Friends, Food, and Festivities

 I don't know if I've ever admitted this,

but I used to be afraid of baby showers (for me).

I finally realized what stopped me from enjoying them....

its silly, really.

I'll tell you why at the end :)

 ~

This past weekend, 

some of my very bestest friends in the world

[The Alder ladies + Sarah Acree]

decided to undertake this adventure,

and a baby shower was thrown!

 Bahaha! I love this melon baby!

 The Alders have a thing for chocolate mustaches...

and they were in abundance!

I love being a part of this family!

 [recognize these from pinterest? they do not disappoint!]

In my mind,

Laurel Alder just happens to be a gourmet chef,

with roots all over Europe.

These were the best brownies I've ever inhaled,

and I am now a recovering addict.

[chocolate + infused orange + chocolate ganache + caramelized orange slices]

My friend Jessica,

who lives way across the country,

made this darling quilt for our baby boy!

I was so touched.

She did such a great job!

Thanks so much Jess!

[since she couldn't be there, I brought it with me to use as decor :)]

Just me,

setting up :)

And no.

I thought about ironing my pants...

and totally didn't do it.

I'm over it.

 haha

Jake the snake.

Loved his helmet hair post bike-ride.

He told me he made everything for the shower...

yup.

haha

 Group of lovely ladies who stayed until the very end!

[it was an open house style party, and I wish we had taken pictures all the way through!]

Thank you to everyone who came!!!

 My parting gifts for those who came...

[I wanted to give something back...so I made bath salt boxes and held a raffle!]

Laurel + Clara

 Baby B - aka Bennett Truscott!

 Mustaches strike again!

 and again...

 and again....

and again!!!!

~

Overall,

I had such a fun time!

We had hilarious guessing games,

and candy has never tasted so sweet!

We laughed, hung out,

and just relaxed.

I was sooooo nervous before!

No lie.

It came as a big surprise to me

that people actually came.

I have never felt so loved.

I think that I've been so hesitant to want a shower,

because I know all of the hard work that goes into planning one.

And in my mind,

I really didn't think I was worth all that trouble.

And,

when someone [or a group of someones]

takes the time to show you just how much you really do matter,

you will never be the same.

A big thank you to the Alders & Sarah - you were wonderful!

Maddie,

thank you for being such a great party planner!

Your attention to detail will never escape my appreciation!

You are the best ever!

And a big thanks to Tyler,

who I could not do any of this without.

He's kind of the very best thing about life.