The National Mall, Washington, DC

Mulan, waffles, ballet pointe shoes. That was a typical after-school afternoon for Victoria and I in sixth grade. We’d race off the bus, mix up some waffles (with whipped cream, of course), put on our favorite movie, and practice our ballet skills on her hardwood floor. I’m not sure how this became a tradition, but I loved it. Our traditions of silliness continued through high school, even though we went to different schools, and into college when, due to my off-campus housing, I practically lived with her our freshman year (sleeping head-to-foot is the key to two tall girls fitting in a twin bed, trust us). Most of those college sleepovers were followed by early morning walks to the dining hall for waffles… I’m noticing a pattern here…

I am so grateful for our years of friendship. Victoria is sweet and reserved, but quick with her vivacious laugh and always fun to be around. She has always been there for me, even when “being there for me” has meant random favors like tracking down Crab Chips for our wedding welcome bags… Needless to say, I’m thrilled she’s found the person who is there for her like she is for her friends. When V and Joe started dating, I could tell something was special about their relationship just by the way she looked at him. I’m so glad (and appreciative!) that they recently braved Washington, DC traffic to document their love on the National Mall. I can’t wait to see where life and their relationship takes them. (And if their path leads to waffles, I think they know who to invite 🙂