So Good To Be Home

Have you ever heard The Everybodyfield's song Good To Be Home? It's one of my favorite songs to listen to when I'm homesick. It's not even about Virginia but the message is the same. There's nothing like being home.
I came home Saturday after an epic trip with Kate. It only took 9 hours so I was home early enough to have dinner with my parents. I just saw them when they came down for a visit a few weeks ago but it's different seeing them at home. Home is where we can be comfortable. There are memories here. Mom and I were talking that we're lucky we don't just have a house...we have a home.
That being said, my lovely parents left Monday to go to Austin, TX to visit my brother. Nice, right? I drive all the way here to spend a week at home and they leave. Solid, guys. Real cool. Just kidding.
It's been nice catching up with my sister and Harper. Monday, Erica, Harper, and I went to Tyson's to go shopping and buy Harper her Christmas dress. She has pictures in a few weeks. She is personality plus and I know the photographer is going to have a blast with her.
Harper has turned into such a little human. She's losing what made her such a baby. I know she'll be two in a few months but it's still really sad. Last night, she curled up in my lap and almost fell asleep. It would have been so nice to get those baby snuggles again.
She woke me up this morning by coming into my room and yelling "Where Emma?". Really? It was cute...but not at 8:30 when I didn't have to be up for another few hours. She crawled in bed with me and snuggled on my "peeow" and went "ni night" with me. I think if Erica hadn't needed to get her dressed, she would have fallen back to sleep.
This break came at the best time. I needed to get away from things. Not only to snuggle Harp and see Erica, but I just needed to take time for me. Dr. Tighe told us we had to take a day for ourselves over break. I think I've abused that a little but it's my life and I can do whatever I want.
Yesterday was the most perfect day. After laying in bed and laughing/talking/being with a friend, (yes, just a friend) I spent the afternoon around Old Town Warrenton, going in and out of local shops and soaking in what's left of "small town life" in Warrenton. I found so many neat things just wandering in and out of places others overlook. Makes me miss Warrenton even more-and I haven't even left yet.
Last night, Erica and I celebrated my birthday since I won't be home for it in a few weeks. It's socially and totally acceptable to celebrate for the entire month of your birthday so we didn't feel weird. She made me cake pops and we had a glass of wine, ate taco salad, watched The Lorax, and I opened my beautiful new Kate Spade Bow Bracelet Harper picked out for me.
Right now, it's almost 11:30 and I'm still in bed. I think I might make chili for lunch and stay at home and clean. I want to be selfish today too. Plus, it's not often I get the whole house to myself.
It's so good to be home.