The Latest...

We have been on the go...Jonathan has been in Kentucky & Texas.  My dear friends, Sarah & Beth have visited Royston.  I have been sewing, moving furniture, beginning to wash clothes, & shopping all in preparation for Nolan.  I feel I am behind on my blogging & reading the blogs I love.  Therefore, here is the latest in the Barlow Bunch -
I hope Father's Day was memorable for Jonathan - McDonald's breakfast (his favorite), a steak dinner, golf & the NBA finals on TV (I told him...a man's Father's Day dream). 

Father's Day: Jonathan with his new coffee mug

Me, Beth, & Sarah...yes...Nolan is growing!

Beth, Me, & Sarah

Beth came from NC & Sarah from KY...I sure felt loved this past weekend! We had the BEST time shopping & treating me to a birthday dinner in Athens.  Thank you, girls!
This past Saturday, my friends from Royston gave me a shower for Nolan Crosby.  It was wonderful to celebrate our second little boy. The girls know my favorites - fruit, coffee punch, breakfast casserole, etc.  Nolan received many wonderful gifts. We have started counting down the weeks... 5 to go!!!

The Wonderful Hostesses: Meredith, Misty, & Shellei

Peyton enjoying the shower!

Soon, I will post nursery pictures.  It is still a work in progress.  We are loving every minute of the summer! I hope you are enjoying your summer days!

The BIG 3-0!!!

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE birthday's? Growing up, my family made them so special - balloons at breakfast (with our choice of food), sung "Happy Birthday" many times throughout the day, dinner of our choice, & of course dessert of our choice! It wasn't about the presents (although I love presents...haha), it was about making the person feel so LOVED.  I hope & pray my boys will feel the love on their birthdays.
The weekend festivities began with a 30th birthday party. Susan Knighton, my wonderful co-worker, hosted the most elegant party with her beautiful china, recipes from Southern Living, fresh hydrangeas, my favorite Italian Creme Cake, & 30 dark chocolate M&Ms (my favorite!) for all the guests.  Here are a few pictures -

The Hostesses: Susan K, Susan B, Mrs. Brock, & Lacey

The food!!!

Friday night, we had a home-cooked meal of my choice.  My parents were in town, so of course I had my mom make all my favorites! The highlight - her homemade fried okra & the Praline Key Lime Pie featured in Southern Living.
Saturday, Jonathan surprised me with Royston Drive-In breakfast & a purse! Peyton loved helping me open it!

Peyton helping Mama open!

Saturday night, Jonathan & I went to see The Lion King in Greenville, SC.  It was AMAZING!!! I would recommend it to anyone.  The music, the costumes, the animals... all unbelievable.  It was such a special day.  Jonathan asked me some wonderful questions that we discussed the entire dinner.  You may also want to ponder -
What has stood out to you this year?
What made your 20s so special?
What do you anticipate for the upcoming decade?

So far... 30 isn't so bad...

Headed to The Lion King

Thank you to those who made my day special...phone calls, texts, cards, facebook messages, etc.  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
* I am behind on blogging...I will highlight Jonathan's special Father's day next blog!

Girls Gatlinburg Getaway

Months ago, my sisters, mom, & I planned a weekend getaway.  We decided to meet 1/2 way for both  in Gatlinburg, TN. It was a wonderful weekend away from my "to-do list."  It was also the first weekend Jonathan & Peyton were home alone.  We all had a blast!
If you need a trip planned, call on my little sister, Anna.  She booked our affordable, yet pretty hotel room.  She planned out all the delicious restaurants, with quaint atmospheres.  We already decided Anna's planning our next trip.  As a new mama, I would recommend getting away & allowing for "daddy/baby" time.  We all three needed this weekend.  Here are a few pictures - 

Celebrating my 30th birthday early at Bistro 109!

The Pottery House in Pigeon Forge, TN

I laughed with Anna as we were shopping at the outlets...it truly was a girls weekend.  We shopped for hours & spent time at the pool on Saturday.  My husband shops & goes to the pool only because I enjoy it!  I hope you are able to get away sometime this summer & feel renewed & refreshed! Much Love!

Summer trip with the Sextons

We have just gotten home from a wonderful beach trip with Jeremy, Beth, Noah, & Eliza Sexton.  We spent a weekend with them in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  (Our weekends are Thursday-Saturday, due to having a husband who works on Sunday's!)  Jonathan & I have not done many trips with friends, but often spend our vacation seeing family.  Not that we don't LOVE our family, but this trip was a perfect getaway!  We ate at some delicious restaurants, enjoyed perfect weather on the beach, played games, & laughed about past memories until we cried.  Here are some photos of our weekend - -

Noah, Peyton, & Eliza before dinner (the best we could get!)

Susan & Beth before enjoying a Cheeseburger in Paradise

Beth & I weren't sure how the boys would do at the beach.  They LOVED it! Noah would run in & out of the waves.  Peyton would sit in the sand & let the waves hit him.  Both boys loved digging in the sand, with their daddy's help.  Sweet Eliza slept in the tent, & Beth & I got to relax in the chairs...a mama's dream. 

Do you have those friends in your life that you know will be forever friends? I hope so, because it truly is a blessing.  The Sextons will be our forever friends...growing old together, watching our kids, & sharing in many more vacations.