Visit Home

This past weekend I flew home to Illinois to attend my best friend's baby shower and spend some time with my family. It was a quick trip, but a lot of fun and much needed.

My parents and sister picked me up at the airport Friday afternoon and we headed out to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. We all stuffed ourselves and picked out cheesecake to take home for later. We did a little shopping and Dad wanted to take me to buy a new lens for my camera. I've been wanting to get a new lens for quite some time, but can never make myself spend the money. So Dad gave me a little push and shove. Thanks Dad!

My new lens!

A shot with my new lens. 35 mm/f2.4

Saturday morning was Brittney's shower. She didn't know I was going to be there and it was fun to surprise her. Brittney and I have been best friends since 6th grade and have been through a lot together. It was really special for me to be there and see her cute little belly. The shower was a lot of fun and I stayed a few extra hours to visit with Brittney and her family. There is never enough time to catch up when you live 1000+ miles away and haven't seen each other in almost 2 years.

Me and Brittney

I worked on several special projects for Baby P, including my very first quilt. I learned that it is a lot of fun sewing for a little one, especially girls! I enjoyed being able to work on the gifts and imagine a mini Brittney enjoying them.

Pile of gifts ready to be packed.

Brittney opening the quilt I made.

Sunday evening we visited with my grandparents and went to supper at a Mexican restaurant. Mom, Tasha, and I had stopped at a cake shop before the shower and picked up cupcakes for teh family. We enjoyed those Saturday night after our Mexican. They were delicious! They are made by the same cake shop that did our wedding cake, Patty Cakes. The owner has been on (and won) several different cake competitions on Food Network. Tasha and I did some cooking for lunch at church. We were especially excited to make some colored deviled eggs. We also made a carrot cake cheesecake and chicken artichoke lasagna.

Patty Cakes in Highland

Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Our colored deviled eggs, as inspired by Pinterest.

Sunday morning we attended services at the church where I grew up, Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church. I enjoyed visiting and catching up with everyone there, especially the little ones. Sunday night we just rested and enjoyed some time together as a family. Dad grilled for us, which is always yummy!

I had an early flight Monday morning. It's always sad to leave, but we look forward to the next visit.