This weekend I got a surprise invite to my new friend Cortney’s birthday…um…party? It wasn’t really a party. More of a “It’s Cortney’s birthday so let’s go to Charthouse for drinks & appetizers.” It’s so sweet to be invited to a birthday, and even sweeter when those inviting you barely even know you! Thanks Cortney & girls for having me. The conversation was great, the hummus & plaintain chips were tasty, the chocolate lava cake was amazing, and you all were lovely!

This is what I look like after I run.  I H-A-T-E having my photo taken, but I’m trying to get better about it.  This is probably me not looking my greatest.  But it was a good run, & a good time with my client & friend Kelly.  Thanks for pushing me those extra few strides Kelly!

Josh and I quickly made friends with a young couple who joined our church several years ago.  Evan & Kristena were just the kind of fun, young, and genuine friends we were hoping for & when they arrived we were so excited.  And, as equally as excited as we were to know them, we were just as saddened as when they moved to Oklahoma.

I have been able to keep up with Kristena little by little on Facebook and on her blog, Thimbly Things.  Kristena is amazingly talented in creating masterpieces out of what others might consider useless or junk.  I asked her if she would be able to create a non-traditional family tree for me to give to my dad & his new wife for their wedding.  Well, I’m happy to say it has arrived!  I am so excited to share more of it with you a little later, but for now, here is a quick shot of the lower half.  Thank you so much Kristena…I LOVE it!

Oh, and for those of you on Etsy, go check out Kristena’s store.  There’s even more amazing treasures in there!

On Monday the girls & I got to reconnect with our dear friend Heather & her two little girls.  It’s so much fun having kids so close in age to another friend.  Heather put out her wading pool and we basically sunbathed while the girls splashed until the had chattering blue lips.  Thanks for a fun, relaxing day friends.  We needed it!

I have been friends with Stephanie for a really long time.  I think since I was 13 or so?  Regardless of that fact, she has been a constant in my life like no other friend, and I love her for that.  And as she’s come to significant moments in her life, I’ve tried my best to be there: wedding, baby shower, and now baby Madilyn!  I was so excited to get to visit with her & just enjoy time with she, Madi, & daddy Brad.  They are such a fit – the three of them like puzzle pieces that are perfect for one another.  My heart is warmed seeing this new precious baby added to their lives.  Thanks Brad & Steph for letting me take part of your day & enjoy your new daughter.  I can’t wait to watch her grow!

Oh, and let’s have a little voting for some fun!  Vote for the photo you think would be perfect for a baby announcement.  That’s always my most difficult dilemma, which photo do I choose?  Leave your vote in the comments.  Thanks!