Whirlwind

What a wonderful (long) weekend! I got to have a reunion with my college roommates, see one of my best friends get married, and spend TWO nights alone with my handsome hubbie!! We traveled to Pinehurst, NC this weekend for Natalie & Scott’s wedding and it was so much fun. We dropped Nate in Johnson City with the Givens on Thursday and then Abby in Clemmons with my parents on Friday. It was weird to be kid-free for 2 days, but also kinda nice! :)

Natalie is one of 4 girls that I lived with my senior year at UNC, at a house on Dixie Lane. So, the five of us have called ourselves “Dixie” ever since. Nat lives in California now (pursuing her Hollywood dreams), while the other 3 Dixie members live in NC & SC. So needless to say, the five of us don’t get many opportunities to get together. In fact, I think the last reunion was at Christmas in 2007 - Nate was just 4 months old! That seems like ages ago to me. Anyways, we picked up right where we left off (as usual) and had so much fun catching up. These girls are so unique in their own ways, and so special to me.

We got treated to a fabulous bridal luncheon on Friday at Magnolia Inn (but missed our girl Joy!)

And then there was a love-filled rehearsal dinner that night. I have never been to a rehearsal dinner where there were so many speeches/toasts/slideshows! It was just such a great tribute to Natalie & Scott, and all the wonderful relationships they’ve formed over the years. A total love fest, and laugh fest. Fun was had by all. And I think they also had the largest shrimp known to man!! I had my first taste of shrimp & grits and they were amazing. We moved to a bar later that night to continue the party. I felt like I was back in college (and paid for it the next morning)! :)


Saturday we slept in till 9 am (YES, YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY!) and lounged around till meeting Becca & Joy (fellow Dixies) in downtown Southern Pines for lunch. The wedding was an early one, at 4:30 pm, and the weather was perfect for an outdoor ceremony. I have never seen Nat look more gorgeous!

The ceremony was so "Nat"....just little things she adlibbed here and there, she kept pulling up the top of her dress & giggling, and she took time out of the ceremony to go and hug her family as well as Scott's.

Now presenting Mr. & Mrs. Scott Forte!!

We headed over to another outdoor area for cocktail hour while the bridal party took pictures. They had the MOST delicious appetizers, but man was it starting to get cold quick!

Their first dance was quite impressive! Dancing lessons really pay off.

In addition to this cake, they had a cookie cake for the groom's cake. SO good!


The reception turned into quite the dance party, which was a good thing b/c it was COLD. As long as you stayed dancing, you kept warm. They even had my fave fall drink - hot apple cider - for those that were chilly.


We finally managed to nab Nat for a quick Dixie picture. Love these girls!!

We sent them off in style - in a horse & carriage!

For those that were at the wedding, we will never forget:
1. The Jane Jetson/suit of armor dress
2. The underwear lady
3. The drunkard
What a circus! But such a wonderful night too. Dixie - I love you all and miss you already! :) Xmas reunion please??

And of course, the kids were in good hands with their grandparents all weekend and each had A BALL being spoiled :) We picked up Abby on Sunday afternoon from my parents' house, and heard that she has perfected her waves, is cutting FOUR new teeth, is in love with their dog Sophie, and was very entertaining with all her funny faces:

She also barfed on a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch but had fun doing it:

And she had a nice visit with her great-grandmother, Deedee:

Then, Sunday night we all stayed in Johnson City and got to hear how Nate was on his best behavior, went to a park and pumpkin patch, and picked out a few new guns at Toys R Us:

He loved his little throne at mealtimes:

And, he might take after his dad and be a piano prodigy! :)

Thank you again to Nanny, Poppy, Mum Mum & Granddaddy for taking such good care of our kids! It was nice knowing they were in good hands and we didn't have to waste one minute worrying about them. (I think this is the first time in 4 years I have had two nights of 8 hours of CONTINUAL sleep! What a gift!! :)