48. See my sister off to college

The day has come and gone. My baby sister is all grown up and has left the nest. On Thursday we packed up the car and drove down to Charlottesville where she will spend the next four years gettin' all educated. She's on her way to be an Army nurse and I could not be more proud.

I sort of missed out on the freshman move in experience as I moved in early and my dorm wasn't ready so they put us up in a place across campus. Going to a new, smallish liberal arts university the dorms were large and well air conditioned. Good thing UVA has the prestige thing going for them because the dorms suck. Of course the little sis is residing on the third floor of a building without elevators (I'm pretty sure elevators weren't even a notion when this building was erected). We got her all moved in and settled. We took a spin around Charlottesville and picked up a few last minute things. After an almost tearful good bye on my part we left her sitting in her new dorm room amidst all the things every college girl must have.

I'm pretty sure we weren't even an hour away when I text messaged her. I know that she is more than ready for this new era of her life and I hope that I have imparted enough wisdom and sarcasm to get her through the times when she is lacking.

8. Throw a party

And a successful party it was! The men grilled, the women gossiped, and the various groups of my friends were brought together in one place. I was really pleased. The weather was beautiful and the food was tasty. Fun times were had by all!

35. Watch a sunrise

I recently got back from a wonderful vacation with the Little Sister. We spent five days at a friend's condo in Cocoa Beach, Florida. It was relaxing, rejuvenating, and absolutely breathtaking. The view from the living room was so awesome, so the first morning I woke up ready to catch the sunrise. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas. On the second morning, I was in luck. I got a few great pictures though nothing can really capture what it's like to be sitting there watching the sun come up over the ocean. The colors change and the water sparkles and you can't help but thank God is so amazing to do such great things.