and twenty four was just great!

Friday I went over to a new friends home! I met her through Gymboree (with Charlie) she has a little boy who is just adorable.  I loved getting to go have dinner with her and her family and hang out.  It felt like we had been long lost friends!

This birthday, by far, surpassed all others.  I'm so thankful my life looks so much different this year than it did last year!  The Lord is certainly faithful and has plans better than I could imagine!

A few pictures:

(so thankful for these 3 girls!)