Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!!

Ashley is home for a visit!!!

What a fun time we've had over the past 3 days since our youngest daughter returned home from the north country for a short visit! We are sad that her Dear Hubby was unable to make the trip with her, but very appreciative that he would share her with us for this special week of fun and surprises! Her trip down was somewhat impromptu and involved pulling off a wonderful secret for some very special friends! The cat is out of the bag, so here's the scoop!!

My dear friend, Renee, currently finds herself in the important position of MOB (Mother of the Bride) as her beautiful daughter, Katie, is preparing to be married this June. I, having been in this position twice previously, am really enjoying the process of adding this experience to the list of events Renee and I have weathered...err, I mean... endured... uuuuhhh, I mean enjoyed together during our 24 year friendship! :-) I'm sure all experienced MOBs understand the bittersweet time and wide range of emotions that the marriage of a daughter can evoke! Renee's eldest daughter, Katie (the Bride) and our youngest daughter (Ashley, her life-long friend) are also having the privilege of enjoying this process together. Katie asked Ashley to serve as her Matron of Honor during this happy event. So... here is where the fun surprise comes into play!!

Here are a few highlights... Katie and fiancé, Josh, have returned to Texas for two special events in honor of their upcoming marriage. Brad and I were able to fly Ashley down to Texas so she can spend a week here and share in both events with her dear friend. Katie's Bridal shower was given last Saturday by some wonderful ladies from their church. They had planned a special time of devotion and encouragement for Katie that culminated in presenting her with a beautiful white leather Bible. These kind hostesses allowed Ashley to be the one to walk into the room carrying the white Bible to present to Katie. As you can expect, Katie was in shock when she looked up and realized it was Ashley standing before her with this gift. Now, HOW FUN WAS THAT????!!!!!!

The Unsuspecting Bride-To-Be...

Katie's Happy Realization that her friend and Matron of Honor was indeed attending her Bridal Shower after all!!

Precious Reunion!

As the "official" photographer, I had a renewed appreciation for the auto focus feature on my camera due to the fact that I really couldn't see much through my excitement and tears.

Of course we have all the fun stories to tell; such as Ashley hiding on the floor of our van as we passed their van in route to the shower. (We couldn't have Katie glancing over to see Ashley sitting in the passenger seat beside me now could we???) Also the fact that Ashley had to hide out in the laundry room while she patiently awaited the revelation of her arrival to her dear friend! What FUN times!!

So our families have gotten to spend a lot of extra time together over the past few days and look forward to a few more events coming up over the course of this week.

Renee and I have gone from delivery rooms to dance recitals to high school graduations to bridal rooms and relish the chance to enjoy each of these milestones of life together. Boy could we tell some stories!! Blessed friend...Blessed friendships... I'm thankful for each one the Lord brings my way!

Katie & Ashley
Then (1989)
And
Now (2007)