The big 2-7!!!

Things here in the Nichols' house have been pretty much going as usual...everyone is doing great and we are LOVING this beautiful weather!! Last week I celebrated my 27th birthday and I did it up big! I made my first road trip by myself with the girls up to see my parents in North Carolina. I left on Thursday and we made there in one piece with only a couple meltdowns along the way:) Then, on Friday my friend, Courtney, drove in from Richmond and picked me up and we headed to Charlotte to have a girl's weekend with our friend Krystle (whose birthday is one day before mine). We had a WONDERFUL time!! It was so great spending time with them and being "baby-free" for a couple days. We went out at night, went shopping, and basically just did a lot of catching up! I, unfortunately didn't take any pictures with my camera but when they send me the ones they took, I will post them. Anyway-I headed back to mom and dad's on Sunday and then back home on Monday. It was such a great birthday weekend!!
And all this time-Russell had been telling me that my gift from him was coming and it finally showed up (a couple days late....but better late than never:)) And let me tell you-I was shocked when I opened the box-I had no idea what he was getting me, so when I saw this....

A Canon Power Shot SX10 is....I was sooooo excited!!! I have only had it 2 days but I absolutely love it and I love learning how to use it and of course, I have two beautiful subjects to practice on (ok, make that three...can't forget my beautiful hubby:)) So-now that I have babbled on for waaaay too long, let's get to the good stuff-pictures of my wonderful family with my wonderful birthday gift!!

I did a little photo shoot with Marissa right after she woke up from her nap-her a.c. was broke upstairs so it was a little warm which made for a crazy, sweaty hair-do:)

Then, Allie woke up, so it was her turn to pose for Mommy's photo shoot:)

Can you believe how big my girls are getting and oh my goodness....those big blue eyes just melt my heart:) They are both such a joy and I certainly had a lot to celebrate this birthday!! Russell-I absolutely love love love my new camera-thank you so much! You are the best:)

Be sure to stay tuned for some more pictures from our fun evening playing on the golf course!!