Saturday, September 13, 2008

Tennessee Time

What a great day so far! Derek and I got to meet Lauren, Meagan, and Megan at the Tennessee Walk for Autism this morning. Megan asked me to text her when we got close, but I wanted to surprise them. We walked toward the registration area (these girls do a lot of volunteer work through their local junior league, so they were volunteering their time at the walk...another reason I love them). I spotted Lauren, Megan and Vance immediately. I think I frightened Vance because I screamed so loud when I saw them and instantly started hugging them. He probably thought, "Who in the world is this crazy lady?" Ha!

Derek and me before the walk.

The four of us.
It was so good to meet these three in person. They are just as sweet "in real life" as they are on their blogs. Since I am a giant, I am squatting down. Ha! I know some of you have commented before, "Just how tall are you?" Well, I say it's somewhere between 5'11" and 5'12". Ha! I also have to mention that Lauren designed our team shirts. They are SO cute, and I can honestly say ours were THE best out of all the others we saw. :)

Before the walk began, a sweet little girl with autism (you never would have even known she had autism) sang the National Anthem beautifully, and then we listened to Evan Farmer from TLC's "While You Were Out" talk about autism. This event raised $160,000 for autism research. Isn't that incredible?!?

Me and Evan Farmer from TLC's "While You Were Out."

I had the best time visiting with Lauren, Megan, Vance, Web, and Meagan during the walk. Vance even let me hold him once before he left! That made my day! He is THE cutest little boy, and I know Ella Grace would have LOVED to have been there with him.

Megan, sweet little Vance, and Web

Here we are walk in progress.
They made all these super cute signs with Evan's mug on them. I'm taking them home to show him.

After the walk, Derek and I took some time to do some shopping. They have a wonderful mall here with all of the children's stores in the same area. Genius, I tell you!

Carter's, OshKosh, Gymboree, and Stride Rite all in a row. Could this really be happening to me?

Then, we had lunch at Red Robbin. I have never been before, and it was YUM.

Derek thrilled to have his picture taken at Red Robbin. Ha!

This evening, we are heading over to Lauren's house for dinner and a visit. I'm so excited to get to meet Lauren's baby, Dawson, in person. Hopefully, I can keep it down, so I don't scare him like I did Vance. :) We are having a great time!

17 comments:

Becky said...

WOW!!! What wonderful friends you have! I love the shirts and the sign are so sweet with Evan's pictures on them!

Laura said...

I enjoyed the update & the pics!! I'm glad you're having a great time supporting such a great cause that is so dear to alotta people's hearts! Have fun!!!

Angela said...

This sounds like so much fun! I could almost read the excitement, if that makes sense. Can't wait to read more and have lots of fun!

Michelle said...

I am so glad that you got to come to our Hometown. Maybe next time you are here I can get to meet you too. I have a dear neighbor that has Autism. His name is Ethan. He is 15yrs old. I can say that I never knew much about this until I met him.
Now on the other note..... my dear friend Lauren is a sweet heart. I dont know the "Megans" that well, but have met them. They are great GALZ!
And you gotta love Dawson... he is my little buddy!
Anyway... enjoy your time in Tennessee!

Amanda Ledford said...

Again, I am so sad I couldn't be there, but I am so glad you made it ok! Hope you had a great time a Lauren's house tonight!

Betsy said...

That is so great that you got to meet the three amigos in person!! It looks like it was a beautiful day and it is so sweet that they organized all of this for Evan. I can't wait to hear about your dinner tonight! :)

Melissa said...

What a great day and sounds like everyone had a lot of fun! TThat is so awesome all the money that was raised!!! I have been swamped with dealing with family in the Hurricane areas and did not get a chance to donate, can i still give in Evan's Name?

Megan said...

What a great group of support! The shirts are awesome.

Grin and Share It Cards said...

What amazing friends! So glad you are having a wonderful time and I just love your shirts and Evan's signs! I agree, how awesome to have all of my favorite stores all in a row!!!

Faith said...

This is so sweet! I love all the pictures and I'm so glad ya'll got to go!

Megan L Hutchings said...

Oh LAH...I could go on and on and on for days, but I have to say that this past weekend was one of the BEST I have ever had!

You are one thousand times more amazing in person than you are on the blog. I am so incredibly blessed that you are my friend!

Can't wait to come to AR!

Meagan said...

Well girl, we finally got to hug in person! I can't tell you how special this weekend was! I got teary eyed as I pulled away this morning! I so much enjoyed spending time with you and Derek - how much fun! It made we wish so badly that you lived here... but 5 1/2 hours isn't too bad, right? You are so beautiful and have such amazing character and such a magnetic personality... I thought this of you just from your blog, but even it can't do you justice! Derek is so great too - so much fun! The whole weekend was so... comfortable! Give the kiddos a BIG hug from their Tennessee friends! We'll HAVE to start planning an Arkansas trip soon!!!!!

Lauren said...

Please come back. Please?

We had so much fun. Meeting you guys and just seeing you in person was amazing. You are even more beautiful and precious in person.

tondays said...

i'm so glad you had a good weekend, and the event went well. i'm also so glad they got to meet you in person & see the amazing person you are!

Heather said...

The shirts are FAB! You guys look so cute! I am so excited and overwhelmed at the fundraising total- AWESOME!
Hope you guys have a wonderful rest of the trip!!!

Traci said...

You have great friends and your shirts were too cute! Give Evan a hug from me!

5'11....really?

The Garners said...

This is SO neat! I'm so happy for that it went so well. Your team t-shirts are super cute.