we flung our green-and-gold afar.

So, I could not hide my excitement all last week. The trip was on again, off again about 4 different times before we decided we were to head south down I-35, down to rock the classic 2-5-4.

Aaron and I left with a moving van packed to the brim about 2 1/2 years ago, and for reasons that don't seem good enough, had not been back. until now.

I think I had a little tear in my eye as we passed by the 'Lacy-Lakeview' and 'Elm Mott' signs...inching closer and closer to the city that was my home for 5 incredible years. The first familiar sights [the Alico was the first on the horizon and close behind was the green glow of Pat Neff] brought a huge smile to my face. I really can't describe the flood of emotions that emerged...truly untapped for such a long time. I hadn't reminisced with such fondness, ever really, about my time at college. I can only describe it as a love for this place. I'm serious, an actual deep, heartfelt love. I decided I missed a career calling to be a recruiter for this amazing institution. But, then, apparently, we're not doing that good of a job convincing Melody, are we? I so hope that changes for her, because this place has so much to offer....and truly has been the foundation for such 'life' experience, great fun, personal growth, many unforgettable memories, wonderful friends, and even my current career that I love, and precious fellow baylor alumni, my husband. [...and you know, if it doesn't, I hope she finds this love somewhere.]

But, we had such a good time visiting our new Baylor Bear. We're so proud, she's working so hard! She showed us around to all the new changes, which were many, ...you know, they definitely weren't kidding about that Vision 2012 thing guys. We managed to squeeze so much into our little weekend...visiting many of our old haunts - el mil taco (questionably safe little taco stand out of an RV), dr. pepper soda shoppe, vitek's, Spice, wing stop, common grounds, health camp, the SUB, our old apartments, and of course the campus itself.

the old stomping grounds.

first time as husband and wife in Waco, Texas.

aw, we have some of our engagement portraits that were taken right here. This was Baylor's official 'parents weekend'.

Checking out Melody's dorm in North Russell, so cute!

& They can even have males in there past 6 pm, *gasp*!Ok, I saw THIS @ Vitek's, and then decided Aaron & I have to move back to Waco.

In case you can't tell, it's Dublin (pure cane sugar) Dr. Pepper in a

FOUNTAIN DRINK!
(this is the scene where the clouds part and the angels sing...)

What would a trip to BU be without a visit to our baylor bears? Joy and Lady have gotten so big, It's almost scary to see them on their little leashes at the football game.

All of these pictures could be prefaced by..."What would this trip be without a visit to----?"

Clearly, the shoppes @ SPICE, my old employer, is no exception. Thank goodness Aaron let loose of the purse strings just a little. ;)

It's amazing to think back on all the energy we had back then. (I know it sounds strange as I'm only 25...) but, now I never stay up regularly until 2 and 3 am, eat a 'fourth-meal', drive to West for Kolaches in the middle of the night, break into old tire factories or 'haunted' old schools, sit around & watch movie marathons with 15 people, hit up the branch dividian compound at the risk of the scary watchman on the porch, trek through the asbestos-filled underground tunnels, catch a midnight movie and then have plans afterwards, play in the fountains, sit around a campfire by the lake playing guitar and chubby bunny, hang out at common grounds and cheering on our musician friends, make scandalous bets to seemingly innocent board games, dance the night away with the 'finest crowds' in Waco, head off to Dallas and Austin on a whim with carloads of friends... I could truly go on for pages and pages.

there are so many more. help me out with your favorite memories, kids?

I have to applaud our imagination...it was definitely never boring.
I did study my butt off, too. and worked some.

After Carly was here the other weekend, we reunited ourselves with our old livejournals. Yes, I had a blog before you. Neither of us can hardly remember half of the stuff we journaled about, but it sure is some laugh-out-loud reminiscing to read through some of these posts...we dug pretty deep in the archives. I'm so glad I have these, it's mainly from my sophomore year. I only wish I had more. It gives me new reason to keep on 'doing this'. If you're so inclined (especially my fellow Baylorites will get a kick out of this...) here's mine, carly's, and katie's.

...we'll march forever down the years-- as long as stars shall shine... Mrs. BU & Mr. Didn't miss a single home game while he was here. We were sitting up in the 'box seats', or the heavens. All you can eat in a fancy padded chair. yeah, sic' em bears.

We swept ol' Iowa State 38 to 10 for our first Big XII win of the season. You can check out ESPN's No. 3 Top Play right here with the second touchdown of the night. Unbelieveable. You have to watch this to see for yourself.

and win all your victories for the GREEN and GOOOLD! Practicing their Bear Claws. Did you know there's actually a wikipedia entry on Sic' em Bears? So informative. Yep, that's it. I'm going to have to quit my job and go join Baylor Admissions. We're actually headed to Stillwater next weekend to catch the Bears v. Cowboys - we may just be tailgating - but, excited nonetheless!

And now, in an act of total nostalgia... a snapshot from my own Parent's Weekend, all of us donning our green and gold.

my goodness, Trae, Logan, haha I don't even know what to say...we're all almost unrecognizable!