BOO! At The Zoo

This weekend, we joined together with friends and family to venture on out to our local zoo. Every year, through the month of October, they host a Halloween Party with plenty of candy and characters to entertain! This was our first year attending, now that Audriana is old enough to enjoy it. We brought the stroller along incase those little legs couldn't hang, but she was a trooper and walked the entire time. Again, she's growing up too fast and I don't know how to slow down time. Whaaaah :(

Along with us were my parents, husband, sister-in-law, and two of my favorite people Erika and Amy, with their children. Unfortunately, we didn't get an entire group photo, but still plenty were captured.

We started at the entrance and walked in every direction possible, until the train ride at the end! Whew, what a workout - for me anyway. The set up was incredible. I just loved it! They had a theme throughout each corner; from Storybook Princesses, Nintendo, Superheroes, almost all Disney movie characters, , and the Wizard of Oz, to name a few. Ha. Sadly, Audriana was bundled up and no one noticed her Princess Sofia dress underneath, they thought she was an owl. She was cool with it, so by all means. Ok, so getting to it! I decided to just share the highlights of our zoo adventure. Still a lot, but believe me there were a bundle.

They were obviously having a blast. As you can imagine, it took us awhile to make our way through from all the photo ops, but they were loving it. And every now and then the grown ups would have our own little fun with it. Next year we'll have our son for a complete family photo!!!

Oh, and we can't forget the hot chocolate!!!! It was a chiiiillllllly night. While the kiddos danced around under the disco light (yes, there was a dance floor reserved for kids to exert their sugar rush) we hung around and sipped on our hot cocoa. Yummy!!

Well, that's about all there is folks. Other than a few more here or there, we made our way around back to the front entrance for Audriana to enjoy a carousel ride, and last but not least caught the train ride around the zoo.
This was such a fun day! Not to mention Audriana passed OUT on the way home. I guess you could say we all could have at that point. We all had a great time. I'm so glad we were able to experience it with family AND friends. The kids had a blast with one another. I'm thankful for our relationships, and the ability to share moments like these. Can't wait for next year!

Although, I won't be able to get festive with an AWESOME shirt like this again. I couldn't have been more pleased with my customized t-shirt. I shopped around for all kinds of maternity ideas for Halloween, and this was the winner. Simple, but certainly making a statement. Ha!

Those were our shenanigans for the weekend! What were some of yours??? LINK UP! and share. :)

(( My Best Friend's Wedding )) Part 2: Bridal Showers

Today begins Part 2, of My Best Friend's Wedding extravaganza; and I'm excited to share these past bridal shower events. Yes, she is so special we've had to celebrate it more than once!! :)

Bridal Shower #1

First lets begin with the cake! Oh em gee! Not only are the wedding colors of Tiffany&Co blue, but the cake and bows - the bride's favorite - were spectacular.

Is that not gorgeous? 

I must admit, one of my favorite things when attending an event at this house, is the overflowing amount of food! Better believe there are left overs, and that this girl is almost always leaving with two or three containers. Thanks, Vickie!!!

Following the feast, Jess began opening her gifts! I borrowed this photo from her sister - thanks, Megan - because I knew it was one of her favorites.

 

...and as you may notice, I volunteered to make the bow bouquet. Not an ideal task for a perfectionist, but I made it work! Ha.

NOW for the introduction of ALL the bridesmaids:

From left to right: Katie B, Erika, Katie U, Noelle, the bride, myself, Hannah, Megan

Bridal Shower #2

This lovely event was taken place in Louisville, Ky at an old historical residence, hosted by the groom's mother and her four friends. It was gorgeous. I'm a real sucker for history, as well, so the tour of this renovated old cottage was remarkable.

Hello, the blushing bride...

 ...also the name of the beverage she's withholding, Blushing Bride recipe: 1 oz Peach Schnapps, 4 oz Champs, 1 oz Grenadine Syrup

Walking into the building, you notice a sweet little arrangement on the piano of the couple's wedding invitation. Really, that's too cute.

