Holy guacamole you guys. I feel like I say this a lot, but this past week has been nothing short of a whirlwind.
I’m sorry for the temporary blogging hiatus yesterday. You see, I was smack dab in the middle of “Not Growing Up” and enjoying spending as much time possible time with our friend, Barry, while he was in town from Chicago.
I guess it all started with a quick and insanely eventful three days in Florida! Putting the good food and spots we ventured out to aside (I’ll be covering some of my favorites later this week!) this post will be filled with friends and family photos. Because after all, that’s really why we went there.
After an action packed Opening Night Wednesday night and close to zero sleep, Scott and I set off for the south and arrived home in Orlando, Florida about 1:30 p.m.
We were instantly welcomed with warm weather, sunshine, and palm trees. As much as I adore experiencing the seasons and changing of the leaves up in Michigan, I do miss the feeling of calmness I get when I see palm trees.
They just scream home to me.
After lunch, we drove over to my parent’s house in Longwood to say hello to them before the craziness of our plans started.
<Enter continuous chaos!>
Scott and I came into town for a friend’s wedding but wanted to make the most of our time there by seeing as many people as we could. With only two and a half days to do it in, we most definitely lost sleep and quite possibly may have also lost our minds. But, we’re home now and are doing our best to catch up and get back to reality.
In the grand scheme of things, all of the running around and stress of coordinating was well worth it, and getting to pop into town to see people I love couldn’t have come at a better time. Below is a compilation of the highlights, which may include an unexpected (and ridiculously awesome) twist in the end. Here we go!
Friends and Family Time in Florida
Like I mentioned, we met my friend Meggan for dinner Thursday in Winter Park. She was the very first person to come visit us after we moved up north and I was excited to catch up with her over a nice dinner at Prato.
(Happy Halloween colors!)
We got home and went straight to bed ready to tackle the next few busy days of visiting. While I planned to sneak into a barre class while I was home, I completely slept past my alarm and missed it Friday morning. Bummer. Instead, my body caught up on some sleep (temporarily) and we finally made our way out the door to meet another Megan for lunch.
She also came to visit us over the summer! Must be a Meggan/Megan thing. 😉
We spent the afternoon wandering around the city, got pedicures (yes, that “we” includes Scott!), and made it home to my parents’ house just in time to drive over to my sister’s for a family dinner. It was SO great to see her and spend time with my brother, grandmother and their families.
We also got to see Courtney, who I have known since I was two years old!
As I made my way around the house catching up with everyone, I started to realize our time together was way too short. I really wish I had at least another day with them!
While I was home, my mom booked a flight to come see us right after Christmas which made me feel a smidge better about leaving so abruptly.
Can’t wait to show her around our area in the wintertime!
Directly after dinner, we set out for an after rehearsal dinner party hosted by the bride and groom we came in town to celebrate. While I forgot to snap a picture of us all together, I did, however get the camera out for this guy.
Eh, you win some, you lose some.
After an hour of mingling, we then made our way downtown to catch the tail end of Megan’s birthday celebration!
Once again, it was wonderful to see familiar Florida faces and left the night feeling sad that our time together was cut so short.
Saturday was just plain AWESOME.
With only a few hours of sleep under our belts, Scott and I got up at sunrise to meet a group of our church friends for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. I’m a bit upset I didn’t snap a photo of us all, but it was with the same group of folks that threw us our send off party before we moved away last year!
We chatted it up for about and hour and then followed them over to our church to pop into their morning rehearsal for the Singing Christmas Trees. (Remember when I was in that show?) Once again, our time with friends was short but sweet.
We made it back over to my parents’ house with just enough time for me to drop off Scott and bring my mom along for brunch with Katie and Ashley (who were both bridesmaids in our wedding!). Since Ashley lives two hours away in St. Augustine, I was so excited to hear she could make it down for a quick visit. She recently became a mother and I was SO happy to finally meet baby Rylan in person!
That bow. That outfit. That smile. I couldn’t stand all of the cuteness!
We spent the rest of our morning talking about life and Katie’s upcoming wedding. I can’t believe how grown up we all are already. It seems like just yesterday we were in high school figuring out how to straighten our hair. 😉
I sure do miss them!
After wrapping things up, my mom and I stopped by the mall to pick up a pair of heels and lipstick for me to wear to the wedding later on. As soon as I got home I hopped in the shower and got ready as fast as I could. Ready, set, here comes the bride!
While I normally take more than enough photos at events, this one was different than any wedding I have ever been to. Our friend Karly was marrying someone you may happen to recognize, along with the rest of the ushers.
