One down, four to go. . .

I officially became a grad student this summer at A&M and made it through my first semester!! WooHoo! I am getting my Master's degree in Instructional Leadership and hope to finish the program next December. I wanted to get a degree that would offer me an alternative to the classroom. Going back to school was tough, but after I got used to the schedule it wasn't too bad. A&M is VERY different from Alabama, so that was a bit of an adjustment. . . .Let's just say that all the stories you've heard about A&M are most definitely true. Nevertheless, I survived, and actually enjoyed the 2 classes I took.

If all goes accordingly, I will graduate next December. Go Bulldogs! :)

The cake, the dress, and THE earrings. . .

Craig and I spent this past weekend in Hamilton, Alabama for Leah's wedding weekend. I need to give Craig a big shout out (like he reads this, but whatever) for being such a GREAT sport- and I'm actually not being sarcastic.

We started off our trip on Friday afternoon. I flew in from Connect3 with barely enough time to shower after a morning of skating, throw a few more things in my bag, grab my bridesmaids dress and hit the road. We barely made it out of town before a storm blew in. I was hungry and irritable when we hit the road, so after a stop for snacks the trip became a little more enjoyable! We needed to be in Hamilton by 5 for rehearsal, and we were pushing it. But, we made it with a few minutes to spare. Rehearsal went well, or as well as expected when 2 groomsmen are absent. Craig had to fill in for one- which happened to be the one I was paired with. Being his funny self, Craig got the groomsmen around him all riled up, and got "shhhh-ed" by the wedding director. Classic. He wasn't even in the wedding party!

After rehearsal we headed to Dolly's Country Kitchen, a cute little restaurant in Hamilton, for the rehearsal dinner. We ended the night at Leah's sister's house to spend some time with Leah, the wedding party and her family.

Bridesmaids & Paula at Rachel's House

Bridesmaids with the bride

The next morning, I headed off for the Bridesmaids' Brunch at 9, leaving Craigo alone all day. He may say he was bored, but I think he secretly enjoyed the down time.

Our gift- cute houndstooth bag, robe, and fabulous earrings!

Leah had her hairdresser come to her house to do everyone's hair, so our afternoon consisted of hair, make up, helping set up a few things for the reception, saving the groom's cake ;), and trying to keep Leah's dad from killing the florist for being a little (ok, 2 hours) late. It was like we were in the movie Father of the Bride! I loved it.

The groom's cake being "altered" by one that shall remain nameless. . . the green flowers HAD to go.

Our earrings were beautiful and literally weighed 5 lbs. EACH.

THE CAKE! It was SO Leah and tasted as great as it looked!

The wedding was beautiful and went wonderfully. We got to see Tim and Heather- which was wonderful treat. The weather cooperated and the outdoor reception was beautiful. We had a fabulous time!

AOII Sisters

Tim & Heather

My Favorite Guy!

Loving learning how to use my new camera. Here is my "artsy" shot of the night! :)

The Leahs!

Last Friday, I went to Birmingham to celebrate my dear friend's last weekend as a single lady. Leah Wood has been one of my best friends since freshman year at Alabama. We met at Bama Bound the summer before we started school in the fall and then both ended up pledging AOII. Turned out we had a lot more in common that just our names. We laughed, we cried, we celebrated, and became best friends during our four years in Tuscaloosa. Oh the stories that come to mind when I think about the things we did. . . The Leahs!

I consider myself lucky to have her as a friend. She has her own fabulous & unique style (her wedding cake is going to be zebra print) and she has a beautiful voice. She sang at my wedding and was a bridesmaid. AND- she did my make-up. She's got it all!

Before dinner Friday, we had a lingerie shower for Leah. We ate dinner at Chuck's Fish in Birmingham and I definitely recommend it. It just opened near The Summit. We at there all the time in Tuscaloosa because it was Leah's favorite. It's owned by the same guy who owns Harbor Docks in Destin and the seafood is A-MAZING! Then we ate this delicious cake- with zebra print, of course.

I love this girl and can't wait for the wedding this weekend! Bart is a lucky guy and Leah will be a beautiful bride!

West Virginia

Today we went to the White Family Reunion at Montcove Lake Park in WV. This is Craig's family on his dad's side and it is the 2nd summer we've been able to come. Montcove is beautiful and the weather was absolutely perfect. Here are a few pictures from our day--

Craig and his Uncle Miles

Bethany, Abbey, and me taking a little ride on a paddle boat

Abbey, Bethany, and Rylan

Craig and I

my favorite picture of the day . . . .

Happy 4th of July!!