Memorial Day Weekend!

Blast from the past! I just can't help but thinking about Memorial Day 2008 when my friend Tammy and I spent the whole day on Jones Beach on Long Island and were burnt to a crisp. I headed back to the city that night and felt awful. The next day I called into work because I was so sun poisoned. I got a text from Tam that morning saying she had called in sick too. We learned our lesson... but it's also a really great memory. :)

Miss you, Tam!

2012

It's not Memorial Day weekend without watermelon cookies.

We went to Andrew's parent's mountain cabin with his sister's family. Strawberry cake with lemon curd (that stuff is good!).

We celebrated Presley & Caroline's birthdays.

Meeting Charlie!

We went into Brevard for the White Squirrel Festival. It was a beautiful day.

Ohmigosh. Charlie, our little nephew, is just the sweetest. There's just something about meeting a baby for the first time that you know you'll watch grow up and see for the rest of your life.

Maggs with a salamander.

Oh Aunt Carrie was so happy.

The girls went exploring. I would've gone but my fear of snakes held me back. I did see a snake but thankfully Andrew came and shoo'd it away.

It was a wonderful, relaxing time with family.

Let summer begin! (or as the napkins in our teacher workroom say: "Long Live Summer"!)

Weekend Update

We had one of the busiest weekends.

Saturday was Move for Madison. One of my little 2nd graders has leukemia and we walked at Freedom Park for her on Saturday. Some of Maddie's classmates waiting for her as she arrived:

Wedding time! Darren & Danielle got married!

Babies in seersucker! :)

Oh they are the sweetest! What a beautiful wedding.

Roomie picture!

It really was a beautiful, worshipful time. The weather was perfect and they looked so, so happy.

After the wedding we went to a graduation party for our friend Trey.

We're going to miss you guys!!

Last night we had a little apartment get-together. I told everyone to just bring food/appetizer. This is what our neighbor brings. I love being friends with a chef!!

Here's to another week! Have a good one.

Life lately

Well I feel like I've been hit over the head with an EOG test booklet. Testing is exhausting.

I'm always in need of appetizers. Mainly, quick appetizers. Last Friday night I had a ladies evening and whipped up 1 block cream cheese with herbed feta and basil leaves. Sliced a baguette (thanks for sending that with me, Mama!) and voila. Quick.

An apology from a student. :)

Last summer Andrew surprised me with all the seasons of FRIENDS. We finished Season 10 this past weekend. Sad!

Saturday we had a park picnic with friends. I made sandwiches with the cream cheese/feta spread topped with sliced tomatoes, spinach, and red onions. YUM.

The weather was perfect!! And we seriously just sat and talked all night while some of the guys passed around the football.

All the girls.

On Sunday I was talking to my mama on the phone:
Mom: "What are you doing the rest of the evening?"

Me: "Making Gigi's caramel cake."
Mom: "Me too!"

So I realized on the first Mother's Day without Gigi, it should become a tradition to make her cake. I took the rest to work but it was sweet to remember her. And thanks to A-Dawg for rushing over to help me with the caramel icing. You have to be so fast with that stuff! Seriously!!

Yesterday I went to say goodbye to the Manor as MK & Cait are both moving out. It brought back so many memories! :)

The clouds at school today. 16 days left. I can do it!

Saying goodbye to Gigi

Last weekend family came from near and far to remember Gigi. Sara brought a caramel cake from Maxie B's.

Sister picture.

Celebrating Uncle Hunter's birthday.

{photo courtesy of that Ginna girl}

I LOVE this picture. My parents know how to throw a party.

{photo courtesy of that Ginna girl}

After the funeral we had a luncheon at Aunt Susan's. Here are the original cousins.

Now with everyone!

the Dockerys

Our dear Betts came too.

After the burial, memorial service, and lunch, we all headed back home to rest.

Whenever we leave my parent's house, they always stand out front to wave goodbye. I love this picture.

The cousins had a little get-together at Sticks and Stones in Greensboro. Yes, we were that table. So loud. So fun.

Spencer & Katie

Girl cousin picture.

One of the hardest things was leaving Greensboro and passing by Sandy Ridge Road {the exit to where Gigi used to live} and knowing I couldn't go and see her.

But our hope is still:

"Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" -1 Corinthians 15:54b-55