326 Days & Counting!

It is absolutely crazy how fast time is going!  I can't believe we are down to about 10.5 months till our big day!  Since I last posted it's like I blinked and time flew by.  I've also started our "wedding" website and you can check out all things wedding by going to Ashley & Adam. 

I've only been home 1 week out of the last 4 so I haven't made as much progress as I should have on our wedding plans but I have lots of ideas swirling in my head.  My parents did come down for a quick visit this past weekend and mom and I went to a bridal show in Chattanooga.  It wasn't very large but I did meet with a couple vendors that I want to follow up with more (videographer, DJ/speciality lighting and florist).  I also made 3 appointments to try on gowns at some local boutiques in the coming weeks.  Also... I tried on dresses for the first time!  Saturday morning mom and I had an appointment with my wedding coordinator who also runs a linen business so I wanted mom to see everything she had available.. then we ran by Hobby Lobby because I've decided I want to make our invitations.. (why pay someone to do something that I love to do?!).. and then... I decided to run into a bridal store to see the colors they have available for bridesmaids and the bridal gowns were calling to me.  They carry the line that I really like - Maggie Sottero - so I decided to bite the bullet and try on a few.  The third dress I put on I think could possibly be THE dress.  It even fit perfect... meaning.. no alterations!! I've never bought a speciality dress that didn't need something altered!  Maybe it's a sign.. I'm not ready to "say YES to the dress" quite yet though. 

Adam and & I spent 8 days in Michigan over the 4th of July.  It was BLAZING hot.  We had a lot of fun and I came back with an awesome tan.  Our baby boy also swam in the pool for the first time!  Cutest thing ever!  We ordered him a life jacket for next year because he seems a little bottom heavy, funny thing is, he can stand up on his back legs in the shallow end and he's like my height!  Some of the most exciting news that we've known for a few weeks now but couldn't share is that his sister Ashleigh & her husband Drew are expecting their first baby in January!  We are really excited for them and they will make wonderful parents!

I've got lots of pictures from Michigan just haven't uploaded them yet - here's some from my iPhone:

As you can tell, our baby boy LOVES spending time at his grandparent's house.

A Michigan 4th of July

For the 4th of July, Adam and I drove up to Michigan to spend a week with his family.  The 4th is his family's "big" holiday where all the family comes back to his parents.  Adam is one of 5 siblings so they have a very large family especially when you factor in spouses/fiances/girlfriends/kids/animals.  Adam and his brother Jason are the only ones that have moved away from his hometown so I know his mom is over the moon to have all her kids back under one roof. 

We spent the week swimming in the pool, jet skiing and boating in the lake, playing with the dogs, eatting and relaxing.  Oh, and I did sneak a quick trip in to Ikea on the 4th - - Love that place!!! 

Henderson loves going to his Nani's house for several reasons but especially because he gets to sleep on all the comfy furniture!!

Boating with Henderson

Beauitful sunset over the lake at Adam's parents

I also made my first trip to Mackinac Island.  Adam's brother flew us and his fiance Sarah up for the morning/afternoon.  We were going to go last year but the weather wasn't clear enough to fly so we finally got to go up this year.  I really enjoyed walking around the island and seeing all the pretty Victorian houses.  It was right up my alley.  I got some amazing Oreo fudge too!!

Before we took off for Mackinac

 

The Grand Village Hotel

Sarah, John, Adam and Me

Ariel shot of Mackinac on the way back home

The other big event while we were there was his sister Ashleigh's wedding!  She had a beauitful outdoor wedding and reception at her boyfriend's stepdad's house on the lake.  I don't know how she pulled it all off - she just got engaged in February! - but she did and it was a good time had by all.  His brother Jonathan is actually getting married a week before Christmas so there has been lots of wedding planning for the Gray family this year.     

All dressed up at the wedding - I actually had bought this dress for a Mardi Gras ball we had tickets to in Baton Rouge.  Unforunately, that's when my grandpa passed away and obviously we didn't go to the Ball.  So, I finally got to wear my dress that had been hiding away in the closet :-)

Adam's adorable nieces were flower girls - Sidney and Brooklyn

Gorgeous little bride!