Happy Birthday KP

My friend KP had a surprise birthday celebration so we headed down to KC for the night to enjoy the fun. She was surprised to see everyone, but she then surprised us and announced that she is expecting a bundle of joy in June! We are very excited for her and Jace to start this new chapter in life! They also announced that they had some genetic testing done so they knew the sex of the baby and they shared it with all of us!!!! It's A GIRL!!!!!

Happy Anniversary KP

Kristin finally went down "the Red Carpet" aka the aisle!

I know the bride didn't find all of this funny, but I hope in the years to come it will give her a good chuckle, because all the seasoned people found it hysterical. The Pastor was having a really bad day. In the ceremony he kept pronouncing Kristin's name Kersten. I even corrected him because he kept doing it. Not funny at that moment, but funny now. The knee slapper was when he introduced the couple as Mr. and Mrs. McKlusky instead of McClasky! I am not sure they will ever live that one down!

Mr. and Mrs. McClasky with Mr. and Mrs. Chaplin

It was a beautiful ceremony and wonderful day. I had freighted over giving my Matron of Honor speech and kept telling myself no one really remembers the speech. Rob said I did great and after the nervousness wore off, I was on a roll, I think the two drinks Rob made me drink before the speech really helped me out! It was fun saying I have had a friend for over 20 years, yes it dated me, but what an achievement!

I have to say Rob and I did write a good toast:

Please Raise your glass to Mr. and Mrs. McClasky

Here's to your new beginning, your happiness today, your dreams for tomorrow, and the love that has made it all possible! Cheers!

The Rehersal

My old friend Kristin is getting married and we had the rehearsal dinner tonight! It was a fabulous celebration over some great BBQ. Not as good as 4-Legs Up BBQ, but good. It was great seeing her family and friends and catching up. It was also nice of my friend Kim to watch our children so Rob could join me for the evening fun. I am excited to be a part of KP's big day tomorrow! What an honor it will be to be her Matron of Honor!

Old Friend and Fun Trip

My friend Kristin is getting married next month so we thought we deserved a weekend away in Chicago before the big day. We already had the formal bachelorette party, if a bachelorette party could ever be considered formal so we attempted to keep our weekend low key. We arrived early Friday morning and hit the shopping. KP has always been a shopper, so we hit the magnificent mile with force. I learned about the store Lulu Lemon, bought my first pair of Cole Haan sandals with Nike Air support. They are so comfortable and make my other sandals feel like I am wearing a block of wood. We then decided to go out for the evening but keep it low key. Well that went out the window. We could have ordered better weather for the weekend, but it was tolerable. We took a cab to Cafe Spiaggia. We read that the Obama's love going to the non-cafe side so we decided to try the lower end and go to the Cafe. We sat down at our table and I am talking away when KP stops to ask what I am going to order. I quickly glance at the menu and see Polipo Octuopus, Gnocchi Wild Boar Ragu, Bucantini Braised Goat, and other things I have no idea how to pronounce or what I would be ordering. We decided to ditch the Cafe and find a place to eat on our owns. We set out on foot, have to duck inside an awning to keep dry from a down pour of rain, and then we finally make it to Carmines. They have a live piano man and looks like fun. We score a nice table order dinner and a bottle of wine and who knows how many drinks later we hit the dance floor raving on how great this piano man is, only to realize the piano man is long gone. It was a night to remember, but not a morning to remember the next day. After a slow start, shopping, and an afternoon at the spa, we ended our next day with a fabulous meal at The Tavern on Rush. YUMMY is all I can say! It was a much needed weekend and great memories were made. We have decided this should be a yearly trip!

Showers of Fun

The real reason I came back to KC was to attend KP's shower. It was fun catching up with a few of her friends and her mom. Although, we were all able to catch up the night before at the surprise party.

On one of our date nights Rob and I stopped at Williams Sonoma for her bridal shower gift. I was meandering around the store peeking at things I'd love to "register for" while Rob had her registry printed. Before I knew it he had already decided upon the gift. His interest was peeked with the word pop and maker on the list. They had registered for a Zoku Quick Pop Maker. Rob was enthralled, you could have a popsicle in 7 min with this gadget. I was against it at first and then decided what the heck, it is much more exciting than a platter. It was also quite the conversation piece at the shower as well! I think Rob is going to get one for Fathers Day from the kids!

KP's Bachelorette Partry

My dear old friend Kristin is getting married in May and we had a surprise bachelorette party for her in KC. I say old because we realized we have been friends for 20+ years! I don't think anyone wants to have a phallic symbol around, but it is a rite of passage. My favorite phallic gift were these pink maracas. Rob and I found them at the store and laughed. We both remember looking up at our wedding and seeing KP leading a congo line of dancers with a funny hat on her head while shaking maracas. We thought they were fitting for this event!