Laura & Joel

Laura is my oldest friend.  As toddlers, we were babysat by the same woman.  We went through elementary school, middle school, junior high, high school, and even college together.  When we were younger, we tried to convince everyone we were cousins.  Or sisters.  Depended on the day.  Laura has been a good friend through thick and thin, and I still tear up when I think of her toast at my wedding where she explained that she just didn't know how life was going to be without us being in the same town.  But we've both survived.  And no matter how many days go by, we can always pick up like we talked to each other just minutes before. 

We met Joel during spring break of our senior year of high school.  We spent the week at the beach with friends, and by happenstance, a group of Jason's college buddies were staying at the same condos.  Joel was a friend of Jason's college friends.  A friend of a friend.  Isn't that the best way to meet someone?  Laura and Joel reconnected a few years ago when Jason and I were living in The Woodlands.  Joel, again by happenstance, was also living in The Woodlands and was a great friend of Jason and mine through our first years of marriage.  (I still owe him for dog sitting our crazy dog on several occasions.)   

Laura and Joel.  Joel and Laura.  Seriously, two of the best people I can think of.  Their positive outlooks on life amaze me.  They're funny, they're thoughtful, and they're overall pretty much just rad (individually and as a couple.) 

Laura & Joel

This weekend Laura's bridesmaids threw Laura and Joel a couples shower.  We had it at one of the girl's houses in Austin, and she did a wonderful job decorating her backyard and provided yummy dishes for brunch.  We even had a pinata.



Brunch.

Veggies anyone?  Too bad we didn't have any fresh ones from our garden to bring.



Yum!

That night, was Laura's bachelorette party.  First stop, wine and cheese at Laura & Joel's house.


The ladies.



We played games.



Then we headed to dinner at Bess Bistro.  After dinner, we went out for drinks and dancing.  It was a wonderful night and a wonderful way to celebrate the occasion. 



The ladies after dinner.

Now, I can't wait for the wedding.  And more importantly, I can't wait to see these two kiddos start their lives together. 

Diclaimer:  My camera was a total bummer this weekend and somehow did not save the pictures I took.  These pictures have all been stolen.