The Graduate

My little sister graduated on Saturday and we couldn't be more proud of her! Now for a ridiculous amount of family pictures celebrating this lady.

Uncle Fernando and mom proudly sporting that maroon and gold.

Kandee joined the December Graduate Club with me and Tad. Best time of year for graduations, let me tell ya. The ceremony was short and sweet. After graduation, the gang went out to eat at Shady Grove in Austin to wrap up this perfect day. We are so blessed with the most amazing friends and family. ConGRADulations, Kandee. You did it. You're going to change the world. I just know it.

Carter Lynn's First Birthday

Can't believe this little lady turned one last weekend. She was the best Birthday girl and we just loved celebrating with her. Chelsea got so many amazing pictures from the party and I couldn't help but share a few of my favorites we snapped. Let me just say, ain't no party like a Pershall party. From the decor to the fun guest list. Just too adorable for words. We helped Chelsea prepare, but she was the mastermind behind this backyard soiree.

OK so I couldn't resist posting more than few pictures of us trying to feed her the smash cake. She is so funny and after a few bites she was ready to be out of there! She might love Ritz crackers, but I guess she isn't too crazy about sugar yet. And that picture of Carter and Tad? My favorite of those two together yet. Carter Lynn has been quite the joy bringer in our lives this past year and we can't wait to see what next year has in store for this little darling.

OUR COUPLES SHOWER

Ain't no party like a Ramsey party. Our couples shower was incredible! The decorations, food and thoughtfulness left me speechless. The Ramsey family never ceases to amaze me. Tad and I just love them all to the moon. We had so many sweet friends who traveled near and far to celebrate with us this weekend. From Dallas to Chicago, they made the trip to good ol' Temple. It meant the world to us. We're so very blessed with the most amazing friends and family.

Please take a moment to note the two creepers in the back of this next picture. Hint: one is me and one is Rusten.

Obvious foreshadowing of how fun the wedding will be? I'd say so.

MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING

I have no words. The day was pure perfection. There may have been a 70% chance of thunderstorms, but there was a 100% chance of love. I'm such a cheeseball, but it's true. Darn rain couldn't stop them. Alicia was so effortlessly stunning. She could've walked out in a paper sack and it just would not have mattered. Matt is such a lucky kid. I'm not going to lie, I couldn't fully enjoy the day until I gave my toast. I've never been so nervous. I wanted the day to be so perfect for Alicia. Just love that little one so much! Without further adieu, here are some precious moments from the big day:

Meet my dance partner for the entire evening. Sweet Betsy. We were attached at the hip, literally. I think I danced with Tad once and then let Betsy cut in. Pretty certain all of the Navarro girls stole my heart that day.

Oh hey Tad, do you think you could get a really great picture of me and Alicia? It's just I'm the Maid of Honor and it'd be nice to have an exceptionally good picture.

Gee, thanks. I'd be lying if I said this doesn't fit us perfectly, though.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Jones! Happy honeymoonin' in San Francisco!

THE SWEETEST BRIDAL SHOWER

I  think bridal showers are my new favorite thing. I had no idea they could be so fun and exciting. Sweet Kathy and Marla really know how to host a party. The ladies went above and beyond with the planning and decor. Not to mention the incredible blessing Kathy wrote for me and Tad. I will always hold that near and dear to my heart.

It was so great to see our two families mingling. They're so great together! I received some pretty amazing gifts. What generous friends and family we have. Overflowing with thankfulness for them. I'm also thankful for the two new sisters I'll be getting soon. Love them (love you too, Kandee a.k.a. maid of honor). Oh and did you see Carter was at the shower? Sporting the cutest little tutu there ever was.

Already looking forward to the couples shower at the end of the month. Something tells me it's going to be a fun one.

A COUPLE'S SHOWER

Oh my lands! Can't believe the little showers are beginning. Where did this year go? It feels like just yesterday I got the phone call Matt proposed to my favorite Alicia. The "Stock-the-Bar" shower got me pumped for more bridal festivities to come in February.

Aren't they gorgeous? It's a little ridiculous. They're also very laid back and hip. Yeah, hip.

Reunited and it feels so good. Haven't seen some of these girls in ages.

Well, Natalie and Holley look cute. Tad, we've done better.

Just love their beaming faces as they're opening gifts. So happy and so in love.

Isn't that little munchkin the cutest? 

Oh and don't worry about me looking so concerned as the secretary of gifts. I blanked out how to spell words like "daiquiri" and "balloon" throughout the night. I'm usually a spelling champ. Too bad Alicia will never believe it after reading that list.

WEEKEND INSTAGRAM LOVE

Jammed out to this album on Saturday. This era. Sigh.	Look at him keeping warm.
Tried to help these runaways we found get home.	Christmas party cheer with Chels and Carter
I bought orange lipstick. Bold, I know. Pun intended.	My cousin graduated from UMHB Friday!

I love Instagram. I do. It kind of makes me realize how much cooler everyone else's life is, but I still enjoy sharing little moments.