Reunited...

...and it feels so good.
This weekend I took a road trip down to my home town of Salem, OR. My trip was a threefold experience: to see special friends (shout out Em and Bek), to show up at my 10 year high school reunion, and to attend the cocktail bridal shower of one Ms. Sara Manzo; soon to be Mrs. Benz. Fans of my blog have been introduced to the infamous Ms. M and her wacky yet complete awesomeness. It was a memorable night to be with my (literal) homies and celebrate the upcoming nuptials of a truly good friend. I happen to be a bridesmaid and feel very honored in that capacity; her wedding will be rustic chic and my girlfriends Kt, Brie, and Kenna did one heck of a job on this shower. Let me just tell you: It was seriously anthropology meets down home elegance. Below are some of my favorite pictures of this special night. My favorite moments including Kt actually chopping wood to build us a fire around which we could drink (and sometimes spill) wine and reminisce, the head lamp Manz wore to read her "toasts", the chandelier hanging from the tree outside, and how happy my friend is...







Then I popped in and out of one of my oldest friend Em's boutique which she is the proud and capable owner of...
It's called Felicity. It's amazing. Period. End of story.



I figured, "Hey, while I'm here this weekend, let's hit up MAGOOS (a dive bar) and attend my 10 year high school reunion. Pfau (who many of you also know) and our friend Brad planned it here...this should tell you one thing: We're nothing if not a class act.
Moving on...there was a BBQ at Kt and Zane's pad (which is ADORABLE) btw beforehand (shout out to Zane's incredible meat stylings) where a LOT of this was going on:

Then on to Magoos where I did not take enough pictures of the truly awkward moments, but here are a couple I love:



If you want to see more of each...go here. Kt and Zane have their own website...click on the camera icon to see them all.
So wonderful to be close to those who have known you through all the good and bad times and how being with them can make me feel at home even though my life isn't there anymore. I love love love you...
Lastly it was on to meet the little lady I have prayed for and seen God's complete faithfulness through. Many of you follow Bek's blog and have seen her adoption journey unfold. What we've all REALLY seen is God's provision, love and (meet) Mercy...aren't you just a little bit in love?


What a pitch-perfect note to end on...

Hawaii Two Ways

Did you miss me?
Hawaii was amazing and heart rendering all at once. We spent some quality time with family and had some wonderful food; memories to last a lifetime. During this trip, however, my Grandma Bev passed away the second day we were there and for my mom who was with us it was rough. Life is precious and her passing only made me appreciate the small moments on this trip even more. A memory post to follow on my late Grandma, but for now I'll fill you in on Hawaii Bell-Birky-Jones clan vaca 2011.
It started with a 6 hour plane ride, a 14 month old, and a mountain of snacks. After generally bribing, praying, and pleading with Harper to cooperate I got her to sleep for about an hour, but after that it was game-on. I lost.
Touching down in Maui I was never so glad to see my parents and in-laws! We spent most days swimming and lounging by the pool and ocean where Pearson showed off her new swim skills. The big girls probably swam 4-6 hours a day and were mostly exhausted by nightfall! After they went to bed, we would go out or play ipad monopoly or talk. I loved every minute even the hard ones. There were some meltdowns, no doubt, but my favorite memories include all 16 of us together:
The Magic Show.
Fishy crackers and sun screen.
Running Races & Simon Says.
The shark picture.
Matching.
Sitting together at sunset.
The Hula Girl show...
Our Hula girls.
Folks, I did not take one single picture of my own. So to metaphorically show the dual perspective I had of of this special vacation. I'll do two posts of pictures. This first one is from Ty and the second will be from Andi...















Now Andi's...

Hula Grrrrl Party!

Pearson and Heidi's Hula girl birthday party was quite the success! All the little ones had a great time. Highlights of the party?
Definitely The Hula Girl Pinata! It was a hit (pun intended).
Ty's Beach Boy soundtrack.
Drink cupcakes on the floor
Pin the coconut on the palm tree
Harper's Hula Girl outfit...a classic for sure.
And TWO twin cousins who will always have each other and birthday fun!
For more birthday fun, go here...

Happy Father's Day

xoxo,
H & P
p.s. Happy Father's Day to my dad and Papa Steve!

Just in Case...

you're wondering what a Seattle summer looks like right about now; Harper's got you covered: