What's up

Last weekend, we went to Zachary's 11th birthday party.  Fun was had by all while flinging themselves down a tarp covered in baby shampoo and splashes of water.  If I hadn't been nursing this back, I would have been in the middle of it.  Well, not nursing it, but trying to not re-injure myself.  I was outside for a good chunk of it snapping pictures of the fun and then manning the hose so Dave could have a chance to slip-n-slide.  My favorite moment was Dave and Zachary holding hands, running for the slide together.  It was just so cute:)

Happy birthday kiddo!

This week has been kind of slow.  I've been going to the track every day.  I'm down about 13 pounds since before the Tennessee trip!  We're gearing up for a beach trip so we went shopping for some more beachy appropriate clothes.  Have I mentioned how much I love our local thrift store?  I do.  I bought a brand new bathing suit for myself for $3.95 and I REALLY like it!  It's a big deal because I usually wear men's swim trunks and a t-shirt :)  We're so excited about this trip!  Eep! I have to start packing.

Jilayne's 30th

Yesterday was Jilayne's 30th birthday! 30! I'm next!

I've known Jilayne for about 18 years and although we weren't always friends, we have been since high school. We've been there for each other every step of the way which has been a lot of steps!

I...um...under dressed. Whoops!

One of J's best friends, Kayla, bought her some gag gifts. The beer glasses were particularly fun to play with:)

Kayla

Me and Tracy
Tracy took care of Cody in the hospital after he was born. We saw her every single day for 6 weeks and then countless times after. We love our Tracy:)

Ah...Reggie. He hasn't changed a bit since high school!

There was a Life Group from Epic hanging out at The Patio too. It was great to see people I already know and to meet some new friends!
Tuesday night is karaoke night and there was a substantial cash prize for the winner.
I've never been drunk enough to sing karaoke.
Ever.

April and me...she won!
Go April!
Go April!

Jilayne had driven herself up to the party and after drinking she decided to have someone drive her home and just leaver her car in town. Well, when we first got to the restaurant, there was someone breaking into a building the next block down. I wasn't comfortable leaving her car up there, so I went home (with Tracy so she could see the kids:) and picked Bobby up. That way we could get her and her car home...not to mention he could see the birthday girl!

Jilayne was happy to see him!
Look at the smile on that man's face!

Of course, Bobby had to try on the glasses too.

It was so great to spend time with her on her special day. I love my Laney even if we don't get to see each other often enough.
I hope this year is the best one yet!

Dum Dum Da Dum

Beth and Richard's wedding was this past weekend!

It was perfect and beautiful and we had so much fun!

Bobby and I headed to Knoxville on Friday morning with me driving the whole way since Bobby had worked off that morning. Poor guy. He should have taken two nights off.

The drive was uneventful other than traffic, rain and construction. We made it to the hotel by 1:30, checked in, got our stuff to the room, called Beth to let her know we were there, and went to grab some lunch at La Costa.

After we ate, we went back to the room so Bobby could rest before we the rehearsal and dinner.

When it was time to leave, we met Beth and Barbara in the lobby so we could ride with them to the church. Then 'Other' Beth and her husband Rob walked up. Britney named her 'Other' Beth when she was little after both Beths came to Alabama during a break from college. I hadn't seen her in about 10 years!

The church is absolutely beautiful...stone, stained glass, statues, domed ceiling...just beautiful. The rehearsal went well and we were finally able to meet everyone. Then it was off to the hotel until the rehearsal dinner at Blue Coast Burrito. It was the perfect place! Delicious!

Beth and Richard!

My peach margarita

Me and Barbara

We wanted to take Beth out after dinner, but she had some other things to take care of. Plus I don't think she wanted to drink the night before her wedding. We just couldn't get everyone in the same state before the wedding. Beth's in Tennessee, Other Beth is in New Jersey, Barbara and I are in Alabama and Melissa's in Florida. A bachelorette party just didn't happen, which I'm kind of bummed about. I've never been to one. So instead, a few of us hung out in Beth's suite and talked and played with Melissa and Scott's 1 year old daughter, Avery.

The next morning, we had breakfast with Beth and Barbara and then headed back to Beth's room to meet the hair and make up people.

This is the view of Market Square from the 12th floor of our hotel. I think every Saturday morning they have a big farmer's market in the square. Looked like it would be interesting to walk through.

My hair was done first since I was showered and ready to go:)
I had never had my hair in a french twist.

Getting my make up done.

Beth's hair

and make up

Lacing up the corset to her gorgeous dress.

Bobby came into the room just before it was time for the guys to head

over to the church.
The whole gang!

We walked from the church to the reception (about three blocks) so that the photographer could get shots along the way. I can't wait to see the pictures!

Richard's son Jake was the best man:)

Mr and Mrs Richard Mason!

Father Daughter dance

The reception was amazing! I stumbled through my speech and cut it nearly in half. I don't do public speaking so I had counted on the nerves, but not the emotions! Geez! Anyway, we partied and had a blast! The food was delicious and the cake...OMG! SO good! Oh, and I am now a professional tambourine player...and clearly not afraid of getting on stage once I start drinking. I suppose those are good things to know about me:)

After the band finished their last set, we cleared out and went to the hotel's bar. I did go up to the room first to put on my new dress.

The drive home...sucked! I mean 4 1/2 hours in a car after drinking until
2 am...UGH! Oh well. It was worth it! We had an amazing time!

Beth and Richard are currently living my dream and are exploring Italy. I'm so happy for them!

Party :)

We spent a good chunk of yesterday at Heather's house celebrating Austin, Carson and G's...I mean, Mr. G's birthdays. (He's older now. He deserves respect) We had such a wonderful time talking and laughing and hanging out with our besties!

Dungeons and Dragons

The younger boys had SO much fun playing video games.

Loading the air soft gun.

Off to shoot people in the woods.

Very tired, hot, happy people:)

We had an fantastic day and were once again reminded of how blessed we are to be able to surround ourselves with these amazing people!

Life Rocks!

The Life Rocks! Radical Unschooling Conference is less than two weeks away. I can't even begin to explain how badly we want to go. After talking about it tonight, Cody was literally jumping up and down. He could not contain his excitement:) Just thinking about all of the new experiences we could have is very exciting for all of us. It's thrilling to think about all of the people we would meet and connections we would make...all of the things we would learn.

From us to Conway, NH is 1300 miles. We would drive through Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. That's four new states for me and the kids! Although, they were both so young when we went to New Jersey, they don't remember it. We would be less than 10 miles from Maine, so we might have to add that to the list.

The conference is being held at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort which looks pretty fantastic. Along with your room, you get passes to their indoor water park. I suppose that's a good thing, since they're expecting 1 to 3" of snow in the next couple of days!

The conference is packed with presentations, sessions, joy shops, a dance, talent show, performers, wildlife encounter, and SO much more. Not to mention Amy Steinburg will be there sharing her many wonderful talents in a private concert. How freakin' awesome would that be?!