A lot of celebrating

This past weekend was full of celebration. Saturday was my birthday and Sunday was Hilary's wedding. It was a very fun and tiring weekend. Keith and I woke up Saturday and ran around like crazy trying to get everything packed, in the car, and on the road by 9am. Things definitely take a little longer when you have to pack for a baby AND a dog. Well, we finally made it out the door by 9:30 and dropped Norah off at our friends' house and made our way to Gatlinburg, TN.

Now, birthdays have always been a big thing in my life. My parents and friends have always made a big deal out of them. Keith did such a good job in helping make my birthday special despite the weekend's main focus truly being on the bride and groom. He repeatedly told me Happy Birthday as we drove 2 hours to our destination. He also gave me a Bible and journal. (I've been wanting a smaller Bible like he has.) And after the rehearsal dinner, we walked around Gatlinburg and got ice cream to celebrate. The best birthday present I received was from Connor - he slept through the night!! He slept 7 straight hours that night (10:30 - 5:30). Sweet, glorious sleep!

Now on to the main focus of the weekend - my best friend's wedding! Saturday afternoon we had a women's ceremony for Hilary. She started out at one cabin and began walking to her family's cabin. Along the way, she would come upon a woman in her life with a card to give her (growing up, going to school, traveling, college, etc) in order for her to reflect on her life and she ended with Josh's mom to focus on her future as a Preston woman. We then all went inside and we each wrote a letter to Hilary to encourage her in her new journey as a military wife. It was so sweet! After the ceremony the guys joined us to watch the UT v. Florida game, eat, drink and then have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

Sunday, Keith and I woke up early and had breakfast at the Pancake Pantry and then had a little photo shoot with Connor posing with all the Fall decorations in the little Gatlinburg village. It was so much fun! Keith and I don't go out to eat much, especially by ourselves, so it was nice to have adult conversation over pancakes and coffee. (Connor slept the whole time). Here's a couple pictures of our little photo shoot.

After out picture adventure, we got ready for the wedding and were on our way up the mountain! The ceremony was beautiful! It was really nice to catch up with old friends during the reception. The only downside was driving back afterwards. We didn't get home, unpacked, and in bed until midnight. Needless to say, today I have definitely taken naps while Connor has napped.