Road Trip!

 

Some exciting things might be happening in the next few weeks that will keep us from travelling on the weekends (stay tuned!), so we decided to try to get a quick road trip up to Charlotte, NC in while we can to visit my parents, Kevin, Shannon and Jack, and do a little wedding venue shopping. (Don't worry, though, we didn't find anything that we've made a decision on yet.) But boy are there are some beautiful venues in Charlotte; my favorite areas there are Dilworth and Myers Park, with their tree-lined streets and cute southern charm.

 

After making our way through a hand-ful of venues, we stopped for a beer sampler and some college football at Rock Bottom Brewery in downtown Charlotte.

 

{via}

Of course, as you can tell by my borrowed picture above, I forgot to take any pictures ALL DAY. Between navigating around town, trying to keep all my venue information straight, and then seeing my nephew and getting all caught up in his cuteness, pictures went out the door.  

 

I did manage to get a couple of this cutie on the way home Sunday morning:

 

He decided that this was the best way to lay...

 

Happy Brithday, Broham

Dear Kev,

I'm still not sure where Broham came from...but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You've proven to be a pretty great brother over the years and it has been awesome watching you become a husband and now a father of (almost) two! Your sense of humor and witty comments make me crack up on even the toughest of days - one of the best things about you. We celebrate you today and the wonderful person you've become. Can't wait to see you tomorrow; Happy Birthday!

I will arrive bearing gifts, to celebrate in style (which, these days, basically means maybe enjoying a brewski while chasing kids around, changing diapers, and going to bed by 9pm...):

An Auntie First

Two weeks ago I had a personal Auntie First...I missed my first niece/nephew 1st Birthday Party!

It was a sad sad day in Kara history.

I contemplated how I could be in two places at once, but no luck coming up with any kind of solution.

My sweet little niece, Lauren, was turning one and I was missing it! (Not to mention, she's already walking and I haven't even seen that yet either!...I think a trip to NoVa is in store soon) But two things made the day better...a text from my sister and the pictures of these cuties:

Ryan and Mackenzie more excited to open Lauren's presents than Lauren is :)



I think she loves her TinyTOMS I sent her...at least they pass the taste test!

TIME WITH THE NEPHEW

Mackenzie's birthday weekend also allowed for some quality time with Kelly, Scott and Ryan (who is also getting bigger by the minute!) He is now fully mobile and starting to vocalize so many things, I'm just amazed at how fast they develop and grow.


Ryan's often on the move so it's hard to snap a picture of the cutie, but the girls had him alone for a bit one morning and I managed to capture him with Mom and Grandma:

(Don't mind our winter down jackets in the middle of April...ugh)

Isn't he such a cute little man?? This picture makes him look like he can't walk on his own, but TRUST ME, he is more than able to walk on his own; he practically runs everywhere! :) I miss him already; love that little guy!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY MISS MACKENZIE

My baby girl turned TWO! So cute, so smart and so big. I can't believe how fast time has flown, I feel like she was just a little peanut in my arms and now she's my big monkey.

Love her so much.

Kyle and Stephanie had a sweet little family brunch/birthday party for her. It was perfect and intimate. I got a big kick out of watching Mackenzie open all of her presents one at a time like a patient little lady; too funny! 


And for a change I didn't take ANY pictures at the party...so unlike me! And the only two I ended up with were these two from The Mom:

Me and the boy

Notice Mackenzie pulling Pete's armhairs...haha!

(but not a bad two to end up with!)