Party!

Well, another party is in the books for the Lloyd girls! It seems like we can't go more than a couple weeks without a party to plan for and host - but it's just because we love it so much! This time Kelsey was the guest of honor as she prepares for her wedding in just two weeks.

Our tables were decorated with fresh-cut sunflowers courtesy of Aunt Tweed and Uncle Art - thanks! - and I got to try out a lot of new recipes. The Pesto Chicken Salad, Italian Herb Frittata and Almond Crumble Twist were my favorites from the selection.

Instead of having the typical bridal shower games, all of our guests were asked to come prepared to say something special to Kelsey as she opened their gift. It was so fun to hear the wonderful advice and funny memories people shared. I know you all made Kelsey feel as special as she is! The party was completed with a video made by Kelsey's college roommates and bridesmaids, Kate and Melissa.

A very special thank you goes out to Mom and Megan, who spent Friday evening in my kitchen with me and then came back early Saturday morning to finish all the preparations. I had a lot of fun! And a special congratulations goes out to Kels! We love you!

Labor Day Weekend

We took advantage of Erik having two days off in a row by travelling to TN to visit Kevin and Becky this past weekend. It was a quick trip, but we had a great time and are so thankful that we're close enough to visit even if it is for a short time. We got to spend some time on the lake Sunday afternoon and visit with Isaac and Maggie. It rained Monday morning so we went to the mall and walked around and then Yaya and 'Buelo bought Baby Allsop some diapers at Sam's. Good thing someone is thinking about the necessities because we're getting close to the big day!!

Future Worship Leaders?

So, I'm not sure if Malachi and Corinne will be worship leaders together (or maybe just comedians), but they really do enjoy being on the stage with the microphones after church every Sunday! You can hear Malachi singing in the first video - I just couldn't get around all the people to get a clear video of him. Corinne sings in the second video, although you have to listen very closely.

While I'm posting about Corinne, I must congratulate her on being a big sister! Her little brother, Cooper Ryan, was born on August 16th. We are so happy for Rinne, Cooper and their Mommy and Daddy!

Seeing our friends transition to a family of four makes the changes in our near future even more real (and more exciting) for us. We've got a lot to do in the next two months!

The Newport Aquarium

Last Monday Malachi and I went to Cincinnati to meet up with Meighan, a friend of mine from college, and her two boys, Sam and Brendan. Meighan lives in Mobile, AL, but was in Kentucky for the week visiting family. It was fun to see her and the boys and I am so thankful that we were able to meet up and spend a few hours together even though we live so far apart now.

It was supposed to be pretty hot, so we met at the aquarium instead of the zoo. It was probably a good decision because it rained some, but Meig ended up having to carry Brendan almost the entire time because of a "no strollers" policy at the aquarium.

Even though it may not appear so in this picture, I think the boys had fun and enjoyed seeing all the fish, sharks, octopus, penguins, etc. Thanks, Meig, for making time to spend the day with me and Malachi!

Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice

Last week Malachi kept talking about making orange juice when he was playing with his plastic foods, so I thought it would be a good idea to get out my juicer (a great hand-me-down from Grandma Litter) and teach him how to do it for real. Little did I know that I would create an orange juice monster by doing so! We're now making orange juice multiple times a day!

The Rest of Vacation

We took advantage of being out west for Isaac and Maggie's wedding last weekend by making a family vacation of the trip. We flew in and out of Albuquerque so we could visit Jeremy, Heather and Annie Sikora and see a little more of the area. Heather and I have been friends since birth and I think it's safe to say that we both loved watching our own kids play together. Some of these pictures remind me a lot of when we were little.

Heather and Jeremy had lots of welcomed suggestions about where to go/what to do/what to eat in ABQ. On our first night we had a great meal at El Pinto, a New Mexican restaurant where you must be prepared to answer the question, "Red or Green?" Our waiter was so nice we even received free jars of salsa...however ours were confiscated in the airport security checkpoint because I had left them in the carry-on! Malachi also really enjoyed his breakfast at one of Jeremy's faves, The Frontier Restaurant.

Kevin, Becky, Jessica and Whitney also flew in and out of ABQ so we were able to spend a few extra days together after the busy wedding weekend. Before heading back to New Mexico, we visited Palo Duro Canyon just south of Amarillo.

Malachi loved being with his cousin, Whitney, and wanted to be next to her wherever we went. He was also really excited to find a rock named Malachite in the canyon's museum.

One of Malachi's favorite things to do with Yaya and 'Buelo is to go hiking, so who wants to disappoint a little boy? We hiked three short trails at the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque.

I think the 100 degree heat went straight to our heads and brought out our silly sides in Old Town!

We finished the day in Albuquerque by going up the tram to the top of the Sandia Mountains which border the city's east side. It was about 20 degrees cooler at the top and such a relief from the heat...not to mention an amazing view!

It was so fun for me to see a part of the country I've never seen before and we had a great time with our friends and family. Thank you, Sikoras, for being wonderful hosts/trip planners! Thank you Yaya, 'Buelo, Jessica and Whitney for a fun family vacation, great pictures and memories!

Isaac and Maggie's Wedding

Last weekend we travelled to Amarillo, Texas, for Isaac and Maggie's wedding. Isaac is Erik's cousin, the very one who introduced Erik and me to each other.

The rehearsal dinner was a yummy Mexican fiesta, complete with a Mariachi band. Malachi especially loved the maracas that decorated each table.

The weekend was busy for the Allsops...Erik was a groomsman and Malachi was the "ringbear" as he was proud to say. He did extremely well standing at the front during the entire 45 minute ceremony. He did make some funny faces, though!

Malachi tried to make friends with the flower girl, Maggie's little sister, Lillie. He kept asking her to smell him (I had put lotion on him and he thought that she'd really like him because he smelled good) and then to dance at the reception. She turned him down about five times, but you've got to admire his persistence!

I made the wedding cake, along with some much needed help from my wonderful mother-in-law, Becky. She did a great job making the buttercream and icing the sheet cakes. Aunt Jessica watched Malachi while Erik and I were busy, and Kevin was my transportation and the cake-mover. Thank you all...it wouldn't have gotten done without you!

Playing hide-and-seek was one of the highlights of the reception...for both Malachi and 'Buelo. Malachi also enjoyed playing his champagne "flute."

Congratulations, Isaac and Maggie! You had a wonderful day and we are happy to have been able to celebrate with you!