Party in Pittsburgh {Part 2}

{In case you missed it, here's part 1 of my trip to Pittsburgh.}

After a wonderful, fun filled day, we headed back to the house and celebrated some more by watching the Lego Movie.

{Side note: If you haven't seen that movie, you have to watch it! Beautifully done!} 

The next morning, I awoke to a wonderful surprise – a birthday breakfast! 

stone's birthday was that Monday so we celebrated together on Saturday!

Y'all, I felt so loved and special. They really know how to make someone's day! 

the whole crew minus Mr. Brennan and Tillie. 

Later that day, we headed out to eat at the local Mexican restaurant because you all know I love me some queso! ;) 

For the past several years, I have avoided the "Sombrero–Singing–Fried–Icecream–Eating" part of a birthday dinner at a Mexican restaurant. 

And this year, it finally caught up with me. 

You could totally tell I was excited. 

It wasn't that bad considering we were in a corner of the restaurant, therefore, not a lot of people were watching. I may be an extrovert, but that doesn't mean I like to be the center of attention all the time. ;) 

Sunday, after church, we headed east to Maryland to work with the organization that hosts the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. every year! 

Did you know that in Pennsylvania you have to travel through tolls and tunnels? I didn't. 

These were all new & exciting experiences for me! :) 

When we arrived on location, I was surprised to find out that we would be staying in a sorority house! 

And now this answers your questions about my instagram post. ;) 

This is as close as I will ever come to staying in a sorority house so, I soaked it up as much as possible.*

I probably couldn't survive anyway because of those BRIGHT FUCHSIA COLORED WALLS. 

KIDDING.

It was actually pretty nice and that was just one hallway in the entire house.

But really, I did not realize how nice sorority houses could be. It almost makes me want to rush next year. ;) 

Anyway, the next day, a few of us ventured into town to help clean a house. 

Isn't it positively charming?! I wish I could live there! 

That night, we had a cookout on a rooftop terrace in Annapolis, Maryland. 

The view was absolutely breathtaking. 

Honestly, it was the perfect way to end the trip. 

* * * * * * 

I so enjoyed my week with Laurence. 

She is one of my dearest friends and I hope we will be friends till the end. 

Yes, long distance relationships are hard. But, in the end, they're so worth it. 

Take the time to invest your long distance relationship and, I promise, you will be blessed. 

I know I am.

* * * * * *

*I have nothing against sororities. I have just realized they are not for me. 

Teenpact Alabama I {One Day Class}

Way back in March, like 6 months ago, I staffed the first week of the Teenpact Alabama State Class. I did blog about the Staff Team, but not the week itself.

I thought it would be appropriate to talk about the week as a whole and not leave y'all hanging. ;)

I'll start with the end of the week, only because it was my favorite part. :)

For those of you that don't know, Teenpact has a One Day class specifically designed for 8-12 year olds. I went to a couple of classes several years ago and so, I absolutely loved staffing the One Day class this past year!!

Yes, that is 9 year old Giann.
She was so excited to go and little did she know that, ten years later, she would be staffing a One Day class! :)

Anyway, enough down memory lane, let's move on to the actual day.

The One Day class is not as intense as the Four Day class, but it still covers a lot of material.  

The day started with a prayer walk around the Capitol Building, followed by a scavenger hunt. 

During the Scavenger Hunt, my committee girls and I were able to tour the Governor's office! 

This was such a neat opportunity for all of us! 

fun fact: our governor will not take a salary until everyone in the state has a job. 

I even got a pencil! 

maybe I was little excited… haha 

As if the day couldn't get any more exciting, I helped lead the Alumni Track for the returning One Day students and served as Clerk during the mock legislative session!

photo credit: Mrs. Peaches

Ever since I attended the One Day class many years ago, I had always wanted to be the Clerk! You have no idea how excited I was when Christian read off the assignments the night before! It was definitely a dream come true. :) 

I did enjoy the day as a whole and leading my little committee with Zach! I hope some of the kids will consider coming back or possibly attending the Four Day class next year! 

If you have a little one between the ages of 8-12, consider attending the One Day class. I promise you will not be disappointed! 

And, in case you're wondering how us staff celebrates the end of the week, we take the traditional staff pictures and go out to dinner. 

photo credit: Christian

And we sleep, because by then you're exhausted.