A forest

Oy! I've been through two weddings (one of which I was actually in) and a birthday all in the last three days. I need a vacation. Seriously, I've been in a dress, pantyhose and shoes with heels twice in one weekend and there's something very wrong with that whole concept. Hence, I'm spending the day wandering around the house in my jammies.

Carly was the first to get married (on Friday) this weekend, and I still can't believe that my baby sister is hitched. Very strange but I couldn't be happier about it. Sadly I have no pictures to share. I'll have some eventually, I'm sure. Once the photographer sends the proofs Carly's way, I'll try to snag a few for myself. First off, the dress we discussed a few months ago worked out very well and I had so many compliments on it I couldn't believe it. If you're looking for a really cool dress for your next formal function, I highly recommend it, but ditch the flower pin. I know that was a topic of conversation for a bit, and I decided to get rid of it. A little too much for my taste. Anyway, my camera's batteries died right at the very beginning of the night, so there you go. I won't get into specific details out of respect for Carly and Jeremie, but it was one of the more beautiful ceremonies I've witnessed, and that's all that really matters. For those of you who were there and wondering where they're at, the two of them are frolicking around on their honeymoon as I write this so it's safe to say that everything is fine. Oh, as an added bonus, I managed to escape what I thought would be the inevitable run-in with my ex at the wedding (never a good thing), so I guess you could say that the evening was pretty darn great.

I celebrated my birthday with family this year. Oh man, another year older. My aunt and uncle were heading home to Florida on Sunday morning, so we had a combo birthday/farewell party with the entire family. It was relaxing, although not quite quiet, but it was great to be with them all (our family is huge and it's hard to get everyone together) and I scored some really amazing gifts. My parents gave me a gorgeous urn from The Broken Mold...an urn, I must tell you, that I'd been drooling over in the window for quite some time. I was so upset when I noticed that it was gone and my mom was the sneaky little bee who snatched it up for me. Thanks, mom and dad! Ben gave me a really cool antique ottoman. I've been searching for just the right piece for our living room and this one is equal parts charming and masculine at the same time. I plan to reupholster it and give it a breath of new life. Aside from that, I was given several other wonderful things, including my trip to see Crooked Fingers last week courtesy of my lovely aunt Sandy. You guys rock!

Dave and Kate's wedding was so beautiful and I'm honored to have been a guest. Dave and I chatted outside during the reception about how long we've known each other and we came to the conclusion that it has to be going on 18 years now, maybe longer. Time has a way of sneaking up on you, you know? Wow. Kate is such an incredible person and I'm so glad I've had the chance to get to know her. She's a true friend. Anyway, Kate was a beautiful bride and the ceremony and reception were so sweet. Their wedding was held at the Arkell Museum in Canajoharie. We didn't get there in time to see the art, unfortunately, but I'd love to go back and see the collection as soon as possible. I think we've already moved through the peak of the foliage, so the ride won't be as pretty as it was this time around...we got lucky. But, the little town is so quaint and perfect and I'd love to wander around, getting lost in the shops. I won't be including pictures of myself here because my dress was a bit, uh, shall I say "indecent" now that I see the shots taken that night. Let's just say that my girls, well, they fought their way to make an appearance at the wedding too.

So, that's that. The madness is officially over and I can go back to my daily routine. I'm overwhelmed and exhausted by how busy these past two weeks have been and I welcome the normalcy of a weekday with open arms. I'm spending today at home, catching up on some movies and trying desperately to finish the book I've been making my way through. It seems as though every time I sit down to read I fall fast asleep. Perhaps a nap is in order. What are you crazy kids up to?

***

More shots of Dave and Kate's wedding here.