Megan & Joey

We boarded our United flight to Charlotte, NC last Friday, shortly after Mom and Auntie Donna insisted on going in another line for senior citizens, a line in which they would not have to remove their shoes... I thought we already had lost them.  But of course, they stopped me in our line because of too much glitter in my shirt.  Umm, excuse me TSA, it's a fashionable top with shiny thread, thank you very much.  I went thru the usual pat down, and wiping of my hands to check for bomb remnants.  Camille and I got to the gate, and Mom and Auntie Donna were already there, sipping on coffee.  They won.  

We were all traveling together to celebrate the marriage of Megan and Joey.

The wedding was Saturday, April 18th... and the sun was out for the occasion.  The ceremony was very nice and they were married before we knew it.  I wore this little number below.  An awesome clearance deal from Banana Republic, paired with shoes from being a bridesmaid in another wedding.  Score!

The traveling fam from Chicago!

I was super happy to write out all the place cards for Megan and Joey and bring them along with me.  I find joy in what people usually hate doing... stuffing envelopes, assembling invites, writing things out with an actual pen... If you need to do this... I'm your girl.  Hire me.

wedding cake

The next morning we had brunch at Union St. Bistro, which was really nice to get to spend some extra time together as a family.  I can't say enough about how much I love this girl.  Renee married my cousin Pat almost 5 years ago making her my cousin now too.  She is in the top 5 of the nicest people I know.  

One last dinner before the happy couple is off to Jamaica and we are off to Chicago and Wisconsin!  It was my favorite part of the whole trip since I knew everyone at the table and was able to inhale a baked potato bigger than my face with no strange looks.  

I wish nothing but the best for Megan and Joey.
May they have many wonderful, health filled, beautiful years together.

Oh, and because I was in the South... I snuck in some Soul Food at Merts in downtown Charlotte.  A place I have been and loved.  Here's a pic of that.  Be jealous.

VixVisits

 "True friendship isn't about being inseparable, it's being separated and nothing changes."

How cliche is that????  But it's true.  Vicki came to town, and here we were making Dr. Katsis jokes, and laughing about the old days.

Victoria Marie... where do I start.  Friends for a really, really long time.  We never had many classes together, but we had all the same teachers.  I once snuck on her bus to go to her house from Eastview... a crime that could have gotten you one whole detention... but I just had to ride a yellow school bus, and know what it was like, not to walk home.  Vicki is just one of those friends that will be with me forever even though we are an ocean apart.  She lives in Hawaii... while living in Hawaii, she found her better half, got married, and had this sweet little bundle that I got to meet for the first time ever, on her trip back to the mainland.  Vicki was here for 3 weeks, and I tried to spend every moment I could with her and Frances.  The first weekend, we all got together at Alisa's house for one big meeting.  This was fun because before Vicki and I were friends, Alisa and Vicki were friends and lived close by, so it was extra special to see their babies together.  This is my favorite picture ever especially because me being the  motherless... had to bribe Gavin to sit in my lap with a sucker.  How creeper like is that????

FACT 232: I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT CHILDREN.  After the age of 2, they want nothing to do with you unless you are swinging them upside down, playing, or bribing them in some form.  The holding and cuddling is done!

#mybestfriendsgirls

Adam meets Frances

Many lunches were had and visits to my house too.  Frances took a liking to my fur babies.  We managed a couple Starbucks runs, a trip to TJ MAXX, and a dinner out just the three of us, while Vix got minute to minute updates from her mom who was kindly watching Frances.

We took lots of selfies... which proposes the question, should I get a selfie stick?

We went for walks.

We even attempted a elementary/jr. high/high school reunion with friends.  The theme was tea party, and I was going to have tea and small sandwiches, and scones... but turns out, as always, and to my dismay you can't get anyone together last minute.  Kelly came though... and she was fun to see especially she is one I really lost touch with over the years and haven't seen since high school!!!  She has her own little munchikin.  Isla who is only 2 months old.  

In case you ever wondered what we would look like as a family of 4.

And this was my last time holding Frances and saying good bye.  She was such a sweetie and I am so glad I got to see them so much.

Next time, bring Ian!