July 4th

July 4th was going to be spent at Lake Granbury with Justin's entire family. However, this year it was supposed to rain all weekend there and we did not want to get stuck in the house with all the little cousins, so we decided to stay back in Sugar Land. Just as we made that decision, Stephen Bavo, who we now call "Dupree" decided he was coming into town and was going to stay with us all weekend. Once Drew found that out, he decided he wanted to do the same. When these three boys get together, there is always trouble. The weekend before, we were all together at Jason and Kaci's wedding. During this July 4th weekend, the boys decided that the following weekend, they should all go to the river and camp out. And the weekend after that, Bavo came back in town and stayed with us. AND, this past weekend Bavo, Drew and Caleb Rabon all stayed with us again, hence the reason we call Bavo "Dupree" after the movie, "You, Me, and Dupree"!

 Back to July 4th. Terry and Cindy were on their way back home, so we decided for a change, we would cook for them. When they showed up at their house, we were all over there with the Margarita machine full, drinks on ice, brisket on the grill, sausage fresh off the grill, beans, potato salad, and all the fixings ready to go! 

Fortunately they are use to us just showing up at their house all the time, so they enjoyed the company.

Cindy and I made a quick run to Walmart to get some supplies to decorate the boat so we could be in the boat parade!

Unfortunately, the boat wasn't plugged in long enough, so with 6 people and 4 dogs, we could not go fast enough to keep up with the parade. 

As usual, the boys jumped in the water and floated as the boats went around us. 

We hung out around the dock for a few hours, but I was determined to see the fireworks, so once it got dark, we headed up to the club. When we got there, the parking lot was empty and I was so upset. They did the firework show the night before : ( So we went to a sports bar at the front of the neighborhood. Although the sign said "Open 365 days a Year", they were closed to. We ended up going to Town Center to get a late night snack and sat outside so I could pity myself for missing the fireworks. It ended up being a wonderful July 4th weekend with these goofy three boys!

Here are some random pictures from the day:

Kyla's Baby Shower

I never thought I could fit 50 warm bodies in my living room, but it happened last Saturday! We all gathered to shower Kyla and her little girl on the way, Ainsley. I have been slightly stressed with this big event because I wanted everything to be perfect. Fortunately my mom came in town a couple weeks before the shower and showed me how to use the sewing machine again and came up with some really cute ideas. We made table runners and coasters in pink and green fabric, a diaper cake with 200 diapers and baby items, a door hanger, flowers arrangements, guessing bags and more. It all came together nicely just before the shower. I was so pleased to be able to host this even for my best friend. I knew I would be doing it, just didn't know when! Kyla is 35 weeks today, do it won't be too much longer before she is here. My guess is three and a half more weeks before we finally get to meet her. I'll post as soon as she arrives!

Jason and Kaci finally Tied the Knot!

This weekend, Jason and Kaci got married in Marble Falls. Neither Justin or I had ever been to Marble Falls or Horseshoe Bay, but after this weekend, we plan on going back. It is so pretty to be back in the Hill Country. It was a beautiful wedding with the reception over looking the lake. We had so much fun being back together with so many friends from college. It started with golf on Friday and a luncheon, followed by the wonderful rehearsal dinner and then the bar afterwards. Saturday we met up with about 20 guys at Chili's and watched the World Cup, went out on the boat, got ready and headed to the chapel! Here are a few pictures from the wedding. 

On our way home this morning, we drove to San Antonio to meet up with Amy, Kelsey and Mia at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort. This place was AWESOME! We sat by the pool, had lunch, floated the lazy river and went down water slides. All I was expecting was your typical hotel pool, but this certainly was not! Great afternoon with the family and then headed back home. I just finished making my favorite fettucini alfredo with chicken and we're about to watch True Blood and call it a night. I work the next four days and then we're off to Granbury for the 4th of July! This post is for you Grammy. Have fun with your girls. Love you!

Caleb and Liz's Wedding

I am still attempting to recover from three wonderful days of being surrounded by friends and love. I spent Thursday getting some last minute things done for Caleb and Liz's wedding, making lots of food for the guys and being patient with the alarm guy that took 6 hours for installation! After he finally left, I packed up my car full of goodies and hit the road for Galveston to meet up with Liz and some of the bridesmaids. We spent the evening folding program, stuffing hotel bags, and staying up late piling 6 girls in the suite. The next morning, we all got ready and headed to her luncheon thrown by her Grandpaw on the Strand. Wonderful food and drinks to help warm up the very cold day. After lunch, we headed back to the hotel, changed clothes and started stripping and wiring roses. The boys got into town shortly afterwards, so it was a scramble to get everyone in their rooms and showered before we headed off to rehearsal. Saint Patricks Church is the most beautiful church I think I've ever been in. Wonderful place to get married in!! After rehearsal, we went out to the Pelican Club for dinner. Gorgeous facility with really good food. Our entire table of 8 stood up to give toasts, but Justin's toast was by far the best. He had poster size pictures and props and made the entire place laugh. I was proud he was my husband! We continued our evening up in the suite playing cards and pool and then headed out for a very late night on the town. Unfortunately, the next morning, my eleven o'clock hair appointment came VERY early and took all my strength to get through! After a morning of beauty and making sure the flowers were all done, we changed quickly and headed to get Liz dressed. Then the pictures begun. The pictures came out soooo nice, but it took a lot effort to get them. Galveston's wind chill was in the low 30*s and us girls were outside for over an hour in our short strapless dresses. Worth the pictures, but now I'm sick. I'm sitting here drinking my tea and debating calling into work, but also remembering what a wonderful weekend it was- and totally worth this cold I now have! The ceremony was almost flawless (thanks to Justin and I forgetting when to stand up, sit down, come forward, go back). We have never been in or been to a Catholic wedding and there is A LOT of moving around! The reception was at the Hotel Galvez, where we were all staying and it was perfect. Lots of dancing! Justin and I were loving how many friends made it to the wedding and what a good time it was. Liz and Caleb looked wonderful and pulled off a very nice wedding. Justin and I are thankful we have such great friendships with them. Well done Liz for all your planning and hard work! I didn't take many pictures, so here's a few from the photographer. There will be lots more to come : )

They made it!!

Just a quick note to say my parents made it back to Trinidad & Tobago safe and sound. They got out of here just in time before the horrible, freezing cold and snowy weather hit. Doesn't this picture make you ready for summer?! I'm so glad they are happy Trinis again. We can't wait to go visit them soon. I'm off to Liz and Caleb's wedding festivities in Galveston in about an hour...should be one heck of a good party! Post back soon : )

Sarah's Wedding

Announcing Mr. and Mrs. Jake Kellen! Sarah got married two weekends ago in Brenham- gorgeous bride and wedding. My camera died, so all I have are memories and these pics from her photographer. We took several pictures outside the church and the photographer kept saying "don't look at the ice on the tree, think of sunny beaches and fires!" It was the coldest weekend since the 80s in this part of Texas (which made us come home to multiple broken pipes and bills). The church was beautiful and Sarah's bother-in-law Chris married them. Then we headed out to an old country barn for dinner and dancing- filled with little white lights, country decor and flowers. We saw several of my friends from college and Justin even ran into a few of his buddies. After the reception, Caleb and Liz, Jana and her sister, Justin and I, Megan and Chance and several guys from the wedding went out around town. I am a huge fan of the cute little town of Brenham now...and I am so happy Sarah and Jake will just be a short drive away!