Reunions for the Books.

I think one of the hardest things about both graduating and moving are leaving behind friends. Even though we don't like to admit it to ourselves, distance can change friendships. We live our new day-to-day lives, making new friends, and only checking in our old friends every once in awhile, sometimes not even with a conversation. Most times, "checking in" really means them popping up in our news feeds and us Facebook stalking them for the next half hour before we move on to scrolling through their tweets and latest Instagram pictures.
Even though having long-distance friendships can be hard, there's just something about reuniting with them and having it feel like no time has passed at all. There are some friends that you can get together with after months, or even years, apart, and it just feels like old times. I was lucky enough to have two reunions recently that were just like that. 
My friend, Lauren, and I literally haven't seen each other for years. We're talking high school here. We were really close in middle school, and then I moved from South Carolina all the way down to Louisiana during the middle of my freshman year. I visited South Carolina a couple times, and we usually got together, but I haven't visited in awhile, and I think the last time I went down there, I didn't even get to see her.

She drove all the way down from South Carolina with her boyfriend because the University of South Carolina was playing in the Independence Bowl against Miami. Plus, they wanted to make a trip to New Orleans, so this pretty much justified them making the 13-hour drive (which is actually 18-ish if you count the drive down to New Orleans). 
The two of them stayed with me, and we ate spaghetti at Monjuni's. We all went to the game, but we went separately, them together, and me with my sister, step-dad, and family friends. It was cold and rainy, but it was my first USC game, and I was pumped to cheer on my Gamecocks (I'll pause here for you to laugh at the name of their mascot). 

Little sister and step-dad. 

Freezing, but staying dry in my Tech poncho and I heart USC pin

...Moving on.
After the game, we met back up at my place, and we talked about people that we both knew back in South Carolina and how everyone is getting engaged and having multiple children, and while we're both in happy relationships, neither of us are doing that yet. It was fun to laugh with her about people who don't return our Facebook messages or who are our age and have three kids and counting. 
The fun ended too soon when I had to leave to make the drive down south to meet up with Jon and his family. I only got to stay there one night, and we spent pretty much the whole time watching reruns of Chopped and Family Feud, which I was totally okay with. They also gave me my birthday and Christmas presents. All Harry Potter-themed, which was awesome. I'm telling you, this was the year for Harry Potter gifts. They got me an afghan, a bracelet, an ornament, and the Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook. I can't wait to break open that baby and act like I can cook. 

The theme for my gifts this year was Harry Potter, and I'm totally okay with that. #HarryPotter pic.twitter.com/ZPTi5ZMBxj
— Tiffany Khyla (@tiffanykhyla) December 30, 2014

After spending time with Jon's family, Jon and I drove even further down south to have a reunion with the Tech Fam (Anamaria, Mandy, Tyler, and Analeigh + Analeigh's new fiance, William. They had just gotten engaged the night before. Presh.). And man, this was literally the reunion for the books. It was a blast! We played a murder mystery game that I bought years ago at Goodwill for $6. We played Cards Against Humanity which is the most awful game in the best way. I could play it all day. We talked and drank wine and ordered a ton of Chinese food. It made me miss college so much. 

Typical silly Analeigh

The boys - (L-R) William, Tyler, Jon

Aftermath of Chinese food

Analeigh and William - the newly engaged

Former roomies: (L-R) Anamaria, me, Mandy, Analeigh

Tech Fam! (L-R) Jon, Anamaria, me, Mandy, Analeigh, Tyler

All of us. Love these people.

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We also made s'mores with the s'mores maker I bought for Anamaria for Christmas. Really random gift, but pretty awesome, I must say.

After everyone left besides Anamaria, Mandy, and me, the three of us exchanged gifts, and more Harry Potter gifts came into my life. Anamaria got me a bracelet that had both of our tattoos on it. Super cute. She also made me these amazing Harry Potter coasters that Jon and I use all the time now. Plus she got me this cute business card holder that I can't wait to put my blog business cards in because I just ordered some. Say what?! Mandy painted me these awesome Harry Potter paintings, both house elf-themed. One says "Clean up after yourself. House elves don't work here." The other says "Free Dobby" and has a little ribbon hanging from it to hang socks. I love them! She also got me two Harry Potter shirts, both of which I've worn already. (All gifts are pictured above in the tweet.)
I really just love reunions so much, and I already have two to look forward to.  1) Analeigh's + William's wedding. They've already told us to save the date, and I can't wait! 2) ATM (That's Anamaria, Tiffany, and Mandy for those who haven't been following along) reunion in Chicago to see our girl, Taylor Swift. What what. Also, my first trip to Chicago, and I'm freaking pumped about it.
So yea, I love my friends. They're pretty awesome, and this is going to be an awesome year of reunions!
Do you love having reunions with your friends? What do y'all usually do?