Celebrations

My birthday has turned into a birthweek! I've been celebrating my 24th birthday since Monday! I feel so grateful to have such wonderful family and friends who have made this week so special.

It started with a joint celebration with my co-workers. My co-worker Amanda's birthday is Dec. 28, so she had us all over to her apartment after work Monday for a cocktail hour to celebrate both of our birthdays.

On Wednesday, Brian took me to dinner at Felicia Suzanne's for my birthday. We met Avery, Allie and Lizzy afterwards for a drink at Alchemy.

Thursday, I celebrated with my family, and we ordered my favorite pizza from Ciao Bella.

On Friday, my actual birthday, Brian came over for appetizers before the second annual Ruff wacky tacky Christmas party. I also visited with the Weltons and was so excited to see my own stocking on their mantel!

The Christmas party was a blast! Brooke and Daniel are such wonderful hosts, and Brooke made delicious holiday appetizers. 

Christmastime at Laurel Hollow

Happy Birthday to Brian

Happy birthday, Brian!

Because Brian and I couldn't be together today on his actual birthday, the two of us celebrated his 24th year while he was home for Thanksgiving by going out to dinner at Circa. At the end of our dinner, the waiter presented us him with this beautiful plate of macaroons! Luckily, Brian shared.

Hope you have a wonderful day, Brian!

Sewanee Lessons and Carols

It feels like Christmas time is officially here after attending Sewanee's Lessons and Carols service this weekend! Thanks to Brian's parents, Brian, my parents and I got tickets to attend the Saturday evening service, and it was just as amazing as I'd hope. Brian's sister Meg and her boyfriend Will came, too! The church -- All Saints Chapel -- is gorgeous as it is, but this weekend it was very festive, decorated with branches from pine trees, berries and hundreds of candles. As promised, it was a breathtaking service with an amazing choir. Here are some photos from the trip!

Shenanigans, where we ate lunch Saturday

We showed my parents The Cross, a Sewanee landmark

The view from The Cross

Mom and Dad

Brian and me

Brian, me, Meg and Will before Lessons and Carols

Inside All Saints Chapel

Brian and me after breakfast this morning at The Blue Chair

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Food, family, fall weather -- it's perfect in almost every way.

Brian and I started our Thanksgiving by participating in the Memphis Turkey Trot, a popular 4-mile race at Shelby Farms. I ran the race for the first time last year and was excited Brian agreed to join me this year.

After the race, Brian came over and hung out with my family before our Thanksgiving lunch.

After our lunch (and a nap for me), we headed to Brian's parents' house for our second Thanksgiving celebration and another delicious meal!