Next, we made our way into the dining area. The place settings were cleverly stylish; gold chevron place mat, a napkin tied with raffia, along with some marigolds. Lunch was a beautifully colored arrangement, and dessert was... well, look at it! Delectable . 

Now onto the entertainment! This was full of laughs and tears... tears from laughing, to be exact. The hosts decided on a game of "What The Bride thinks The Groom Said". It's not a new game, but it never gets old! These ladies, however, had the clever idea to record the groom ON VIDEO while answering said questions - face expressions, confusion, laughs, all in one! It was hysterical!

Like I said, lots of laughs... :)

After another game, and gift opening, it was time to depart from yet another entertaining event. Before leaving, of course we had to capture one last photo. 

These next few weeks are going to fly by, and before we know it the wedding will be here! It's quite unfathomable, I must admit. My best friend is about to be married. Wow! 

A little thing called... DERBY!

It's that time of the year again!! The one event in which our little ol' town of Louisville, Ky gets recognition beyond its own population; and where spotting a celebrity or two... or three, seems as common as it would be in LA. Along with the infamous 2km horse race, hats, and celebrity sightings, it is quite the spectacle.

For those unfamiliar with this annual tradition; formally known as, The Kentucky Derby, here are some highlights...

The event is proceeded by a week of local festivities! It's a bit of an overload, so I'll get to the main event, which falls on the first weekend of May - divided into two particular days:

Friday - Oaks

Saturday - Derby

Location, is none other than Churchill Downs.

Attire is usually semi-formal, but for the women, the most popular accessory is the HAT! ie: here and here.

Regardless of the attire, this weekend is most certainly known for its heart-pounding, beat the program on the rail race of its beautiful thoroughbreds; as it's also deemed "The Fastest Two Minutes In Sports". Attending the Derby should definitely be on the bucket list. It's an historical event unlike any other. 

As for this household, the Derby festivities kick off this evening at Ferdinand's Ball. Friday (Oaks day) will be spent in our fun/matching attire (and yes, hats) at the track, then we'll magically spin around - you know, like Cinderella - and change into our more formal attire for the Unbridled Eve Gala. With whatever bit of energy left to gather, we'll then be back at the track on Saturday, Derby day (yes, more hats). This will be one eventful weekend!!

With that said, this post may be running until after the festivities!

As much as I cringe at that thought - as I like to be on top of things - I'm not sure my laptop would be an acceptable fashion forward accessory. So, I apologize in advance!

Our attendance, and attire, will be shared immediately following the weekend. 

Fingers crossed we pick a winner this year!!!! Good luck to all!!!

Have a blessed and safe weekend. :)

photo credit: 1 2 3 4 5 6 

Lions, Tigers & Bears... OH MY!

Yes, Erika - if you're reading this - my post title may look familiar. 

Well, this Tuesday adventure was most deserving of its own post!! One of my best friends, and her son (my godson) along with myself and little one, took a trip to our local zoo.

Not my most flattering angle, but it's surely overlooked by Max licking his mother's face, yes?

Needless to say, it was a combination of excitement and exhaustion - for the parents. Regardless, it was an absolute blast!! The weather was even kind to us, and never shed an ounce of rain - which was the current weather status; in which case we appreciated the false prediction. We tried capturing as many photo ops possible, given the undeniably precious moments and personalities portrayed.   

 ...and when I say personalities, this is what I mean...

Probably one of my favorite moments, was the "clinging for life" photos of my dearest friend, and our kiddos - one in desperate need to be held, while the other was being pulled out of another family's picture.

She may have needed an extra hand. Where was I, you ask?... umm, who else was going to capture these priceless moments? 

And given we are both moms, this happened on occasion...  

I can't recall if it was intentional, or just maternal instinct to grab hold of a nearby stroller. 

It happens. 

We're lucky our kids are close in age, and have been able to grow with one another; although, one year is quite a difference, especially between a boy and a girl. Nonetheless, they have fun together and I'm blessed for that relationship - and that of mine and Erika's... I've known her from when we were our kids' age.

