Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Back to Work I Go

 Last year on the first day back to work I put up a map of the places I had traveled to throughout the summer.  It was a cool visual and a great reminder of the sweet, sweet summer, so I thought I'd do the same this year.  This summer was extra special, because I got to spend the vast majority of it with Gaines!  

Here's a map showing where I spent my summer:

And here's a little recap of the blog posts that go along with the stars above:

New York City - Visit Dales

Atlanta, GA - Amy and Nate's Going Away Party

Columbia, SC - Liz's Bridal Shower

Hilton Head, SC - Anniversary Trip

Valona, GA - Fourth of July Celebration

Highlands, NC - Gautreaux Wedding

Deltaville, VA - The Rivah

Richmond, VA - Allie's Baby Shower

And, like last year, I included a star for Waynesboro, GA. :) 

Caroline's 30th Birthday Bash

On Saturday night we celebrated Caroline's big 3-0!  She thought we were all just coming over to the house for a party, but Jason surprised her with a party bus to Augusta.  I'm not sure if she was more excited about the party bus or about not having to clean up after everyone on Sunday morning. ;)  Twenty-one of us ate dinner at Beamie's and then headed to The Country Club for drinks and dancing.  What a fun night it was! 

[We ran into our friend Tripp from college!]

Happy birthday, Caroline!! 

Showering Baby Palmer

On our final day in Richmond I went to a baby shower honoring one of my best friends (aka bahmerah) Allison, her husband Brandon, and their soon-to-be son Palmer Ray Samuel.  It was hosted by another one of my best friends Windsor, her adorable mom, and her sweet grandma (aka gma) at Capital Ale House.  We had a great lunch and had so much fun catching up before watching Allie open her gifts.  We "ooh'ed" and "ahh'ed," ate cupcakes, played a little game, and took some pictures.  It was such a fun, laid-back shower, and I think I speak for the rest of the "bahunties" when I say we can't wait to meet baby Palmer in October!  

[Decorations]

[Watching Allison open gifts]

[Gabby finally won the guess-the-size-of-the-belly game!]

[Homemade cupcakes]

[Aunt Anne Stewart, Allison]

[Bahunties- Stephanie, Sarah, Allison, Gabby, Windsor, Me]

Later that night we went to dinner downtown with a reservation for 16 people, which included most of my best friends from high school and their husbands/fiances/boyfriends.  Ya know when you heart just feel so full and happy?  As lame as it sounds, all night I just kept looking around at everyone thinking how lucky I was to 1) have meet them in the first place and 2) have stayed so close with them over the past ten years.  I am so thankful for their friendships and for the many, many memories we've made over the years.  

Unfortunately, we didn't get a group picture at dinner, but these are two from a little later in the night at Lady Nawlins...  

[Stephanie, Brittany, Windsor, Me, Sarah]

Like I said, I just love my friends. ;)

The Rivah

After leave Highlands we headed straight for the rivah and nine hours and a few stops later, we arrived to the best parents and the prettiest sunset ever.  :)   For the five days we were there, here are some of the things we did: 

Grilled out every night

Went on a bunch of boat rides

Played with the pups in the water

Went out to breakfast

Took the boat to the sandbar

Sat by the pool

Went on a walk

Went on a golf cart ride

Took the boat and jetski to Merrior for amazing oysters

Saw tons of dolphins

Saw Sam's friend Ben 

Laid in the hammock

Drove to White Stone for lunch

Saw my best friend and celebrated Charlie's 1st birthday (!!!)

Swam

Relaxed

Talked 

Had a few cocktails ;) 

Enjoyed each other's company

Enjoyed the perfect view

It was a perfect week! The picture above was actually taken at dinner in Richmond, where we stayed for two nights.  More on the reason behind that fun part of the trip will be up tomorrow!