Girls' Day Out!

Saturday was my Girls' Day Out, also known as Bachelorette Day. I'm a little old for a whole lot of bacheloretting - and it's really not my scene - so my maid and matron of honor planned a fun day (I was allowed plenty of input, however)! And I was so happy that a lot of friends and relatives were able to join us throughout the day!

We started the day at 10:15 with the Flying Pig 5K. As I mentioned before, this was my first race since I mysteriously sprained my ankle in December. I haven't been doing a whole lot of running and am just now beginning to feel pretty good when running. I wasn't anticipating a good race (I'm slow - a 10 minute pace is good for me!), and I didn't have one, time-wise. My pace was 11:06. Both Raegan (left) and my sister Sarah (center) beat me by a lot. They, however, didn't choose the chip option so they weren't timed.

Front: Anne S., me, Anne H.; Back: Sarah S., Sarah P., Raegan, Mom

After getting cleaned up we met up with several more of my friends and relatives to paint some pottery. I chose a few bowls and plates and had each person decorate hers in a way so that I'd think of her when we use it. They all turned out beautifully, and I can't wait to get them in a week when they're ready!


After pottery, some of us headed out for dinner where we met up with Deanna and Rachel (foreground) and Emily (back right). As we were driving there, a veil mysteriously ended up on the back of my head. Thank goodness it had no attachments! We had a fun, laughter-filled dinner, reminiscing over past fun times and letting my friends and relatives from a variety of circles get to know one another.

Go Tigers!

After dinner we made a quick trip to the CiNco de Mayo festivities at Margaritas with CiN Weekly - of course we had to get beads and some half-price margaritas. Thanks again, Anne H., for being our DD (every bachelorette party has to have a mom-to-be, right?!)


We headed back to my house afterwards for a personal shower, where Maureen and Sheila joined us after having earlier commitments.

I got lots of fabulous presents :-0 ... Thanks to everyone!! Although, I thank my friends for knowing me well and getting extremely tasteful gifts. Still, I will not be showing any of them here. OK, well, you can see them (sorta) :)



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Yep, that's all of them.

Thanks Sarah and Raegan; you two are the best sister and friend/former roommate a girl could have! You threw me a fabulous bash. Special thanks to Raegan for getting all the contributions and making me the book of memories. Special kudos to Sarah for making all the delicious food (and Sangria!) and for help cleaning. And, since I haven't mentioned them yet, thanks to Pennsylvania dwellers Peggy and Katie, who couldn't join us in person but joined us in spirit and sent memories and gifts! (Isn't technology cool? - While we talked on Deanna's phone to Peggy on her landline, Raegan took a picture with her cell phone of me opening Peggy's gift and sent it to Peggy's cell phone. Pretty sweet!) And thanks too, to my future sister-in-law Mary, who also wasn't able to be there but sent a gift.

Last, to everyone who played a part in the day: Raegan, Sarah P, Mom, Kathy, Mary, Anne S, Peggy, Deanna, Anne H, Sarah S, Rachel, Sheila, Maureen, Emily and Katie B - You all are awesome and mean so much to me. Whether I've known you since you were born or only for a few years, I couldn't ask for a better group of friends, relatives and relatives-to-be. I feel so blessed! I am honored that you chose to take part in the fun with me. John and I look forward to sharing our wedding day - and the rest of our lives - with you!