while daddy's away...

...we will stay VERY busy! :) We have been on the go since last Thursday, and I have taken very few pictures! Justin left Thursday morning at 4AM to go to New Orleans for 6 days. He went with Fred Roumbanis for the Bassmaster Classic, which I am told is like the Superbowl of fishing. This has been the longest Justin and I have been apart in 10 years... and let me just say that I definitely take him for granted when he is here! Justin is such a great help around the house, but most of all, he is my very best friend, and I definitely feel like a piece of me is missing without him here. I am SO ready to see him... which will be in just a couple of hours! Yeah! He has been great about calling and texting pictures.. which the first one was of their limo that picked them up at the airport... so NOT funny! :)

While Justin was gone, we did get a visit from Grammie on Wednesday! Grammie and Grampie brought Hadlea this trike for Valentine's Day! It is super cute and will last a very long time since it converts 3 ways! Hadlea LOVES it...

But most of all, she wants to stand in it! She is such a daredevil... next she will be jumping off of it like she is starting to do her chair! Yikes!

Grampie got Hadlea an ape, and Alan and Amanda got Hadlea a pink bear for Valentine's Day. I guess when we told her it's 'night-night' time, she thought they all needed to go 'ni-ni' too! But not before a few kisses...

On Thursday, her and Grammie bundled up and went for a walk while I worked!

Thursday evening, we went to watch my cousin's play in the first round of Regionals. Grampie was there so we got to see him too... and we got to wear our Medford Cardinals shirt again! :)

She LOVED to watch the cheerleaders and clap! The game wasn't until 8PM, which is way past her bedtime, but she did great!

Friday, I worked, and Grammie and H spent the day playing. That evening, I went out to dinner with Julie, who's husband is with Justin in NOLA. My sweet mother was awesome enough to offer to keep Jackson, Julie's son, so we could go! Julie and I had a great 3 hour dinner eating and catching up, while Grammie, Hadlea and Jackson spent the evening playing hokey pokey and ring around the rosy! Obviously, our Grammie rocks! :)

Saturday evening, I helped host a couple's shower for Alan and Amanda. We did a beach themed shower since their wedding is in Turks and Caicos.

My friend, Pam, who has made several cakes for me, made these cupcakes! She is insanely talented and has great ideas! I sent her a picture of some cupcakes I liked, and she did awesome work getting what I wanted! The shells were made of white chocolate... they were AMAZING!

Alan, Amanda and the hostesses!

With my brothers! I cannot even put into words what these two mean to me. They are the two people I turn to in tough situations, or when I need someone to set me straight. They are my rock. And since they call for advice, I assume I am theirs too! :) Especially my baby brother... he needs all of the advice and guidance he can get! Ha!

With my soon to be SIL! Another love I cannot put into words. Amanda and I's relationship has been easy from the beginning. She has became a rock for me... especially with fashion! Ha! I am so thankful Alan found Amanda.. she definitely completes our family!

My brother's and cousin, James.

James and I

The shower was perfect. Lots of people, sushi and gifts! A great evening with family and friends!

Sunday was a day of shopping! Obviously I look a little rough after staying up until 3AM! This momma just cannot cut the late nights anymore! :)

Grammie, H and Uncle Jake

We had some Carters coupons... so we obviously used them! :)

Super cute daycare outfits!

We also hit up Utica Square, which is an outdoor upscale shopping center. Hadlea LOVED walking around! I sent this picture to her daddy in which he responded, "great. a natural shopper!". He knows he is doomed when she gets older! Ha!

Hanging at Starbucks...

drinking coffee and eating a muffin! :)

Grammie left yesterday, and we were sad to see her go! It was a fun weekend, but we are SOOOO ready to see daddy! It has been way too long. He has had a blast, made some great friends and memories! I am so glad he was able to go on a guys trip since I have been on several girls trips in the past! But I am glad it is coming to an end, and we will see him VERY SOON!