My friends are the most wonderful people, I mean seriously

Ruth and I on the balcony of Meg's apartment

On Sunday, Meg and Serena threw a little going-away party/bridal shower for me. They planned the most lovely gathering, and I'm so grateful to them for putting it together.

For a craft, Meg bought two sets of white porcelain coffee mugs and asked everyone to write a little something on them for Frank and me (inspired by this tutorial—the trick is to use an oil-based sharpie!). Everyone came up with such great sayings.

A few of the many, many gems... (let me know which ones you recognize!)

^^"It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important." (And a little bit of "Love never fails" peeking out underneath!)^^

^^"I don't want diamond sunbursts or marble halls. I just want you!"^^

 ^^So many good quotes for married life...^^

^^"Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments..."^^

^^"We learn to love not by finding a perfect person but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."^^

I'm obsessed with these darling little mugs and can't wait to use them with Frank, and display them in our new house in Chicago. Every time I look at them, I'll think of my dear friends.

Serena also cooked up a fun little game—a crossword puzzle with clues about Frank and me. I adored the clever clues she came up with, and it was so much fun hearing everyone's guesses.

Reading over the clues, it occurs to me that most of them have been answered on this blog. Ten points if you can guess them all. :)

They also set up the loveliest spread of fruit, baked goods, and drinks - wish I had taken a picture!

Although the party was officially from 3:00 to 5:00, a few of us stayed well past 8:00, talking and laughing. I love having those good conversations—you know, the kind that never really end.

What a perfect Sunday afternoon. I'm so glad I got to spend a little more time with my dear friends here in DC, making a few more memories together.