That's a crazy reality. 

:: weekend picture book ::

On any adventurous week, or weekend, expect a picture book post to follow!! Sometimes they're just too good to not share.

Post inspired by My Cup of Te & Sami's Weekend Shenanigans

Saturday, my family - which usually includes the following: dad, mama, hubs, baby, aunt & uncle - set out on a road trip to Cincinnati, OH, ready to cheer on the Reds. Being that it's just one of the many games we've attended, we had the necessities in stow! However, this particular weekend, the vehicle - aka, dad's 1990 Astro Van (in need of serious retirement) - was fully loaded with blankets and chairs, in preparation for Thunder Over Louisville later that evening. In case you didn't catch that, we would be traveling from Louisville to Cincinnati, back to Louisville... in one day... with a 3 year old. This was going to be an easily estimated 12 hour day. Needless to say, we weren't exactly sure how our little munchkin would last through it all, but we were pleasantly surprised. She was perfect. *Proud mommy moment... FOR SURE.

Immediately, entering the stadium, we're each handed a "Brandon Phillips" bobble head. Woo hoo! Surrounded by children, we adults easily blended in! We were now owners of five - yes, five - bobble heads. Necessary? No. Did we care? Not the slightest bit. They were free! Little did we know how convenient it would be to have such a vast number; two broken bobble heads in less than four hours. Again, we did have a 3 year old along this journey... it's expected something will break at some point. 

(continuing) We made our way to the Champions Club, and had our brunch/lunch/linner/dinner - yes, all four meals at once. At least that's what it felt like; stuffed wouldn't describe that miserable feeling. We then proceeded to our seats - beautiful high 60 degrees weather - and enjoyed a successful "W" for our dearest Reds!!!! Go Reds, GO!!!

Back in the car/van/oh my gosh, dad we're gonna die vehicle, we headed back to our hometown for the annual fireworks show. Luckily, little bit zonked out for the entire drive back; catching her second wind = pleasant child = pleasant every one!! ;) The rest of the evening needs no preface, or summary of any sort. It was cold cold COLD, our seats were on the Belvedere, and the show was as expected - AMAZING. I will only be sharing a couple photos, because fireworks are nothing new... 

...I did, however, want to share a video of the finale; regardless of the fact the effects on film surely don't suffice the feeling or impact of the sound when you're there!!! They don't call it Thunder for nothing. Enjoy!

THUNDER ...na na na na na na na na...THUNDER!!

...a little AC/DC for ya! ...no? ...oh well, I couldn't resist.

Thunder over Louisville

...the largest fireworks display in North America. 

As I've grown, the meaning of this particular weekend rapidly changed from one extreme to the other; in quite a fascinating cycle. As children, we go for the fireworks; teens go for the hangout; college years revolve around the unlimited consumption of adult beverages; then as parents, along with children of our own, we are back again just for the fireworks... back to the basics! ;)

Thunder got its name simply by "...adequately defining its intensity"; and that it did. 

Although, Thunder is known for its 100,000+ audience, it's always questionable whether it'll reach high attendance each year depending on weather conditions  - flood in 2011. The weather surely dictates that decision for this household - it's COLD today!!  

Regardless, I'm sure you'll find us bundled up; enjoying another year of this spectacular tradition. 

photo credit: 1 2

Motivational Monday

Today's post was inspired by none other than the most positive, side-line cheering team player, Kevin Ware, and our dear Louisville (loo-a-vull) Cardinals basketball team.

His traumatic injury brought tears to not only himself, but to the fans, his coach and his teammates. It was certainly the end to his season...

...but was it the end of his spirit for his team?

No. 

On the sidelines, he remained encouraging and supportive, showing his team that his heart and spirit were much alive - as he now played the role of their 6th man. 

With that, and the heart of the other teammates, they fought through, and found themselves heading to the championship game.  

The moral of the story, folks:

Good luck tonight, Cards!! Let's WIN a championship!!!!!!