"Long time gone..."

All of June and Early July were full of travel for me! By the time school meetings were going, I had some visitors. My friend Megan, and her boyfriend, Ted, came to visit. While they were here, Ted proposed and Megan said yes!! They did a lot of sight-seeing while I was in my meetings. The three of us were also able to go to a Fort Worth Cats Game (minor league).

Next, the three of us piled into the car and took off to visit our friends, Jen and Nathan in Harlingen, TX. (Near South Padre Island). We had a blast!!! We enjoyed their house and cats and all five of us were able to head to South Padre Island, too. Jen and Nathan have friends that own a condo on the island that we were able to stay in. We got to go on a dolphin watch cruise, sit at the beach, and eat dinner at some fun island restaurants. Finally we went to a place called "Winks" for some country dancing and fun!!

(Jen, Megan, and Julie)---"We are all FREMS!!!" :-)

We had a blast that weekend! Love you girls!!

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After Megan and Ted headed out on their plane back north, Tony and I had some excitement of our own. A series of severe thunderstorms passed through Fort Worth. These included high winds, tornados, and hail. Around, 2am that night night, I woke up to the sound of the wind outside and we heard a "bang." The wind began to pick up even more and Tony, Angus, and I headed into the bathroom to hide out. After a few minutes the wind seemed to settle and we went back to bed.

The next morning, we awoke to sever damage to our back yard fences. It turns out that the wind hit up to 80mph that night.

That weekend, I left to head North to the (COOL) Midwest!

Yes, I drove alone. Most of you are probably appalled at the thought of driving 16 hours alone, but I really don't mind it. I rent a book on cd (usually John Grisham) and time flies for me!

My first stop was 10 hours of driving to St. Louis for two days to see 2 of my best friends and their daughter (my God-daughter) Matia! Michelle took the train to St. Louis and spent time with us, also. We had a blast!

Then, Michelle and I drove about 3 hours to Bloomington to see our bestest college room mate ever, Dre.

My tour would not be complete with our stopping in Yorkville, Il to see my brother, Brett and his awesome girlfriend, Shley!! (Ashley :-)) We had a blast meeting her nephew, Tyler!!

Finally I went to Chicago to sample the wonderful delicacies: Johnnies hot dogs & lemon ice, Oberweise Ice Cream (Peanut Butter and Chocolate), and later, Garrett Popcorn!!

I made it home to St. Joseph, Michigan after a week of Travel.

I had a blast with my mom and dad. We visited the bluff, saw a couple of sun sets, and relaxed by the pool.

There were also 2 wonderful showers hosted by my aunts (Mary and Joan) & also my mom, and a "church family shower" hosted by "auntie Kaye" and long-time family friend, Cathy Siemans.

Tony and I received MANY wonderful items so generously given by those we love!!!!! Thank you!!!

As you can see, we do have a name for "Baby Boy Pate." He is officially: Carson David Pate. Tony loves the name Carson, and David is after my Father (and grandfather, for that matter)!!

So many more things happened while I was home, including Christina's wedding. The Bahrs are one of my 2nd families and I wouldn't have missed it if at all possible...

Mama-Julie (showing!!), Steph, Dre, and Michelle (The best Maid of Honor EVER!!)

I love and miss these girls so much.

In total, I was gone almost a month from Texas.

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Up next, my "20" week picture added to the progression and the completed baby room!!!