Cadence's First Birthday Party and Katie's Visit

Friday, October 23, 2009 was a SPECIAL day! My mom picked Cadence and I up for a lunch at Anita's-to meet Matt and Daddy. We hadn't eaten there in awhile so I was pretty pumped. So we get there and Matt was a little late. I called him to make sure he didnt forget about it. He told me he was running late from work. When he walked into the restaurant I saw him, told Cadence to say "hey daddy" and then I realized a pretty girl was behind him. I kept looking and turned out to be my bestest buddy, Katie from Minnesota. WHAT?! I was in complete shock and didn't even know what to say. I jumped up and hugged her until she couldn't breathe. It turns out she had been scheming for over two months with momma and Matt to come surprise me and come to Cadence's 1st Birthday party. What a friend!!! I haven't seen Katie since her wedding (17 months ago) and obviously she had never met Cadence before. Wow-how amazing!!!

Katie and I have such an unusual and special friendship. We met in college through a guy friend of mine. They met one summer on a Campus Crusade for Christ summer project. Katie-from Minnesota, and my guy friend-from SC. Long story short, they broke up but since I had met Katie through him we instantly had a connection. We remained buddies and built a relationship over the phone, email and letters. We have never lived within 16 hours of driving with one another. We have taken turns flying out to see each other. We can count on two hands the number of times we've been in each other's air space. And despite our distance and few times of being around each other, we have formed this incredible friendship. She is someone I can laugh with, cry with, be ridiculously silly with, pig out with-EVERYTHING!! She is not just my bestest buddy, she is my soulmate. I can't talk enough about our friendship and how it truly is a God thing. She is a blessing I am so thankful for. We have been in each other's weddings, fallen in love with each other's families and just really become the best of friends. Since she had never met Cadence she thought her 1st Birthday would be the perfect time to come out. She couldn't have planned any better. It was THE PERFECT trip and Cadence completely fell in love with her. Matt even let us sleep in the master bedroom together (because our nighttime cuddle time is defintely our favorite time together). Matty, I love you and you are the most understanding, sweetest husband ever. You don't know how much I appreciate you and how you are just so....amazing. :)

So Katie's visit was amazing and Cady's first birthday party was wonderful. I admit I did stress a bit. I am not the best host and I just worry about everyone-wanting everyone to have fun, etc. But thanks to Matt, my parents, Matt's mom and Katie, the party was so perfect. We had the greatest turn out. I am so thankful for such an amazing family and great, close friends who come out to celebrate our little girl turning one. I still can't believe that she is one already (well, she turns one tomorrow). She is such a blessing and I had so much fun celebrating her. Here are a few pics from the party and weekend.

Me and Sweet, Katie

Right after she surprised me at Anita's.

Wow I love her!

Happy Birthday at Anita's, Cadence!

Mmmm birthday dessert!