this is the life

Well, it's true. Our weekends just get better and better! Ashley decided at the last minute to come visit us on Friday, and we had a blast. Friday night we ate at Taco Mamacita, met up with the Rocha/Power family at Coolidge Park, and hung out at home with Courtney and Jonathan (who also happened to be in town for the weekend!!). We ate this pie and Ashley fell in love (with the pie).

Saturday morning, we left for the lake! Courtney got to come with us, and the three of us all ended up wearing our uniform: the white v-neck tee.

I can't tell you how much we loved being on the lake. We love it more and more every chance we get to be out there. There is nothing better than the sun on your face, the wind in your hair, and the water beneath you! How could you ever deny the existence of a loving God when you are surrounded by such peace and beauty?!

We hung out with the Bryants until they had to get ready for the Cotton Ball then we took the boat out.

We skied and rode around, just loving every second of it!

Like I mentioned, Saturday night was Chattanooga's debutante ball, the Cotton Ball. Mary Shelton was being presented, so we helped her get ready and then took pictures of the family all snazzied up. They were SO beautiful/handsome.

We really dressed up for the occasion, obviously. And something must have been really hilarious.
Gorgeous girl!
So many people honked and made comments about them getting married that MS and Colton decided to ham it up!

After the ball preparations, we rushed home to see Ash off and I left for Sarah's bachelorette party. I was exhausted, but got a second wind when I met her fun friends. We had quite an eventful night, but with loads of fun. I didn't take many pictures, but here's one of our lovely bride-to-be:
Sunday was another long, but fabulous day. I dropped David off at the lake house and headed up Mowbray Mountain for Sarah's bridesmaid's luncheon. We dined and chatted for a bit and I rushed back to be with the fam (the Bryants, but they are fam). It was Mary Shelton's last day in town, so we soaked up as much time together as we could.

Tell me there's a more beautiful place to be on a Sunday afternoon.
Sun kissed cheeks. (and arms)
Tired bodies from exercise.
Special friends/family.
Encouraging conversations.
An abundance of hugs and love.
Breathtaking scenery.

We had an amazing time and wished we could have stayed all night! Of course, duty (aka- work) calls, thus we're back to the grind for another week. But, I think the lake house has a pretty good chance of being our new favorite place-- and don't worry, favorite place, we'll be back.