No I am not lying.
And I’m still freaking out about it.
As soon as we arrived, we told security we were there for a different event (the “secret code words”) and were handed off to a few different escorts until we got to just outside the reception area. We were asked to check our cell phones and cameras, and were told that we couldn’t post anything about the event anywhere.
I guess that was a small price to pay for getting to attend this event. As we made our way to get seated, I just about died when I saw Justin Timberlake appear in real life. There he was, escorting the couple in front of us to their seats… no big deal. Trying to stay calm, I couldn’t wait to see who our usher would be and may have squealed like a little girl inside when I saw it was Lance Bass.
I only had a million posters of him hanging up in my room in middle school. Since Justin was an obvious favorite of the boy band, I always had a thing for Lance instead.
He approached us and held out his arm for me to grab onto. I for sure thought I would trip or say something ridiculous, but instead kept my composure pretty well.
Just a few minutes later, it was time for the ceremony to start and I put my excitement over what just happened aside to see the beautiful bride walk down the aisle. She looked absolutely stunning and giggled a few times as she made her way towards her groom. Ah, I just love the two of them together!
The wedding was everything I pictured it being. Fabulous. I can’t share much, but I will include a few photos of the after party outside the reception area when we were allowed to get our phones back.
(Get it, Chris!)
(And Scotty.)
It was truly a party and everyone had a blast into the wee hours of the morning. As exhausted as I was, we held strong and celebrated the night away with the newlyweds.
They even did a birthday shout out to him at midnight when he officially entered his forties! What an amazing way to kick off the day!
As you can imagine, the lack of sleep continued on with a wake up call of 6 a.m. for our flight home which we almost missed. A late start paired with a slow shuttle and unfortunate security check points almost did us in this time.
Luckily, we made it on just in time for last call and arrived back in Detroit with just enough time to get to the arena for a home game, followed by an outing for the birthday boy.
Now that I am home looking back at it all, we seem crazy. At least that’s what my family tells me. But you know what? We live in the moment and make the most out of every opportunity. Call us nuts, but we’re on a mission to enjoy this last year or so before things settle down a little.
Today, I’m off to get ready for another home game. Thanks for checking in and I will have more stories for you tomorrow!
![[in our elementary school era] 🚌😭
Skyler did great walking into KINDERGARTEN with a big smile on his face this morning. I, however, was a bit of a mess on our walk home. 🥹
It’s wild how fast these 5 years with him have gone … 7 since we moved to NYC and into our apartment, dreaming of the day our kids would someday go to the *awesome* school right down our block. 🏫
That day is today, and I still don’t believe it — feeling allll of the emotions and thanking God for placing us here and for being able to trust His timing through the journey. 🫶🏼 #hbshinnyc
SO proud of you, SK - you are going to rock your first year at your “big boy school” - WE LOVE YOU !! 🩵👑](https://lifeinleggings.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
This is the coolest wedding ever. I moved to Orlando a little over a year ago and I remember seeing Chris out downtown for the first time–it was like a childhood dream! I used to be obsessed with NSYNC when I was younger and despite the fact that “everyone” down here has met the members of the band, I still thought it was so, so cool. Glad you guys had fun down here!
I know… isn’t it funny? When I was a waitress I actually served Joey a few times too. No big deal. 😉 Funny how things turn out and the people you run into later in life!
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! What 20-something girl doesn’t love NSYNC?! (and my particular obsession- JT!) Needless to say, I am beyond jealous.
JT and Lance aside, it looks like you had an amazing weekend with your friends and family! 🙂
Haha, it was definitely a weekend to remember! Can’t wait to visit again 😉
I WOULD DIE!!! I used to be obsessed (posters covered every inch of my bedroom) of Lance.. Ugh so dreamy! You are one lucky girl!!
Oh I for sure had the posters. And I may have even kissed them goodnight in middle school. What, is that creepy?
I seriously would have just been giggling awkwardly like I did when I saw Joey in publix. Great seeing you HB!!!
Haha, I forgot about that story! Can’t wait to see you sometime soon love!! xo
Wow, so cool! Do you know Chris personally, then? Did the whole band stay for the reception? I’d be in a dream world!
Scott is actually pretty close with both of them. He claims to have even had a hand in them finally going on a date… so I guess you could say that, lol. Everyone stayed for a while! It was really cool to see them so down to Earth!
Wait what! And is that jessica beil over there?? holy crap hats! This Carly person isn’t from HS right cause inquiring minds…
Yeah, it is and I was dying a little. She is STUNNING. Even more in person! No, Scott has known Karly for over 10 years working together for the Magic. 🙂
Whoa! That is crazy cool! I would’ve died!
