Holiday weekend

This past holiday weekend, we had friends in town. Weekends with company have become part of our "normal," so it was exciting after so many hospital interventions and getting well to have a "normal" weekend again. Amber, Cameron, Katy, and Steven drove down from Greensboro, NC. Daniel, Karen, and baby Camila drove down from Gastonia, NC. Dr. Hillary was at home from Texas prior to teaching the summer session, so she was able to drive down to Georgia as well :)

Everyone came to Georgia on Friday. Saturday, we did a lot of catching up. We went to our neighborhood pool for a few hours during the day. Everyone helped me get started my fund-raising for the ALS Association Walk to Defeat ALS as well. They helped me get a freezer to the pool, put a lock on it, and get started with selling ice cream and ice. Steven and Cameron grilled cheese burgers while Karen made her infamous guacamole. Then we watched a movie, while Karen (meanwhile caring for a 8 week old the whole time) made a few crock pot meals for me! All of us either got to meet Camila OR see her for a second time and all the girls, of course, got lots of baby love holding time! Everyone made their way home on Sunday.

It has been since the mountain trip in January that we've all been together. This is the same group that has been getting together twice a year for YEARS. Jason and I met on the very first group trip with this group back in August 2011. Even with moving, getting married and starting families, we have managed to keep it going.

True, lifelong friends below! As these pictures progress....you'll notice additions or changes to relationships and sometimes extra friends are there, but the same core is always present <3

First group trip to Wrightsville Beach, NC August 2011

Ski Trip January 2012

Beach trip May 2012

Ski trip January 2013

Ski trip January 2015

August 2015....same group on the day that Jason and I are engaged :)

The day after our wedding April 2016....they were there on DAY 1

July 2016-unsure of the occasion in Gastonia, NC

Amber and Cameron's wedding September 2016

Unfortunately, we failed at the group picture when they came this weekend. BUT, all the girls seem to get a picture with Camila! She is easily one of the favorite additions to "the group!"

Thanks to everyone for making the trip. Thank you all for helping me set up fund raising. Thank you for the memories we make each time we are together <3 Thank you for being a part of this journey with us and supporting us all the way.

AND a special CONGRATS to two love birds in these photos for getting engaged at Disney over the weekend: Oscar and Sarah, we love you!