A Week of Family and Friends

Joy's 13th Birthday
The birthday girl
Joy and Mar

I cannot believe my little sister turned 13 last week! It seems like just yesterday that I was changing her diaper, and singing her to sleep, and giving her fun hair-dos, and reading to her, and popping her in the back seat of the car to go to the mall, . . . she is the greatest little sister. I don't think I could have ever thought how much she would become a part of me. I have so enjoyed teaching (and spoiling) her over the years. The 14 year spread has been super fun! And, Brian and I enjoy being with her so much. She has practically claimed our guest room as her room -- well, she and her best friend Megan's, since they often come together.

A tribute to Joy who I dearly love . . . someone very comfortable with herself, very excitable and enthusiastic, quite the drama queen, an avid reader (probably more well-read than her older sister), excellent student (who skipped 5th grade), has 7 years of piano under her belt, super stylish, and growing in her love for our Savior.

Some more pictures:
Us and Joy
artistic, or . . . goofy
Joy and Kim (mom)
My dad showing off Tucker's tricks

Krissy was in town! With her friend Abby!
My wonderful friend Krissy (my matron of honor) was in town this weekend from Savannah, GA. Her husband is stationed there in the Army, but . . . he's actually been in Iraq for a year. So, she's in Savannah by herself, . . . but not quite, she's become good friends with Abby, another Army wife . . . who has a super cute little boy Wyatt. I had a girls night with them (and Wyatt) on Friday: dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and a little shopping. It was so refreshing to catch up and to see how God is working in each of our lives -- walking us through new trials and joys and how we ultimately need to trust Him.

Krissy, Me, and good drinks
Krissy and Abby

And, we got to spend Saturday with them too -- at the McGuire's house. For any of you who know, McGuire parties are to the "nines" . . . more gorgeous decorations and more scrumptious food . . . than almost anywhere. You are guaranteed a great time. Another best friend of Krissy and mine was there too: Tamara and her husband Mike, and her three kiddos. It was such a great reunion!

Krissy and Me
Me, Tamara, Krissy
Brian and Wyatt . . . aww Wyatt . . . Gi'me 'nana

Meredith's Soccer Game
After church, Brian and I (along with another friend from church, Lauren) all went to watch Temple University Women's Soccer team play against Villanova University. It couldn't have been a more gorgeous fall day, . . . and we were so excited to see Meredith play. I must brag about her a bit: a freshman at Temple who scored the first goal for the season, scored a goal on her birthday, and has the second highest number of goals for the season . . . oh, did I mention she's a freshman :)!!! Mer, you're a star to us either way! And, we must say that we've missed you since school started!
Mer, in the middle