Another Year... Wiser?

Author's Note:  You'll notice in the upcoming slew of blog posts that there is one underlying theme- an utter lack of quality pictures.  Apparently I have not only been slacking on keeping this scrapbook up to date, but also my iPhone camera roll.  Failing all around!  However, I committed to getting caught up and doing so means documenting events whether or not there's much visual accompaniment.  I apologize in advance.  :c)

This year Ryan's 29th (take 4) birthday fell on a Saturday.  There were quite a few things going on at the time, so at the last minute the birthday boy decided he wanted to celebrate at Watson's with a few of those nearest and dearest to him.  As luck would have it, that day they happened to be having a Beer Fest- a clear indication that he made the right choice.

My parents were kind enough to come over to wrangle our children for the afternoon so that we could enjoy some time acting like college kids adults.  We were all treated to more samples from some fab breweries (Blue Moon, No Label, etc) than we knew what to do with.  And we noshed on more orders of french fries than the waitstaff knew what to do with.  Suffice it to say that a fabulous time was had by all, most especially my Baby Daddy.  Thank you to everyone who moved things around to join us and to my parents for watching our bebes.  Happiest of Birthdays Big Daddy Long Legs!  I hope this is your best year yet.

All Ryan's ever wanted for his birthday- a prom pose pic with Jonathan.

Grown ups.  Some of whom are responsible for children.  Is that not what you glean from this pic?

The group's shining accomplishment for the day- sneaking every free sticker we got onto the birthday boy's back while he remained blissfully ignorant.  We done good, kids.

All's well that ends with Lynda thieving ketchup.

Happily Ever After: The Herndon Edition

On Saturday June 14th at 3:00 pm my gorgeous little sister married the man of her dreams.  Amidst the most gorgeous scenery you can imagine.  Surrounded by all of their incredible family and friends.  To say it was a perfect day would probably be the understatement of the century.  I have started typing and erased about a million different things a million different times.  Doing so has made me realize there really aren't any words for when your sister gets married.  Luckily her photographer captured a bajillion pictures that summarize all the sentiments that I seem to be falling short of expressing.

So, in lieu of me trying and failing miserably to express the air of celebration, love and absolute elation of the day, we'll just let the pictures say what I can't.  Thank you for letting me be a part of your best day yet, Jules.  I love you with all my heart.  All my best wishes to the newly minted Herndon family!

He get it from his Mama.

Hide your daughters, hide your wives.

The groom and his glowing parents.

I have the world's prettiest sister...

...And Mama.

This picture aches to be the cover of a bridal magazine.

And this one the centerfold.

Nothing says happy day like yellow flowers do.  Except maybe the Pharell song.

Love was totes in the air.  Just ask Will & Chris.  Girlfriends not pictured. Can't blame them- I disappear when Ryan gets all bromantic as well.

My dashing Grampa waiting with excitement.

SERIOUSLY hot mamas.

She really is Daddy's girl.  Please try not to read that in the Michael Brown voice though.

So we're doing this?  Yeah?

Signed, sealed, delivered.

Me, baby Bucket & Daddio.

Lauren playing Matt-swap.

The newlyweds and our Brady (Indiana) family.  We are nothing if not colorful.  Ok, maybe we are fun too.

The newlyweds and our Boarman family.  Less colorful equally as fun.

The Herndons and my incredible Grampa.

Boarman family expands by 1(.5).

The Herndon family.

The maids.

The men.

Group shot of errrrr'body.

Pretty much looks like a Saturday night dinner at the Martin household.  Only not at all.

Delish cake and guestbook.

Koozie favor always means you're at a fun wedding.

First dance.  Not pictured: the pyrotechnics that nearly caused half the bridal party to need to change their pants.

Father daughter dance.  :c)

Mother son dance.

Let there be cake!

Grampa and Aunt Jan.  My guess is that they are talking about how many texts Aunt Jan gets each day.

Nothing accentuates one's baby bump like having hot, skinny friends.  Thanks for nothing Jen & Shawna.

Tequila may make some people's clothes fall off.  Looks like for Chris it's jaeger.

Throw back Saturday to the bachelorette party.  Owning the dance floor.

The bromance continues.  At least Christine is visible in this photo.

This crew went to Tahiti, Bora-Bora, Moreia & the Dominican Republic together all within a month.  To be fair, if you had been responsible for the 5 of us, you'd have earned some serious vacation also.

Julie & a sampling of ex-roomies + Kara.  Kar, I bet Paul was having a glass of red wine at this very moment.

Lauren pointing out that this is clearly where Julie gets her dance moves.

"Siiiiiissssssssters" in the Ryan Martin voice complete with sorority squat.

I told you- life. of. every. party.

Hey.  Julie.  How much should I put on black?

Meeting Anniston & Blakely

On Sunday April 7th, Shawna, Dena & I finally got a chance to go meet our sweet friend Jenn's precious twins, Anniston & Blakely.  If you recall, Jenn was due the day after me but her sweet ladies made their appearance on February 15th.

It was so nice to see Jenn and to get to meet her newest additions.  I marveled at how at ease she and Taylor seemed juggling their three.  Ryan and I look far more frazzled just handling our one.  Major kudos to them!  The little ladies were every bit as beautiful as their Mama and I can't wait to see how they grow and change.  Thanks for having us Gartz Family!

Aunt Shawna feeding the beautiful Miss Anniston.  She has such an adorably full head of hair!

Pretty Miss Blakely.

I've got my eye on you, woman.  Don't move that bottle.

Happy milk coma with her Mama.

Jenn with Anniston & Dena with Blakely.

The baby whisperer with Blakely.

"Hey Emery- look, this is how you sleep when no one is holding you!"  Love, Your Friend Anniston.

"You can even sleep in a swing."  Smooches, Blakely.