Another Fun Trip Home

I just returned from another trip to Kentucky. I was home for 10 days, soaking up my family and friends. It was a wonderful visit, and a very busy one, as always. I didn't get to see all the people I'd planned to see, because I simply ran out of days. To those wonderful friends I missed, I'm so sorry I didn't get to see you!

Some of the highlights of my trip were...

My nephew's first birthday party; taking AK swimming at my aunt Linda's house - Linda, Lindsay, Cheryl, it was great seeing you guys and all your little girls; taking Abby Kate to the Aquatic Center in Oldham Co. one day - the water was cold, unlike Linda's heated pool, but she liked it just the same; visiting my grandmother; and being part of my best friend Lyndsay's wedding.

I was so happy to have been able to attend all of Lyndsay's wedding events. We celebrated at a bridal luncheon followed by her bachelorette party the day after I drove in. We had too much fun! The rehearsal dinner was a great time, too. I asked Mom to be my date since Mike ended up not coming in for the wedding. Abby Kate joined us, too, and she was an absolute angel the entire night. The next day, we stood in the church's bridal suite and were in awe of Lyndsay in her gown. She was so beautiful! She didn't seem nervous until she stood just outside the sanctuary doors. But her nerves faded quickly as the ceremony went perfectly. Abby Kate was the "honorary flower girl," having been too young to actually take part in the wedding. Lynds is AK's Godmother. So we dressed her as a flower girl - complete with her own little hair ribbons - and Lynds took some pictures with her.

The reception was held in the Brown and Williamson Room of Papa John's Stadium in Louisville. It was a beautiful place. As I approached the reserved bridal party table, I noticed a card with my name on it, laying on top of a cookie cake that read "Happy Birthday Casey." I was standing there by myself with tears running down my cheeks. This was Lyndsay's big day, and with all the planning and running around, she still made the time to remember that it was also my birthday (and that cookie cake is my favorite!). I was instantly reminded of how she is the greatest friend, and why it was such an honor to stand with her as her matron of honor on her wedding day. Lynds, thank you so much for letting me be part of your wedding!

The bachelorette party.

Mom, just want to say thank you (again and again!) for helping me with Abby Kate all week. I don't know what I'd have done without you. I wouldn't have been able to do everything I wanted to do for Lynds without your help in caring for AK leading up to and during the wedding. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

William's first Birthday! Held at Chuck E Cheese. He had a great time digging into his cake and opening all his presents. AK enjoyed it, too. So many fun things to look at there!

Abby Kate's first swim! She LOVES the water. That's my cousin, Lindsay,
with her daughter, Amber, born last July.

Will and AK, playing with one of his new birthday presents - a fire truck!
Thanks, William, for sharing all your fun toys with your little cousin.