Iron Springs Resort, part 3

This is my last post about our weekend getaway, I promise! I'll keep it short and sweet. Just a few more snapshots of how we spent our time inside the cabin. 

Huck tried to stay busy and play in the cabin but he would soon give into slumber. He was one pooped pup after chasing all those birds on the beach! I'm so glad the resort allowed dogs though. He definitely had the time of his life and couldn't have been better behaved all weekend!

 The 30 clams the boys caught. Cleaned and ready to be fried...(ewww) 

 My non clam meal. You can never go wrong with a burger. You just can't. 

 Kristen and I spent a lot of time trying to finish a 500+ jigsaw puzzle (we did not succeed).

And when we weren't working on the puzzle and were all board gamed out, we all decided to make some gingerbread houses. It really doesn't get more holiday spirit filled than that!

I'm pretty sure I ate more candy than I actually put on my gingerbread house, so I went to bed that last night with quite the tummy ache. But it was all worth it! Such a fun trip that I hope to repeat again next year!

And can you believe Christmas is less than a week away? The holidays always seem to fly by so quickly.

Iron Springs Resort, part 2

Before we went to Iron Springs Steven had been talking about clamming forever. I'm so glad he was finally able to experience it with his friend Dave! Dave's wife, Kristen, and I simply observed since we didn't have a clamming license and snapped a few photos of the guys before heading back to the cabin for some hot cocoa! All photos were taken by Kristen. 

The guys ended up catching 30 clams! And by all the grunts and murmurs at dinner I'm guessing the ones they fried up were pretty tasty. I didn't try any because a) I'm pregnant and b) they looked disgusting :) 

Huck quickly lost interest in what the boys were doing when he noticed all the birds on the beach. He was pretty convinced he could catch every last one and truly tried his hardest! I don't think I've ever seen that guy run so fast! 

I'm so thrilled with all the wonderful picture we got from the trip! It was such a fun time. And yes, I do believe I have enough picture to do a part 3 post. My apologies...

Happy Wednesday! Today I have my 30 week midwife appointment. Can't believe I only have 10 weeks to go! So a very happy Wednesday indeed!

Iron Springs Resort, part 1

Even with the fog, rain, and chilly weather, we had a great stay at Iron Springs Resort! It amazes me how beautiful Washington is at times. Although I've been here for over 2 years now, I really haven't had the chance to explore the state much. It is so "Twilight-esque" and truly breathtaking if you can see past all the grey and mist ;) It was hard for me to put my camera down! So pardon my photo dump. 

I loved how all the trees were permanently swept back from the continuous strong breeze off of the ocean.

All the cabins are located on that cliff. You can just make them out in this photo..

 Can you tell he's one happy pup?! That smile didn't leave his face the entire trip!

 My handsome boys :)

 I loved the bright brown, reds, and greens in the clay cliff against all the gray skies and beaches. Beautiful contrast!

We spent a lot of time walking the beach, (the boys even went clamming!), but the weather would quickly drive us back into our cozy cabin where hot cocoa and a warm fire awaited.

More photos to come!!

Beverly's Charming Lakeside Wedding

Do you know what is mind blowing for me right now? The realization that all my close girlfriends are married. Every stinkin' one of them! Ya'll!!! I'm getting old. Next we'll be popping out babies and then it's just a few skips and a hop away from the geriatrics home...

The reason I went back to the east coast two weeks ago was for this beaut's wedding! Beverly was simply that most stunning bride I ever did see and I couldn't have been more happy to be a part of her special day!

The wedding took place beside a small, quaint lake and was simple and charming. I felt that the location and summery decor couldn't have fit her personality more perfectly!!

But hey, before we get into all that, let's give credit where credit is due. I want to state for the record that I did not cry for the entire ceremony *patting myself on the back* ....just most of it.

Me...keeping it together. 

Me...about to fall a part. 

I made it about 10 minutes in and then I bawled like a baby...

Anyways, the day ended up being perfect for a wedding, the rain held off, making it warm and breezy. The bridesmaids wore perfectly mismatched navy dresses with navy flats and we all carried rustic daisy and baby's breath bouquets wrapped in burlap and lace. 

But it was Beverly's gown that really blew me away! I'd seen photos of it, but in person it has a completely different feel. It was romantic and vintage all in one. She looked stunning from head to toe!

The reception was held in a charming tavern with every table having a beautiful centerpiece arrangement of vintage books and wild flowers! Other small touches, such as sunflowers like the ones in the bride's bouquet being draped along the fireplace mantels, a vintage typewriter, and a little wagon to hold the guest's cards, really pulled the look together. Needless to say, I was impressed with all the details involved! I don't think I've seen such a cute, DIY wedding since my own ;) *patting myself on the back. again.* 

The best part of the day though was getting to see some great friends who I haven't seen since my own wedding last July! It was so good to spend time with Beverly, her sister Cynthia, and my roommate from freshman year, Bridget. 

Cynthia! Beverly's younger sister and my roommate for 2 years!

Me, Beverly, and Bridget

And you may remember Bridget, my old roomie turned amazing photographer who captured my wedding last year?? Well, she was able to captured Beverly's wedding for her as well and, again, I am blown away by her talent!! Here are just two of my favorites she captured of Beverly on her big day.

