Whirlwind of a Weekend...

This past weekend was pretty great. It was action packed and super fun. My new camera tells the story of my weekend much better than I can...so, here goes....

First up was the 311 concert Friday night at The Wharf Amphitheatre in Orange Beach. 311 has been around for a long time. Out of all the concerts I have been to over the years, these guys always seemed to slip past me for one reason or another. My first memory of 311 includes one of my best friends, Carrie. She moved to Alabama from Michigan when we were just getting started in high school. She sort of got me hooked for the band since they were bigger in the North than down here at that time, and it didn't hurt that the lead singer was super dreamy (right ladies? you know what I am talking about!).

Not long after E-love (and the special sauce) and I were married, 311 had made their way back to the Gulf. We had other obligations that weekend and opted not to go, but I vowed if they ever came back again (whether it be 2 or 20 years) I was going to be there. Here we are, just a few short years later...with a great night to remember filled with excellent old school 311 tunage.

Jamming to Beautiful Disaster

This is my favorite photo. They did this really cool number mid-way through the show. I was always a wanna be marching band groupie in high school...

The final wave goodbye...thanks fellas! It was one heck of a show!

I would like to say a very special thanks to extended family members Harry and Heather who organized the event for us all. We love these two people very much and are so glad we have them to share fun-packed weekends with...

Next up was Saturday! It was mostly non-eventful during the day, but the evening was fun! E and I had dinner with some special friends, Shannon and Ryan. Shannon and I became friends at my previous job. Although I would not trade my new job for anything else, I do miss being able to see Shannon (and a very select group of others) every day around the office. Shannon is a bright spot and an encouragement for me. She is also a bag of crazy fun! She just recently ran and completed the Boston Marathon and has the coveted jacket to prove it...Congrats Shannon! It was so good to see you this weekend!!

Anyhow, back to the other story, my buddy Evan and I auditioned for a play back in March. I didn't make it this time (even though I personally believed I nailed that musical number!!), but my sweet, funny, stylish, cake-baking, dog-loving, teen book reading, No Doubt fan, super awesome friend did! So, I did what any friend would and went to watch her shake a leg in fishnet stockings and sexy satin things. Did I mention she was in Cabaret?!?

Don't worry Evan, I will be back for Chicago next spring!

My mother is the one responsible for my love of musical theater, and since it was Mother's Day (weekend) I invited her and my sweet step-father to join us. Mom seemed to really enjoy the show as well as the yellow roses I got for her to enjoy on her Mother's Day. Mom, if you are reading this, I love you so very much and am thankful each day that you always provide me and little sister with love, understanding and support in all that we do.

Then it was time for the weekend to come to a close. We spent the early afternoon with the in-laws. We gave my mother-in-law a set of garden gloves and a special treat...

Black Mountain, NC Summer 2008 Memories!

Last summer E, his mother, and myself took our church youth group to a conference in Montreat, NC. It was a wonderful, and tiring, experience. One night the adults went down the mountain to do a small bit of shopping and saw a local wine shoppe was having wine tasting that evening. We stopped in and bought a several bottles once we had a taste of the exceptional selection! We saved these particular bottles to share at a later date. This is a wine spritzer made from an Italian Prosecco (white/champagne wine) and a local vineyard's Blackberry wine. Mix the two together and you have a glass of Wow! It was so nice to each have a glass and remember what a special time we all had together last summer.

Last, but not least, I attended a cast party for Cabaret at Evan's house Sunday evening. It was so nice to meet the local actors/actresses who worked hard to put on the show. I had a great time.

So, you see...this weekend really was a whirlwind. Looking back at this post, I mentioned several close family and friends I was able to spend time with this weekend. I am grateful to have such a great circle of people!

What could possibly top this weekend you may be asking yourself? Well, I fly out for Denver for a week of business and a weekend of pleasure. I will be sure to fill everyone in on that when I get back!