last weekend and bridal shower shenanigans :)

Last weekend was a wonderful [long] weekend. Period. No if, ands or buts, it was just plain wonderful.
Wednesday night I left Seattle and Thursday morning, I arrived bright and early into JFK. I met my love in the city for a quick breakfast before he headed off to work. The bustle of Thursday morning was a foreshadow for the weekend to come. We were busy, but happy as could be.

After being in the city Thursday, spending the lunch hour with John and the post-lunch hours with his good friend, Nick, we headed back to John's place for a relaxing night in. It was wonderful to spend time  with John's family. I was a bit delirious [and some may say grumpy] by then due to the little sleep I got on my red-eye flight, but I had a great time.

Friday, I headed into the city with John, had an exciting morning and then met up with John's sister for lunch. John got off work a bit early and we headed to Philadelphia. The ride down was lovely, it was so nice to have some one on one time to really talk and just enjoy each other's company. The long distance relationship definitely makes me treasure each of these little moments. 

After missing our exit, we arrived a bit late to Megan's parent's house. It was SOOOOO great to see Megan, Andrew and their families. Megan is one of my very best friends, and I had not seen her since last August--the longest we've gone not seeing each other. She is happily engaged and knee-deep (perhaps even waist-deep) in wedding planning. She is engaged to her college sweetheart and John's college roommate and a good friend of both of ours.  I love Andrew and Megan together, and couldn't be happier for them! I am especially honored that Megan asked me to be her Maid of Honor and that I get to be a part of their special day in June.

Friday night, we spent eating pizza and catching up. I was so excited to be there I barely had an appetite (and if you know me, that is saying something!). We ended the night with Wii dance, where we all laughed so hard we cried.

So, truth be told, the real reason for my trip east wasn't to just visit John, or catch up with Megan, it was for Megan's bridal shower! I would have written about it earlier since I had been planning it for a while, but... I didn't want to give anything away to Megan if she happened to read my blog. So post-shower, you all get the fun details (and pictures!).
Last Saturday (March 19th) we had a Wine and Cheese themed shower with extravagant cheese and wine pairings, delicious food, hysterical games, and about 20 guests. Megan's Aunt Becca, Aunt Bonnie, Grammie, cousin and bridesmaid Sammie and I planned and hosted this shower. It was so fun to work with such energetic ladies. I so appreciated their on-the-ground support, as I planned from 2,000 + miles away.
Here are some pictures that tell the story of how the shower went.

Wine and Cheese tasting station

another tasting station

beautiful bride to be, Megan 

another tasting station with sweets

party favors :) 

MOB and her friends enjoying

After a questionnaire we gave Megan about how well she knew her hubby-to-be we did a silly game--create a beautiful wedding dress using one roll of toilet paper in less than 10 minutes. It was great!

Mary was my model!

After this game, the guests answered questions about Megan, seeing who knew the bride best! Next, Megan opened presents :)

During present opening, I took notes. No, not on what Megan was given or who gave it to her, I took notes on Megan's comments. Becca, Megan's aunt then read the comments, under the pretense of a "Honeymoon preview" It was HILARIOUS! (and everyone was blushing!)

Bec reading the comments

 The next surprise we had for Megan was my favorite. We blindfolded Megan and told her a "special guest" was coming. We tried to allude to the fact that it might be a stripper. When she was thoroughly thrown off guard, these handsome men came in. Blind-folded Megan felt each of their calves to determine which one was Andrew.

great picture of my love :)

this is my favorite picture of the event--we were all laughing so hard!

Megan's dad was such a good sport!

After not being able to determine which calf was Andrew's (she knew it wasn't John's--"too hairy" she said!) she went to feeling biceps. The whole thing made me laugh so hard, I was crying!

beautiful lovebirds :)

Megan and the MOB with the rehearsal bouquet  

so happy to be reunited! 

After church and lunch all together on Sunday, John and I headed back to New York. I left early Monday morning, arriving in Seattle a couple hours late for work. Needless to say, Monday night, I fell asleep early and slept soundly.

It was a wonderful weekend. I can't wait to be back in New York/ Philadelphia (and even a quick stop in to Gettysburg) end of May/ early June for Megan and Andrew's wedding--less than 70 days til the big day!