But if you're interested in seeing more gorgeous shots of Beverly's wedding make sure to like Bridget's Facebook page! And, if you're a wedding blog stalker like me, make sure to check out her photography site to get your fill of beautiful inspiration for the day! (Please don't tell me I'm the only person who likes to stalk wedding blogs.)

My short stay definitely went by too quickly, but I am glad for the time I was able to get with each of these girls. And it was so nice to see Beverly so happy! She was literally radiating with joy! 

So cheers to the happy couple, Beverly and Kevin! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together!

Nostalgia & Saying Goodbye. Again.

Very few things in life conjure up those feelings of nostalgia quite like my Alma Mater. I loved everything about those four years spent in Lynchburg, VA -- the thrill of living on my own for the very first time, the friendships I made, and even my studies. So while visiting Virginia last week, I couldn't resist stoping by my old stomping grounds for a quick peak! 

And my-oh-my how it's changed!!! New dorms are popping up on every hillside. The science building has been torn down and a gorgeous, new library now sits in it's place, and there was even a Dunkin' Donuts! (bad idea for those who may be prone to gain the "freshman 15") And although I think it's great that the university  is growing and expanding with each passing year, I couldn't help but feel a few pangs of betrayal.

This beautiful place that holds so many of my nearest and dearest memories is not so familiar anymore. It's moved on and doesn't seem to remember me. It got me thinking that if I were to walk on campus at the start of this school year, I'd feel so out of place. Only two years removed, but so much has happened in that time. I've grown and changed. I truly am not the same girl that strolled those halls just a few years ago.

And you know what? That's okay. It's okay to move on..life never slows down for you and that's okay, too. We all must change and adapt in order to grow -- in order to survive, really.

I was excited to see one familiar face on campus though. Mrs. Towles was one of my favorite English teachers. I took her for English 101, Expository Writing and Composition, and Latino Lit! I may have squealed when I saw her face plastered on this sign just a bit...

But I digress...

And it's funny how some things change so quickly, and how others, regardless of time or distance, stay the same. After saying a nostalgic goodbye to my alma mater, I headed a few hours down the road to saw a quick hello to my best friend.

I am always struck my how easy things are between us. No matter how many weeks have passed since we last spoke or how many months since I've last given her a hug, things are just easy. Our conversation quickly falls into place and everything just becomes...comfortable. Comfortable like we are back in first grade giggling over the cutest boy in class or staying up late telling ghost stories.

Of course, we have both changed plenty since the first grade and our friendship had to evolve over the years to keep us close. But every time I'm with her I'm reminded that some bonds can't be broken. And for that, I am eternally grateful. Life would be too hard to live without your best friend.

Home Sweet Home

I got back late Monday night from my little vaycay in Virginia & West Virginia. The week definitely went by far too quickly, but I am so glad I was able to go and spend time with my parents and some of my very best friends! 

Before I get into the wedding recap (which will be amazing because the beautiful Latino bride looked like she stepped right out of a magazine), let's begin with the few days I  was able to spend with my parents at home. 

I really just wanted to relax and do everyday things with my parents while visiting! So we went antiquing, took a few nice, long walks together, shopped, played games, and spent lots of time in the kitchen watching my mom prepare yummy dishes using all the produce from her garden!

She actually made this chocolate zucchini bread while I was there and it was delish!!  

We spent hours browsing antique shops and found some pretty cool items. Unfortunately, it didn't seem very practical for me to bring any of them home! ;)

And of course, Dad and I attempted to beat Mom in a game of Scrabble, but, like every time before, our efforts remained futile. She has officially earned the title of Scrabble Queen.

And other than chocolate zucchini bread, I indulged in some of my favorite east coast restaurants I've been missing for the past year! Like Chick-Fil-A....I may have eaten there 3 times...  and of course, Cracker Barrel! That place holds a special place in my heart since that's where Steven and I first met! 

Needless to say, I did not stick to my yeast free / Paleo lifestyle while on vacation! 

It felt so nice to be home! I wish I had the means to visit more often, but I am so thankful for those few days!! 

After visiting with my parents, I headed to Lynchburg, Virginia where I was able to see one of my besties get married and even stop by my alma mater for some much needed reminiscing! And for the cherry on top of this little vacation, on the way home I found time to squeeze in lunch with my best friend since first grade. FIRST GRADE, people! That makes this little trip an A+ in my book.

So stay tuned!!

Soon To Be REUNITED!!

Tomorrow I'm jumping on a plane and heading back to the east coast for the first time in a year! I can't believe how long it's been since I've been home and seen my family...and, it's been even longer since I've seen some of my closest friends.

This lovely lady, Beverly, is the cause for my little cross country excursion. I met her my Freshman year in college and we soon become great friends and decided to room with one another for the next three years. I couldn't be more excited to see her this upcoming weekend as she walks down the aisle to get married! MARRIED, I say! 

I am so thrilled to be a part of her big day! To top it off, another good friend of ours from college, who happened to be one of my roommates as well as my wedding photographer, will be there also to photograph her wedding! (You need to check out Bridget's photography site. This girl has some amazing talent!) [you're welcome for the plug, B] ;)

I will be able to see some other great friends from college as well as my oldest friend from childhood while visiting as well! Other than that, I hope to soak up as much time with my parents as possible. A year is too long to go without being surrounding by those you love!! 

To friendship, family, and good times! 

I'll see you in a week ;)