The OQ Reunion Tour

Oh, St. Louis. You were TOO good to me this past weekend. You spoiled me rotten and left me on such an overwhelming high that as the plane took off last night, I began to feel the descent of the roller coaster and the blues set in. I had a fantastic, long weekend in St. Louis celebrating a great friend's birthday, Easter, and relationships that I miss dearly in my new chapter back at home.

Friday

After flying in early Friday morning, I spent a bulk of the day running around town with Evie. Bought a new dress watch at Macy's with her help and enjoyed some delicious Fish Tacos at Mission Taco with Evie, Brigid and Danielle. Such a cool new place in the Loop. Happy Hour Friday afternoon, drinks at Cafe Eau in the Chase Park Plaza with Luke and some friends of his and a late dinner at Local Harvest capped out an excellent first day. Except for that polenta lasagna. Bad life choice, folks...

Happy Hour. 

Saturday

Brunch with Kelly and Janelle at Winslow's Home proved to be a wonderful way to jump start the day.  I miss our weekly dinner or brunch dates. I also got to head downtown and check out the newest Smoothie King to hit town owned and operated by a long time college friend, Chase. It was awesome seeing all his hard work pay off and the store looks great! I can't wait for it to open and only wish I still lived in the city to visit him there. Saturday night included a birthday dinner for Evie at Square One and her birthday party at Handlebar in the Grove where an amazing mustache competition was underway. 

"Wait? You like Tequila too? Done." Evie and her "stud" mustache.

The OQ. Sans mustaches (except for Luke...)

Sunday

Easter. Shruti, Mary, and I went to the Gathering where I used to attend and our friend Matt is the site pastor for Easter service. It was great worshipping again in a place I've grown comfortable in and fond of.  Post, we enjoyed mimoas on the front lawn before heading to brunch at Blondie's and taking advantage of the GORGEOUS weather, the patio, and the Bloody Mary bar. #WINNING. Since most places (read: bars) were closed for Easter, we headed back to the house and spent the entire afternoon on the porch sunning,wrapping up a fantastic weekend with tons of laughter and good spirits. 

The Brunch crew.

Love these clowns. 

Though my spirits are down today and I'm feeling not only nostalgia but sadness, I'm incredibly grateful for the weekend and lucky to be as blessed as I am with such wonderful people in my life.

Cheers.