birthdays in may.

So this past weekend was EPIC.

We packed up and headed about 3 1/2 hours west back over to Anderson for BG's little bff's third birthday party. We were all stoked that we were able to make it and could not wait to get over there and see old friends. Both of BG's school buddies were going to be there along with Miss Brittany (pretty much BG's favorite person ever) and her little one, MK.

BG was beyond excited to go and the ride there actually flew by as she chatted about all the fun she was fixing to have. And fun was definitely had.
These three didn't miss a beat. They were immediately three peas in a pod again and couldn't stay away from each other as they ran, played with jewelry, read books, and did whatever other activities they could pack in their short time together.

I'm not going to lie; it hurt my heart a little bit to go back. While it's so great to see old friends and to keep that connection, it becomes very evident that life goes on without you once you leave. New friendships are formed, others are strengthened. It's a good thing for sure, but it leaves you feeling a bit like an outsider. At one point I met eyes with Mr. P across the room and I could tell he felt it too. BG also walked off by herself for a minute and I'm sure she was overwhelmed at being around so many people that she doesn't see daily anymore. It's just an odd feeling.

But the odd feeling passed and we quickly soaked in our last few minutes of the girls being together and of time with our friends. It was way too short a visit :(

After we left, we headed about two hours north to celebrate my best friend's 30th birthday with her in Charlotte. Mr. P and BG tagged along and rented a hotel room for the evening where they indulged in room service and movies while we had a grand 'ol girls' night downtown.

We girls might have had a bit too much fun. We were all moving pretty slow the next morning, but it was worth it. I adore my friends. They are absolutely insane but I love them.

I'm grateful for these friendships. I'm also grateful birthdays only come once a year. This girl can't hang.

(almost) wordless wednesday

Cousins are like built in best friends no?

They wrestle, they bicker, they pull on each other, they tease, and on and on and on.

But most importantly? They absolutely adore each other and visits are so, so awesome.

I love these girls.

columbia zoo trip. ftw.

This past weekend, Mr. P and I and my brother and sister-in-law decided to take a trip down to Columbia and take the girls to the zoo. My brother and I were in Charlotte Friday working a golf tournament so we decided to meet Mr. P and Kiki and the girls there. Only they took forever. So Steve and I took a detour to a driving range and then to the parking lot to take a nap.

Finally, they made it. And it was time to hit the zoo.
Some of Kiki's family made the trip down as well and brought their kiddos. BG had an absolute blast running around with the other kiddos.
Seriously, how many people can one fit into a photobooth?!

The day was so fun. The weather was less than perfect but the kids didn't care. When it rained, we hit the indoor exhibits. Or we ran around in the rain. Either option.
We had such a good day. I love spending time with my little family and I love being surrounded both other friends and family. And my girl? she's made like me. She thrives with her favorite people around.
It was a good day. I kind of can't wait to do it again.

(almost) wordless wednesday

I set out the other day determined to take a few pictures of my newly three year old little girl.

Unfortunately I picked the worst time of day (way too bright) and a less than cooperative subject for my pictures (she wanted to play, I wanted pictures). So the pictures aren't great. But I kind of love them anyway because she's in her element; playing and reading and just being who she is. The pictures are silly but so is she. So maybe they're a win?

K. Still no. But they are definitely a glimpse of who my newly three year old is.
>...and the face I see a bit too often. Clearly this means the photo shoot is over no?