Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Perfect Strangers Take on Nashville

Last month the Perfect Strangers escaped for a long weekend in Nashville, TN. Three summers ago we went on a Ragnar trip (200 miles from Madison, WI to Chicago). Two summers ago we went to Vegas. And last summer we went to Cancun. This summer we took a road trip...a little closer to home but equally as epic.

There were 10 of us in one perfectly snug condo. Air mattresses were strewn across the floors and oversized closets served our large group well. The first night we stayed in catching up in our jammies. We were all planning on waking early for workouts so this was the perfect night in.
Half of us dropped in at CrossFit Nashville while the other half went for a runsploration of the city.
Obligatory handstand pic.
We spent the entire day at the pool. Cannon balls and handstand contests were followed by card games and napping.
The pool at the condo was like being at Melrose Place; so many people and excellent people watching.
After showers and getting ready like we were in college ('can I borrow those shoes?' or 'will you curl my hair?') we took a group picture and were off to dinner.
We spent a lot of time at Tootsie's dancing and singing the night away.
I'll spare you a lot of details, but this night lasted very late. The 3 mamas and 2 of the young'ins lasted the longest. Ended the night with karaoke. I'm sorry to say it was video taped and that there is evidence that I can sing (and ad-lib) Madonna with some pretty epic dance moves. Think we got home at 2am. Epic.
The next morning we did brunch with groggy heads and my voice was gone. Probably from all the screaming singing I did the night prior.
Again, we spent a lot of the day at the pool. Most of the group went on a day drinking excursion in search of cowboy boots. And then we hit up a local brewery for drinks then dinner. We treated this evening as a bachelorette night for Dana & Meghan.
The blondes along the strip
Again, we danced the night away. So much so that Jaime took a cab ride back to our condo to get us all flats to dance in.


Was definitely a trip to remember. We had some VERY late nights which are my most favorite memories with these girls. Just love how we can come together as a large group and get good cries in, belly aching laughs in and pictures to remember it all by. Love these girls.

Got home to Mikey and we went on a bike ride to a local brewery. Quality time spent together while the girls were at camp G&G (grandma & grandpa).

I had business travel, Mike had a baseball trip and then I had the Nashville girls' trip...so our two little munchkins spent a week with their grandparents. Where they proceeded to get spoiled.
Camp G&G: the only place they'll be served breakfast in bed!

Monday, September 1, 2014

Laney's Fancy 5th Birthday

 Our little Laney Bug turned 5 last week and to celebrate we had a tea party at the local cupcake shop. Laney asked for fancy...we gave her fancy.
 She may be pint-sized but she is packed full of sass and spunk!
 We started with making fancy bracelets

 And then we did photo boot dress up








 And then all the little princesses were able to decorate cupcakes
 Sugar buzzzzzz
 A "cupcake artist" came in to show the girls how to decorate
 Pinkies up!
 This little cutie lost her 2nd front tooth at the party. And let me tell you...that lisp? I adore it!
 Presents...
 ...were a hit. Too bad this kid doesn't like the camera :)
 Even though their Gigi (Jaime) doesn't have little girls, she came to help out at the party and was able to squeeze some little princesses with love.
 Birthday girl
 Family pic
 Some of my favorite girls helped manage all those darn beads, delicate tea cups and sprinkles. Couldn't have pulled this one off without them.
I love them to pieces...I get by with a little help from my (crazy fun) friends!
Happy 5th Birthday, Buggy!

Monday, August 11, 2014

This and That...

Just more catching up on what we've been up to this summer...
I had some work travel in San Francisco - had never been there and it's beautiful. And chilly. We have a new store being built in San Fran so we made a quick stop at the Bay.
We went to the Jimmy Buffett concert and I'm happy to announce that I didn't get lost and haven't gotten lost at his concert since 2005. Boom.
My dear friend, Jess, and her sister joined us. Their dad has had a Jimmy Buffett cover band since they were little and had never seen THE Jimmy Buffett live. They were the perfect dates to this show; knew every word and were dancing queens. Love them!



Cool Creek Concert in the park with neighbors

Our second neighborhood bike bar crawl. Next one is this weekend. Watch out!
Love these girls...Jess & Linny
Evening walk on the Monon with Caroline
Crazy faces with the Bell girls
Lady Antebellum concert with my bestie
My two best friends...in one place...singing to country. Yes please!
Shadow Selfie of my family...
Poolside dance parties are the best!
Saw an amazing band at the Vogue a few weeks back and I'm pretty sure we're going to have to make this a must-see every time they come into town. The Yacht Club Revue. It's a 70's cover band. Look them up. Become obsessed. Buy a captain's hat. You're welcome.