What an incredible few days I had this past weekend! I drove up to Staunton on Friday night to celebrate my older sister's bridal shower on Saturday. When Mae got engaged just a few short weeks ago, I was so honored that she asked me to be her maid of honor (yes, I know I'm married. No, I'm not going to let anyone call me a matron). After some happy tears, my thoughts immediately turned to her bridal shower - I'd been waiting to plan this for so many years!

So, on a rainy Saturday in August, plans had been made and we arrived at The By and By coffeehouse in downtown Staunton. Friends and family came literally from all over the state to celebrate the love and joy Mae has brought into our lives, and the new life she is about to begin with Cory this fall.

We ate dainty ham and cheese sandwiches with salad, and drank tea and coffee to our hearts' content. While I generally avoid bridal shower 'games' at all costs (who likes to be covered in toilet paper?), I decided to make the guests work a little and play a Guess the Spice game. Besides that - and grilling Mae on the details of Cory's life publicly - everyone talked, laughed, and had the best times.

Before I share pictures, I owe so many thanks to the people that made this day possible. Many thanks to The By and By for being such gracious hosts - rest assured I will be back, only with fewer people next time! I am so grateful to everyone who drove from miles and miles away to make this day special - thank you! And most of all, thank you Mae, for being my best friend all these years. I love you, I'm so proud of the person you've become, and I can't wait for your wedding this fall.