NC Visit, Baby Shower, and Anniversary

What a packed and wonderful weekend we had! We headed to Kernersville Friday night for dinner with Danielle at China Palace. If you don't know, China Palace is a delicious restaurant in Kernersville. They've been there about 22 years so that should say something! Josh LOVES their sesame chicken - better than any Chinese he has ever had. Seriously, go give them a try! After dinner, we went to Danielle's in Advance and had a great time catching up with her. Danielle and I have known each other since our days back at Statesville Middle School. We love us some Danielle time! I love hearing her and Josh together - their laughs are loud and infectious! We were so busy talking and prepping for the baby shower that I didn't capture many pictures of us ... see below for one from the shower.

Saturday morning we had a photo shoot with Amber of Help Me Help Others Photography. I met Amber when I worked at RMIC. It was great to catch up with her and see her new interest in photography. She is doing so great! She is so patient and kind and puts you at ease - even if you aren't photogenic! She literally had to tell me when to open my eyes ... I'm horrible with pictures! If you are in the Winston Salem area - check out her site. It goes to charity and she really is a sweetheart. And the photo shoots are quick - so you can squeeze them in easily! Also, thank you Dale for the hug! Here's a sneak peak of the session:

Quick pic of me and Amber after the photo shoot.

We found a quick break in the rain and got in a few shots.

Body by baby

After the photo shoot we rushed to Cracker Barrel to have lunch with Josh's dad and Lainey. His dad did the sweetest thing - he gave Josh a couple "daddy gifts." I actually got a little teary eyed as he opened a few items. See pics below for details:

Josh with his Daddy-to-be Survival Kit

A sampling of the cute stuff from kit.

After lunch, Josh headed to High Point to hang out with the Church boys while I headed to shower. I am so thankful so many people came out to help me celebrate our little Peanut! The weather was horrible! It poured the rain - yet, several people came out. Unfortunately, we did have a few that couldn't make it due to bad driving conditions. I got to see a lot of friends that I haven't seen in years! Thank you all for coming! Here's a few pics of the event:

Party Decor - And Danielle with the Guess The Celebrity Mustache game :)

The Lovely Hostesses ... Danielle on the left and McKenzie on the right (with Savannah's head in the corner).

Present Time

We didn't get a picture of every present, but here's a few: Starting at the top left going clockwise - Mollie gave me the blanket my mom made for her first son and a cute piggy bank, Emily B. made me a sweet baby blanket, Grandpa and Lainey like to buy cute clothes, specifically this outfit that says Mommy's Little Peanut - how appropriate! And last, but not least, the cutest little boots and cowboy hat from Sarah! Everything was adorable, but these are the only pics I have - stay tuned and you are most likely to see Peanut in or using the gifts you gave! FYI - I got hot and Donna let me borrow a hair clip. So not photogenic ...

We missed a few people, but here's most of the group. 

Whoa Nelly! Just thought this one was funny - Sarah and I joking around. I love how her little one is looking at us like we are crazy!

Nice photo of family at the shower!

Random friend photos captured before everyone left. Starting with the top left and moving left to right and where I met them, row by row: Melanie - Bridge friend, Sarah - Middle school friend, Heidi - RMIC friend, Crystal - RMIC friend, Keith (Grandpa), Bohannon family - Bridge friends, Donna - Bridge friend (and Matching with Friends worthy opponent!), Mollie - Winston Salem Party friend :), Jamie & Parker - RMIC friend.

It was a great day! I'm so thankful for each and every person that came! You all came into my life in a different way, but I know it was on purpose! I can't wait to see you all again!

Sunday was our 7th Anniversary! How else do you celebrate other than a delicious breakfast at Cageny's in Kernersville? 

Is year 7 the year of the pancake? We look a little tired but breakfast was delish!

After lunch we stopped by the Church family's house to say one last good bye. Their boys and girl love Josh. Then went home where Josh quickly started putting baby stuff together. He really is going to be a great dad!

What have I been eating? Everything ... we were surrounded by delicious food all weekend. I even bought a cooler and take out containers so I could take shower leftovers back to VA! On Monday I enjoyed sausage balls, spinach dip, apple dip, and cake! Delish!