Oktoberfun

I kissed a hot Australian. Okay, so I know Carly and I have our rule about No Foreign Men (Jayna, it is not a prejudice thing, it's a we can't trust our use of the universal language around sexy accents thing), but I figured -- Hey, we're in La Crosse, my ladies will keep their eyes on me, and HE'S SO CUTE AND SUCH A GOOD DANCER. Ah, but that is only one of my many fun memories from our visit to LaX.

Our trip started off a little slowly yesterday; we had a few pit-stops to make before we really got on the road. Jayna's parent's house was one of those stops. They are selling their house and Jayna is experiencing the same bitter-sweet hell that I went through when my parent's sold my house, almost exactly four years ago... wow. I sent an email out at that time telling some of my good friends about selling the house and Jay sent me a response that I still have today

Steph - It is so funny how the loss of your house feels as if it is the loss of my own. I will never forget all of the good times we have shared there, from the first time over in the paddle boat to our pictures on the trampoline to taking quick drinks in your room to falling on your kitchen floor. It has definitely been my second home and my favorite... This next summer let's go on some trips, make some memories at the new house, and before that party together some too:) I can't wait to see you at the next chance.Your pal for life, Jayna

Man, just re-reading that email it's hard not to get weepy. Anyway, I knew I was going to get sentimental (Me?! NEVER) about Jayna's house from the moment we parked the car on the street and I felt like I was back in high school getting out of my little, blue, Nissan Sentra. Besides a few updates, Jay's house was EXACTLY how I remembered it. As we approached her room, I think I thought for a second that I would be stepping into her room from high school, that is why it took my breath away a little to see it so bare and lonely. Of course, Jayna's walls were still covered in scrolls of memories from our younger years and Carly got to be the last person to sign her infamous wall. I located and read all of the Jay and Steph stories and took one last look out her window. I know it's good for our parent's to live in places that are more suitable for them now, but I have to say that I had visions of coming back to our old homes, our old lives and always having that comfort of some things never changing.

Jayna's Trampoline - Jay, Steph, and Em. High School

Alright, on to La Crosse already! Jayna had custody of Carly and I for the afternoon/evening, but we stopped in to see Sarah working at the mall first, we all know I like stalking people, but I especially enjoy stalking my friends :) We crept into the store and I observed, "Sarah at work, look how she expertly handles the thong underwear..." After harassing Rah and re-caffeinating (pumpkin spice iced latte = DELICIOUS) we were finally off to Oktoberfest.

The grounds weren't very busy when we got there, which was surprising with the nice weather, perfect drinking outside temperature, so we went for a bloody mary in a local bar with lots of flavor, culture-wise AND bloody mary-wise. We did sit for a beer at the Oktoberfest grounds, but I think the three of us were anxious to visit together back at Jayna's while we got ready for the evening. Our wonderful hostess, made us the best white russians and actually grilled us some tasty teriyacki chicken. We had a great time chatting and being silly and before we knew it Rah was off work and she and herroommatee, Alison, were over to join us before we left for Jayna's boyfriend's (John) house.

As is tradition in LaX, we danced & drank the night away (which I am totally feeling today) and had a great time with the girls, Rah has hickeys the to prove it. We love you Rah, we just had to give you something to remember us by! Thanks again girls for everything (love you too Jay). Our visits go by so fast, but we know how to pack a lot of fun in.