A LOVE-ly September Weekend

Hubby & I have had a fabulous weekend, full of some quality time with friends and also just some quality time spent by ourselves.

We started out on Friday evening with the wedding of two of our best friends. They are both in our small group and they are just both incredible people. I hadn't been this excited about a wedding in a long time...mainly just because I'm so, so happy for them!

The Bride & Groom during the ceremony
First Dance

The small group members who were able to attend! Such an incredible group of people that God has blessed us with!

Nick got some "daddy" practice with our godson Cohen. He sure does love wedding cake...and any other food for that matter!

Besties...Andrea & I along with her little girl Lydia! I can't wait for Lydia to teach Elyse about all things girly!

After a late night on Friday, we spent Saturday morning relaxing and also working around the house. It's amazing what you can get accomplished when you feel even the tiniest bit motivated! Maybe my nesting instinct is finally kicking in!

Around the middle of the afternoon, Hubby & I headed out for a quick little staycation in Branson. Thanks to his golfing abilities, and a friend who had a nice alumni golf tourney, Hubby won a free night's stay in a really nice suite in Branson @ the Keeter Center. It was the perfect evening and a great place to just get away for a night.

We checked in and then went to Branson Landing for some shopping, dinner at Cantina Laredo (my favoritest place to eat ever!), and as luck would have it...a rescheduled fireworks show from July 3rd that was rained out! Talk about perfect planning!

The fountain & fire show at the Landing...so fun to watch!

And my favorite part of Cantina Laredo...Apple Pie for dessert! A slice of apple pie placed on a hot skillet topped with cinnamon ice cream & brandy butter...there are simply no words!

Hubby & I @ dinner

The fireworks...which were shot off from a barge in the middle of Lake Taneycomo.

The air was so still that the smoke just kind of hung in the air...creating this crazy effect as the fireworks blew up in the middle of the smoke! Probably not quite what the organizers were going for, but there would have been no way to plan for this little issue!

When we got back to the room we had turn-down service complete with chocolates on the pillow, a plate full of cookies and fresh milk in the refrigerator! Oh and see that glass milk jug on the right? Yeah that included our requests for complimentary continental breakfast and other room service options! Talk about good service!

A view of our room...it had a great "lodge" feel and was such a great getaway location...even if it was just for one night.

Our breakfast tray. Fresh fruit, muffins, and oatmeal for me. It was delicious!

The view from our room

This morning we headed home and spent the rest of the afternoon just relaxing...a quick cat-nap was definitely in order for me after my weekly grocery store run and some laundry.

Tonight we headed to church for a small group kickoff night. We had a pretty good turnout and I just hope that some of those families who aren't connected with a small group will soon join one! Small group is something that has seriously changed our lives, both as individuals and as a married couple and I think everyone should be a part of such a wonderful support group!