MAY Memories...

~~~
~Lauren and Jared's Rehearsal Dinner~

 @The Patriot Country Club

I was honored to be a bridesmaid at my cousin Lauren's wedding on May 4, 2013. 
I still remember her as a baby and can't believe she is all grown up and married now!
Her wedding had many special and unique touches that made the decor gorgeously elegant....
They were married in the pecan grove at the Glover Ranch. Who would have thought that it would be a rainy 40 degrees...FREEZING in May! 
But we huddled together and made it through the outdoor ceremony. 

~Wedding Time @ The Glover Ranch~

 Lauren and her sister Abby LOVE to dance and so it was only fitting that she had a choreographed dance with her dad and then again with all the bridesmaids. 

If you search on youtube, I'm sure you can find me busting a move on there somewhere. 

I actually enjoyed it...reminding me of college days with my ZETA girls when, yes, we did the same at hall parties...5, 6, 7, 8!

Congrats, Mr. and Mr Jared  Glover!!

.

 ~~~

~Mayfest

We decided to take Perry with us to Mayfest this year. 

He did so well and received several compliments on his good behavior...proud doggie parents! 

The food at Mayfest is always a hit with us. We devoured a pork sandwich from a local food truck, a chocolate covered banana and a loaded funnel cake (chocolate sauce, vanilla pudding, whip cream and strawberries)...YUMMY!

~~~

~God Bless Moore~

Ben and I volunteered with Outback to serve food to the Moore community. 

Our tent was set up outside of Journey Church in Norman.  I was amazed at the quick organization  the church had done and how generous people were...rooms full of donations...way to go Oklahoma!

Burger and chicken sandwich prep...

After serving the food from the church we loaded up bags of food to deliver in the devastated areas.  It was truly eye opening to see the destruction in person. 

My heart was breaking the whole time we were there. 

 

On a positive note, we served Wolf Blitzer from CNN "The Situation Room" a chicken sandwich.  I have an (un)healthy obsession with news anchors so I spotted that man about a block away. 

He was really nice and funny and even offered to take these pictures with us.   

 

God Bless Moore

Our sweet friend Casey lost her home in the tornadoes. 

She is so generous that it's hard for her to accept help from others.... Ben and I along with our families did what we could to help her.     

After seeing this devastation, I was dying to give her a big HUG!  We went to her sister's house in OKC and did just that.  We LOVE you Casey!

This is a picture from when we lived together.  Below is Heidi who was thankfully found 1 mile away from Casey's house after the tornado.  I'm so glad these two are safe!

~~~

~First baby shower for Lindsay and Brea

I got her a gift basket full of ...headbands, monthly onesie stickers, books and a little hat. 

You could easily say that I'm already going to spoil this special niece of mine! 

~Busy month of May with lots of memories to cherish~

                                                                         ....with Love & Joy....



Whirlwind of April Activities...

Norman Trip...

Oh, how I love Norman....Ben and I had decided we needed a Norman Day.... Our planning wasn't the best....We chose the worst day of April to go....woke up to a cold rain but decided not to change our plans....in Norman, they were experiencing freezing rain.....Who would have thought....April in Norman would be like this.....crazy weather in Oklahoma, I guess!

Ben was living in the "yellow house" when we began dating....

...eating at Victoria's on Campus Corner....our favorite place!...

We enjoyed our day and time together!
~~~~

 my Mom's 60th B-day...

...celebrating  with dinner at the Cork Wine Cafe and dessert at our house...

~~~~

...the little princess...

Lindsay invited me to go along with her to her last doctor's appointment...It made my day to see our little princess open and close her eyes....she was like a little person....just listening to the heart beat was enough to melt your heart....I can hardly wait to meet her in person.  On this day, Lindsay was 27 weeks.

~~~~

Lauren Ashley... 

 As most of you know, I love party planning....I am a bridesmaid in my cousin Lauren's wedding so I was excited to help with the bachelorette party.....She is in love with everything leopard and I was able to find these cute invites on Etsy....



So, the party began...

..."Let's come dressed in a little black dress...and don't forget your HEELS"...

...hostesses w/ bride to be...

...dinner at Yokozuma...

...and the party continues ...

...pole dancing at the Vixen Studios...

You know you are one of the older ones, when you go home at midnight....my sister and my cousin's wife, Allison, and myself left for home when my mom and aunt left.....that's a sure sign you are growing older....lol!

Looking forward to she and Jared's wedding in May.....

This month was a whirlwind of love and joy...... 

                                                                     XO, Ali

It's almost the end of April.  I'm definitely looking forward to springtime weather.  Just happy my tulips made it through the recent freeze... 

Spring Break 2013...

My mom, Lindsay and I decided to take a weekend trip to KC...bring on girl time! 



What trip wouldn't be complete without shopping, right?!?!...and good food!

The Country Club Plaza has it all.  We went to our usual shopping locations but found some unique stores that Tulsa doesn't offer as well.  We bought a few pieces from H & M  and Free People that are adorable for spring.  Oh, yes, let's not forget maternity from the Gap....

...posing with one of the bunny gatekeepers...
~~~

We ate dinner Friday night at the Brio Tuscan Grill.  It is a quaint Italian eatery in the Plaza area.  I took a picture of our appetizer in hopes that Ben can re-create it at home. 

Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta

with fresh mozzarella ,basil, parmigiano-reggiano and a drizzle of balsamic...delish!

For dinner, my mom and I shared the sweet potato and chicken risotto which  was soooo good as well!  In the past, she has always split dinners with Lindsay but now it's with me...lol!

~~~

While resting in our hotel room, I was able to get my first "feel" of my niece.   She gave her Aunt Ali one little kick...it felt more like a hiccup to me. 

~~~~

On Saturday, we shopped til we dropped with a little rest stop at this cute chocolate shop. 
Check out the size of the strawberries below...

Mom and  I posing with some chocolate shamrocks...

These were well worth the $2.50 each price tag...

Chocolate filled martini glass

~~~

Lunch at a pub on the plaza...

~~~

We took a break from shopping to see the movie, Safe Haven...a suspenseful, romantic chick flick.

I happened to be reading the book; but, didn't mind spoiling the end because it was a chance to watch a movie with my mom nd Linz.  We need to do that more,,,

Lindsay's favorite movie snack...and if you know me, I'll eat anything... so sour it was. 

That evening we ate another nice dinner and turned in early. 

~~~

On Sunday morning we made brunch plans with one of my dear college friends, Tisha. 

She lives about 5 minutes from the Plaza with her family. 

We were Zeta's together back in the day.  It's funny  no matter how much distance or time goes by  we can always pick right up.  

MY how times have changed since our old South Padre spring break trips...NOW we've moved on to brunch and coffee...lol.  Love and miss you,  Tisha!

Thanks Mom for a memorable trip...We LOVE spending time with you.~Ali & Lindsay

~~~~~~

March 10th, celebrating Lindsay's 32nd birthday at The Tavern on Brady Street. 

Back at Lindsay's house for her favorite dessert and gifts.  I know this was a special birthday for her with our little princess growing every day....and we are so thankful!