Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

Clearly I am way behind on my blog posts.. so tonight is my attempt to catch up!

In July I had the chance to spend a long weekend in Florida with my besties for my bachelorette party! It was an unforgettable time- from the pool, to the beach, amazing sunset at The Mucky Duck, shopping, our friend "Uncle Rick," and some points that we were really "proud to be a good American." Here is the weekend in photos..oh did i mention neon wigs are involved?!? so fun :)

Back to the states as a Mrs.

I can't believe it. Our wedding day arrived and all of a sudden we are back from our honeymoon! I am gathering pictures from friends and family and plan on doing a few wedding posts about the day- including some DIY projects and small details that I included in the big day.

But for now....pictures from our fabulous trip to the 5-Star resort, Grand Velas Resort and Spa will have to do. We were even interviewed for a marketing project they are doing...I will post that footage when we get it :)

I love traveling but had never done the all inclusive trip. It was amazing. No other word can describe. We visited the Riviera Maya (south of Cancun, North of Playa Del Carmen).

So I got a little picture happy :) Enjoy!!

upgrade to First Class...why not?! It's our honeymoon!

almost there!! 

I think I see our resort...beautiful entrance. Still did not prepare us for the paradise past the gates

is this for real?!

picture perfect!

view from our room

1/2 of our suite

view from the sky bar

breakfast in bed..every morning. yes please!

pre-dinner drink on our patio. 

happy honeymoon dessert at Sin Lin!

did i mention they made the best bellinis!?!

lunch in Playa Del Carmen

this was our patio....so relaxing!

Dinner at Frida..yum!!

notice ALL the water behind us...we even had a butler at the pool to make sure we stayed hydrated!

Good Bye, Mexico! We are sad to be leaving :(

Love is in the air...

So sorry to leave you guys with such a depressing post last time and sorry it has taken almost a month to write another one!

All things are SMILES around here this time!

Why?

Because I'm going to the chapel this weekend! That's right... I'm tying the knot with my best friend, perfect mate... Mr. Race :)

I'm excited to do a few blogs on the wedding details...the inspiriation for the colors, the DIY projects and other details :) but until then....i will be enjoying this resort after we get married!

...our honeymoon resort...paradise!

Silence. Not always golden.

Silence. I didn't realize what a silent house was until today.

It is something I wish I never had to experience.

For the past 3 1/2 years I have come home to an excited pup, wagging his tail, jumping up and down and beyond excited to see me. No matter how bad my day was, Snyder, the pup knew no different. He greeted me with love and excitement every day- even if he had gotten into some mischief during the day.

He was my little boy. He was my pup. When I rescued him from the Atlanta Humane Society in January 2008, my life changed forever.

What I wouldn't do to have him wake up at 5:00 a.m. for a potty break outside. What I wouldn't do to have to come home early from out with friends to let him out. What I wouldn't do to wake up in the middle of the night and realize Snyder is taking up 95% of the bed and all the covers. What I wouldn't do for another walk around the block or to toss him another treat when I leave the house.

Snyder was my guy. He was there when my dog back at home, Bailey, passed away. He was there to cuddle with when both of my Grandma's passed away. He comforted Eric and Me when we got home from the hospital after his father passed away.

He even knew what the word "cuddle" meant. He would grab his dog treat, pace around the coffee table 3 times and run in bed....waiting for me to join.

After I closed on my house, I couldn't wait to bring Snyder "home" and show him HIS new backyard...all for him. All the squirrels and birds to chase with no leash. Snyder was even there when Eric proposed...standing right behind me when Eric was down on one knee asking for his hand in marriage (I may have even tripped over Snyder when I was jumping with joy- I think he even jumped for joy with me).

So when I got the call from the doggy daycare that Snyder passed away when I was out of town I was crushed. I am still crushed. I will be crushed for sometime. We found out he passed away because of a case of pancreatitis...a condition that he came down with 2 years ago and almost didn't make it. It is something that happens in dogs that is hard to detect.

He was only 4 years old. He was supposed to be our pup for 10+ more years and meet our human kids. He warmed everyone's heart. He had an outgoing personality and was a lover.

So walking in the house without my pup waiting for me sucked. it was quiet. silent. completely silent. When I sat down on my couch, I just wished I would hear him paw at the back door and bark once to let me know he wanted back in. I would give anything to have to vacuum every other day again. his fur wasn't bad. I miss him and always will.

Snyder- I will miss you. I hope you are playing non-stop in doggie heaven! We will cuddle soon :) I love you.