Surprise! There's a kid at my door...

Where's this post title leading to? I'll get to that. First, I want to wish my bestest friend a:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! 

I have explained our years of friendship and have possibly overused this plug in on many many posts, but here it is once more for good measure... why she is indeed my best friend.

So, Saturday evening I decided to host a small dinner. Originally the idea was just a party of four - myself, Chris, Jess and her husband, Blake. But I wanted to make it a little more special, so I reached out to her sister's family and another best friend of ours. As luck would have it, a party of 8 was now in effect.

Trying to decide on that evening's dish was easy peesy, given Jess is never too difficult to please. I asked, Italian? She said YES. Sweet. I already had the menu set. Homemade bruschetta, Caesar salad, and miniature breadsticks for the apps, then dinner would consist of two different baked lasagnas; meat/cheese/mushrooms/peppers, and meat/cheese (for our plain Janes; or should I say Joes). Sadly, the only display shots I had of the evening were of the appetizer and salad.

After successfully prepping all the food, stress free I might add, the birthday girl had arrived. Originally, I had the other parties arriving beforehand, but I figured she would recognize the cars while driving up to the house. With that said, we had everyone else arrive afterwards; and it couldn't have been a more perfect surprise entrance. This is where my appropriate title comes into play.

Prior to their arrival, her sister and I thought it'd be hilarious to have Jess' nephew stand outside of the door and ring the door bell, just him standing there. From inside, I was going to stay busy where I'd need Jess to answer the door for me. It almost didn't work out as I found myself standing in the living room when the doorbell rang... I just stopped. Jess says, "Megan? Your door bell just rang..." and there I am just standing there as if I didn't hear a thing. Smooth, I know. Yet I dashed away as if I had something I needed to do and she offered to open the door. WHEW! From around the corner I begin filming, to capture her reaction. However, it didn't quite go as planned in the first few seconds. Instead of opening the door and recognizing her nephew, she just looks out the small window and replies confused, "...oh it's like a... it's a kid." She was stunned and waited about another few seconds, until she finally opened the door!

The look on her face said it all... it was a successful surprise!!!!

  With everyone arriving, it was now time to dig in. I tried snatching a few candids, but I was a bit sloppy with the timing. Regardless, everyone seemed to enjoy their meal thankfully. Gavin made have enjoyed his more than anyone else. ;) He's sooooo stinking cute!!

 And then there was the traditional surprise... the birthday cake! I've explained the meaning of the birthday cake in my previous plug-in above, so to say it's a surprise isn't quite accurate - however I switch it up every year, so she never knows what it's going to look like. :) This year I may have topped them all!

 Sweet Stuff Bakery, truly outdid themselves again; fourth year in a row. Our stomachs could certainly agree on that as well. We were stuffed to the bone! Not to mention leftovers for days. Score! 

Finishing off where we first began, I'm sending out lots of birthday love to my bestest friend, Jess!!!! I'm always grateful for our friendship, and can't wait to share many more memorable years!!! Love you!!!!

(( My Best Friend's Wedding ))

First let me begin by saying, I have known this lovable, "cheesy" (nickname in High School) beauty since we were 14 years old. So, a little preface of our relationship is absolutely necessary! :)  

You could say the initiation of our friendship was in the hands of the good old sport of volleyball. Playing together for 5 years certainly brought us closer together (given the relationship our team generally had with one another; deemed a "cult" by the student body; we preferred "family", right Jessica Donner?). It wasn't until after graduation that we realized the value of our friendship. No matter the ups and downs, distance or years in between, we always found each other's comfort in the time of need. Although, with life's unexpected turn of events, we ended up finding ourselves inseparable. Where there was Megan, there was Jessica - vice versa. So, you get it! Before getting into the EXCITING events to come, I'll share a little bit of our most memorable adventures together!

1. Sophomore year, high school football game

2. Trip to Orlando; City Walk

3. Trip to Orlando; Universal Studios

4. umm... who goes out at 11pm for Key Lime Pie? We do.

5. Cincinnati Bengals game

6. Hullabalou 2010

7. Louisville Bats game

8. My wedding day, aka: MOH

9. Regrettable, yet memorable, Black Friday shopping - people are crazy!

Another special tradition (needing its own collage) is the infamous birthday cake!! When I discovered - late into the friendship I might add -  that she rarely got birthday cakes in the past, I made it my mission to do so every year following:

 And lastly, another must share, we have an issue with matching, unintentionally -whether it be similar, or exact:.

Ok, ok, so THIS is my best friend...

NOW! On to the most exciting news, EVER!!! ... hints: My Best Friend's Wedding.

Yes, my friends! After the engagement last summer (2012), the nuptials are soon among us!

(then, engaged at the same time)

Bridesmaids!! Minus 3 others...

pictured: Katie B, bride, Katie U, myself, and Noelle

Aren't we a cute married bunch???

(A big shout out AND congrats, to Katie U; soon-to-be mommy!!!!!)

Wedding season is always an exceptional time of year, but THIS YEAR it's much much more- for obvious reasons!!!! Words can't express the excitement, anxiety, and anticipation for the big day!! To say she is my "best friend", is really an understatement. This girl has been there for me through the worst of my trial and errors in life, and was nothing but encouraging and supportive every . step . of . the . way. I'm blessed for her friendship and loyalty. 

Not to mention, there's never a dull moment with us...

    Moving along... you get the picture, she is the Cheese to my Mac.

There will be four... yes, four... parts to this series: 

Part 1: My Best Friend, introduction - complete

Part 2: Bridal Showers

Part 3: Bachelorette Party

Part 4: THE BIG DAY! (eeeeekkkkkk!!)

Looking forward to sharing all the exciting events!! Stay tuned!!