Back in 2012, I read THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. There are two things from that experience that have stuck with me. The first: the shaking sobs from my heart being wrenched out of my body and stomped on. I have cursed John Green’s name ever since. (JK, nerdfighteria, don’t come for me.) The second is the quote: “…I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”

There are so many moments in life like this. This week was one of them for me. A slow Monday, a slower Tuesday, a slow rolling Wednesday into Thursday, and then a weekend so fast it’s like I blinked and it was over, as if I almost imagined being in St. Louis as I sit here, at home, writing this post. Like a daydream come true. A weekend surrounded by the warmth of family, inside jokes, and celebration.

So perhaps it’s not surprising that all my favorites come from Friday through Sunday.

Favorite Crochet Pattern:

My future SIL sent me an IG with a picture with the viral flower coasters, which I completed in their wedding colors. Here’s me still working on it in the airport before the second and final flight to get to St. Louis:

But then an idea struck me: I could make mini flowers with the leftover yarn and match them to the dresses for the bridal party! And, lucky me, when I went in search of key rings because I misplaced the ones I’d already bought (yippee), I found these adorable pastel flower charms, too. It was meant to be!

This pattern is also a very satisfying make. It works up quickly, the stitches themselves are different enough to keep you engaged the whole way through, and I love the final product! I’ll definitely be making more of these to give out at random. (And one for myself! I always forget about that part bahaha.)

Favorite Part of St. Louis:

Besides my brother and future SIL residing there…it’s the weather! I’ve now visited in the Fall and the Winter and am beyond happy to say that while on this trip, IT SNOWED. Beautiful, huge flakes. The kind of snow we never see in Texas.

I had a blast playing and running around in it with their dog, Goldie.

We also went on a little family hike. I didn’t pack accordingly, so by the time we made it back to my brother’s house, I couldn’t feel my thighs. Worth it!

Favorite On The Road Again Order: 

Participating in Dry January means that I’m the designated driver! And there is nothing I crave more on a 3+ hour drive than a McDonald’s double cheeseburger with extra pickles and a side of fries. I cannot explain it. I refuse to try. In fact, I only stop at McDonald’s when I’m on the road (which is more often than a lot of people — I do love my roadtrips) so maybe it’s a self-fulfilling craving cycle. Regardless, no trip for me is complete without one (or two).

We drove through half Missouri to get to my future SIL’s bridal shower and the McDonald’s gave me all the sustenance I needed. Shout out to you, you beautiful golden arches.

Favorite Family Activity:

Axe throwing! David managed to be the first on the board, but with the hilt instead of the blade:

And actually, even better than axe throwing, was throwing star throwing!

This location truly had it all. Different sizes of axes, throwing stars, metal cards, and then they even gave us balloons to try to hit with the last half hour of our time.

It was also a BYOB/W location, so my brother shared his weed drink with me (he’s doing a California Sober January), and I would like to nominate it for this blog’s first official Least Favorite of the Week. 

It was so gross. I’m not a huge energy drink fan and that’s exactly what it tasted like to me. A sugar-free energy drink. My brother kept joking that it’s “not bad….but not good. Not terrible, but you don’t really want to drink it. Not delicious, actually kind of gross, but not the worst, but definitely not the best.” This went on and on with each face I pulled after taking a sip. I finished my third of the bevy, regretting every moment of it, until about an hour or two later when it finally started hitting. I went to bed shortly after and achieved a wonderful amount of deep sleep (or so said my Oura ring).

While on the trip, my SIL said that she and my brother had been talking about how this year is really just a dream come true. Their wedding (and the bridal shower and my brother’s Bachelor Party before that) and then, just a few short weeks later, my release party for THANKS FOR WATCHING.

And I think they nailed it. Truly, a dream.

I’m posting this a bit belatedly due to all the travel but there’s already so many exciting, publishing-related things happening this week. I can’t wait to share! Until next time, friends. 🙂