I’m shocked I held my composure so well, actually. Ha!
LOVE your denim shirts!! That is one of my favorite looks right now!
Thank you, me too! (I refrained from packing a third). 😉
WHAT??!! That is AWESOME!! 🙂
what! NO WAY. That is so cool!!!
OK I was all prepared to comment about First Watch and how funny it is to see you in my regular spots! THEN I SEE JT…….. What. Is. Your. Life. I am so jealous right now! haha totally fan-girling!!
I actually used to work at First Watch! The one over on Sand Lake, for three years! 😉
Ahhh I live in Longwood so I’m always at that one or the one near UCF… But my internship (turned full-time job !!) is near Sand Lake so I’m sure I’ll be making a few appearances. The skillet is my guilty pleasure in life lol
Now they even have quinoa power bowls! I’m so jealous we don’t have one up here!
So I’m reading your blog and remember when I first met you and your family as fellow “Rocking Horse” families. I believe it was at a Bullard birthday party and I just fell in love with you and your beautiful curls. I said – SHE is going to be Sparky’s wife someday. As usual, I was wrong, but I’m glad you found someone who is as special to you as Scott is. Then I saw the picture of Ashley and remembered meeting her when I was a “dividend” in Sparky’s 5th grade class with Mrs. Yaeckle. What happened to the little girls I knew???? They turned into beautiful young ladies, that’s what.
Then – even at my age – I said “Wow – that looks like JT in that wedding picture!” As I looked at the rest of the group I said “Whoa! It is!” Yes, this old lady thinks that cool!
And your parents and grandma…why do they not age?
I love to read your blog, Heather. I’m glad you’re living your life one day at a time or as you said “living in the moment”. Too many of us look forward to “when”…”When I have a house” …”When I start a family”….”When I can change jobs”…”When I make more money”…”When I can retire”….. We end up wishing our lives away and missing a lot.
Looking forward to reading more about your life and say hi to your parents! Hope they survive their winter vacation!! 😉
Aw, what great memories! I too remember a lot of them. Rocking Horse!! That’s great!
I know… every now and then something will resurface of those younger days. I just watched a video of my 4th birthday party this year where there were clowns and Sparky is honking a horn the entire time. It was hilarious to see!
Thank you so much for reading the blog and for your comments. I hope you are doing well! 🙂
I mean you are practically a celebrity, and I am so jealous of your life right now! I love Justin and all but Jessica is stunning! It looks like the entire weekend was a blast and I am glad you got to enjoy being home for a second! You and your mom are precious.
Haha, stop it. Jessica was even more gorgeous in person, and she seemed like so much fun! I would have loved to talk to her… but instead I decided to keep it cool and stalk from afar, lol.
Good call. 🙂
I spit out my food when i saw nsync. I had read about chris getting married. But seriously. I’m so jealous.
Hahaha, sorry for that. Thanks for reading!
Ha thats amazing! My teenage self is flipping out right now!
I had to contain that side of me. I’m actually pretty proud of how well it went! I remember telling Scott to watch how many glasses of wine I had for that very reason… 😉
Get out of here! So jealous of your weekend. It definitely puts my weekend to shame haha
I’m sure your weekend was great too! Mine are usually pretty lame, so don’t ever compare that way. 😉
Wow! I had just read in the paper that he got married. So cool that you were there. Wish you could share the deets….but understood.
OMG that’s so crazy cool who your friend is marrying!!! I’m freaking out for you haha ! 🙂
There’s nothing like spending quality time with family and life-long friends, and hearing your story (which, by the way, you have a lovely fam!) certainly makes me appreciate how fortunate I am to have all of my immediate family and friends close by, here in Michigan. Also, How cool to hear that the N’Sync boys & all of their significant others were so down to earth. From following your blog the last 2-3 months, you and Scott seem like such genuine, fun and beautiful people, so it is no surprise that you fit in just perfect! p.s. You totally rocked that dress at the wedding – nice choice! 😉
Holy cow, that’s amazing! I bet it took everything you had to stay calm! I want my friends to marry famous people now.
wow I’m 32 so totally grew up with all the boy bands and loved nsync what teen girl in my generation didn’t. also I love Jessica, 7th heaven was one of my favorite shows.
OMG. THAT IS THE COOLEST WEDDING EXPERIENCE EVER!!!!! Now, I wanna know how do you know the bride?!?!? That is so fricken fantastic. And looks like a great little trip home to see family too 🙂