Heather's Visit...

So this post goes back to before the Bachelorette Party, but I was in a hurry to get pictures on the blog and so now I am going back in time...

Heather, my best friend from when I lived up in Greenville, PA with Shawn for the first two years we were married, came down to stay with Shawn, Riley, and me the week before I went up for all of Alli's wedding festivities. It was awesome getting to spend some time together, to talk in person rather than over the phone, to go shopping again together, to play cards, to play with Riley, and to just chill. While Heather was in town, we hit the mall, Devil's Millhopper, our pool, The Mill, the couch (for afternoon naps), and the dining room table (literally!). Heather introduced us to one of the greatest card games ever: Pounce. And, she beat us pretty handily at it, too! All in all, we had a great week that went by way too fast.

I am so thankful to have a friend like Heather, and I cannot express how much her visit meant to me. I was so touched that she traveled all the way down to Florida to meet Riley and hang out with me! Even though we no longer live nearby each other, I am thrilled that we are still so close. Heather, you are amazing, and I am so glad we are friends!

Girls' Day!

On the Wednesday before the wedding, Riley, Claire, Alli, Mom, and I enjoyed a wonderful Girls' Day Out. We started off the day perfectly, with breakfast at Panera.

Then, Mom held a sleeping Riley while Alli, Claire, and I had spa pedicures done. Claire and I opted for a bright green to fit the wedding colors. Alli opted for a shade to complement her dress. All of our toes looked fantastic and our feet felt great! Thanks, Mom!
In the afternoon, Mom and I went to have our hair done before we joined Alli and Claire for afternoon tea. Going to tea is one of our favorite things to do! The meal and tea was simply lovely, and the company could not have been better. It was so nice to relax and spend time with with the girls before guests started coming into town.

What a great day! Riley, Claire, Mom, and Alli - thanks for making it so special!

The Week Before the Wedding...

The week before Allison's wedding was a flurry of activity. On Sunday, after the bachelorette party, we attended our Grandma Toni's Surprise Seventy-Fifth Birthday Party. Then, on Monday we headed back to Virginia. Along the way, we stopped at Roadside America. Alli, Claire, Dad, and I had a blast stopping to explore the mini-world.

On Monday night, Riley got a chance to meet Uncle Rob, Aunt Judy, and Paul. They journeyed down from PA for vacation the week before the wedding, and we all enjoyed a relaxing dinner together at home.

Sunrise pictures taken by Dad during the week.

Alli's amazing updo trial run.

Alli's Last Night of Freedom!

Two Saturdays ago, we celebrated Allison's Bachelorette Party in the Big Apple. What a party! The night was filled with games, food (in fun, appropriate shapes...), drinking, dancing, and more. After starting the festivities in Alli's Park Avenue Penthouse Apartment, we journeyed down to Alphabet Lounge for some hard-core eighties music and dancing. It was a great night thanks to everyone who came to share in the special night out on the town!

Here are some pictures from the evening...