In Due Season: Winston-Salem Weekend

This past Sunday my sister Lauren had a baby shower in Winston-Salem. Yes, my sister and I are pregnant with our first babies at the same time! And it is so fun! We like to do things together, like getting married within four months of each other... I am curious to see if the trend continues with our future children. So, two, dear, long-time, family friends Christine and Morgan along with my mom came up from Wilmington and Kyle and I went up for the weekend for the shower. While all the women hung out at Lauren and Brad's house Saturday night and Sunday before the shower Brad and Kyle were out bow hunting for deer. While Brad is a veteran hunter this was Kyle's first hunting experience. Kyle was pumped to have this opportunity and I know the guys had such a great time hanging out together. The whole deer stand concept didn't appeal to me so much but I tried not to think about it. It was new seeing my husband in camo and it reminded me of his first day of work on the farm when he was decked out in suspenders and a straw hat! Life is full of surprises! So Kyle didn't actually have a bow of his own but Brad graciously gave up his bow on Sunday morning and Kyle went out and he got a deer!! How crazy?! I had prayed that the boys would have fun and at least get to see some deer and maybe take a few shots, but God had even better plans than what I asked for! I am learning that this is true in all of life. Lauren and I woke up to a phone call and the boys came over to show us the deer, neither Kyle nor I had seen a deer like this before, except on the side of the road. It wasn't so fun to look at, mind you, but it was an exciting event!

The shower was such a sweet celebration of my sister and her soon to be here daughter, Eva. It was held at Brad's brother's house and hosted by all the Gerstmyer women. They did such a fabulous job, it was elegant and the food was SO good. Have you ever heard of monkey bread? If not, you should look up a recipe and make it! It was so good! There were four different kinds of quiches to choose from, scones, amazing little ham sandwiches with melted cheese, a large, colorful fruit platter that had completely vanished by the end of the shower and your choice of a chocolate or vanilla cupcake to top it off. Lauren received so many great gifts, all of which were adorable and some of which were handmade, including a stylish teething necklace Laur can wear (and Eva can chew), and great things to have like a beautiful nursing cover and a baby food processor. It is so good how God provides for us, even little Eva who isn't born yet! We all had such a great weekend. It was such a blessing to all get to be together and to have Christine, Morg and mom come from Wilmington. I am thankful for the fellowship and sweet time that was shared. Here are some pics from the weekend.