Homecoming

We may live in a place referred to as "the land of stars," but to me there is no place like Arizona.

And there is no school like Mesa High.

Jacob and I went home two weekends ago for Jacob's 10-year high school reunion. We did the whole kaboodle starting with the homecoming game, where we totally whooped whoever we were playing that night. But with the precious chance to catch up with old friends, I may not have cared or been paying much attention.

From top left: Janis Turley Hansen, Sandi Weber Lundell, Emily Martineau, us, Amy Larsen Standage and Carly Blackwell something. (Oh! I was doing so well on the married names.) Amy and I haven't seen each other in nearly 7 years, and not much in the few years before that. She's expecting her first baby in January and she's JUST the same. Everyone is really, which is why coming home is so much fun.

Minus a Jacob, plus a Cindy Merrill Spratling. These are such great girls. We had SO much fun that night. My voice was nearly hoarse by the end of the game, not from cheering but from squealing!

My sister's two oldest kids got to present the Homecoming royalty with their crowns. All you can see from this is their darling little backsides, but little Evie especially had a BALL doing it!


And just like old times, the ever-gracious Moffats hosted an impromptu get-together in top fashion after the game. Cowboy caviar and a few rounds of Things...in a box. SO much fun!



The big night was held at a beautiful country club in Queencreek, organized nearly single-handledly by Todd Sarager, the hero. He and Jake were really close growing up and their senior year they served on Student Council and even spoke at graduation together. As in, they both stood at the mic at the same time and tag-teamed their speech. Make a lovely pair still, don't they?

Oh yeah, Jake lost the beard the night of the reunion. It started as a trim gone bad at Fantastic Sams, and turned into a shockingly clean slate. I think he looks fabulous, but he was really missing it that night.

Awww, we love Ben & Macey. They blogged this on their blog, too, but we went with them on their first date to Buca di Beppo. Now 7 years and three kids later, they are happy and wonderful as ever and such a privilege to call friends.

These were all the folks who came from Student Council. Jon Favereau (not pictured) was so good to stage the photo. Notice all the lovely levels and relaxed postures. Ooh. Ahh.

Me & Sandy. She was such a good friend to me in high school. She helped me write my first real song and we sang it at the senior assembly that year. She plays the guitar and still writes when she can. She's living in Texas now with her dentist husband and three kids. It was SO good to see her.

And since this high school is all about tradition, the class of 2000 had to end the night with their alma mater, Carry On.

And no trip home is complete without time with some of my favorite peanuts!

Evie Weevie with the most adorable hair do that ever there was!

Sweet little curly Iris with the constant boo-booed nose. (Wearing the birthday dress I bought her!)

And Devlin, the most pleasantest boy you'll ever meet.

Little one-year-old Chantelle chilling as usual, dancing a jig with Aunt Maddi.

And Miss Thang McKenna, who not only knows a good pair of shoes when she sees them (those are mine :), but knows how to strike a dah-ling pose. I L-O-V-E this picture.

Thanks to both our families for giving us such a wonderful trip home and always making time for us in your busy schedules! Let's do it again in two weeks, eh?!