New Jersey - in 24 hours

I drove up to New Jersey on Friday afternoon and was able to attend the reception of a friend that made a huge impact on my life back in 1989. It was my first week of my first year of college. I was very quiet, just like in high school. This loud crazy girl came out of the dorm apartment next to mine and started talking to me. I must admit - I was kind of scared of her. She was so bold and daring and loud. But, she be-friended me and helped me get out of my shell. She was always full of laughter, fun and friendship. She loved people from all walks of life. She also did the "Darcie dance" which I promptly shared with my sisters after I got home from college. I'm so happy that things have fallen into place for her. She looked beautiful and happy. I had lost track of her, but a few years ago I visited my sister's church in New Jersey. I was sitting in the back and part way through the meeting Darcie looked toward the back of the room for some reason and saw me. She didn't care that it was sacrament meeting. She jumped right up and exhibited the same loud happiness that she would have in the college cafeteria. It was great to see her again.

Since my sister new Darcie as well, we got to go to the reception together.

We took along little Tirsa and she actually slept and behaved amongst the Peruvian band, the loud music and flashing lights. Perhaps she was just glad that we weren't pulling on her or anything. It was great to spend a little time with Renaye alone because it seems like I rarely get to talk with her over the phone let alone one on one.

As usual it was great to see the Wimmer bunch - all eight of the them! It can be a little loud and a little messy with a large family, but it's always a more meaningful experience compared to some of us that come home to quiet, clean, and uneventful abodes.

I caught a few other shots that I'm proud of. I'm very slowly learning how to use the camera.

New Jersey - Darcie Reception and Wimmers