ERIKA'S BRIDAL SHOWER SURPRISE!!

As I mentioned in my last post six months ago, the second weekend in July I flew to Denver to surprise Erika at her bridal shower. I was feeling really guilty about missing the bachelorette festivities in Las Vegas on account of scheduling and finances, and my mom was co-hosting the shower with the other moms Robin and Cindy, so I especially didn't want to miss out on this event too. Once I found a cheap flight on Southwest, I was on my way. Surprise visits are fun, but they really test your ability to censor yourself on social media. The habit is to check-in when I arrive to share my excitement, and let everyone in town know I want to see them. With surprise visits, you have to be more strategic. June in Denver is a truly glorious time, it was great to be home. On Saturday, I met up with Adrienne, Bri and the high school crew at a bluegrass and beer festival happening on South Pearl Street. Actually, Kate's step-dad Mark was a co-sponsor and helped organize the event. It was a blast! All of the best local breweries were represented, and Mark even gave us a handful of beer tickets. The sun was out and we even ran into my old friend from college who happened to be in Denver that weekend and was soon moving down to Dallas.

I had to be home for dinner, but after beer in the sun and wine at dinner I was toast. Luckily, Joe was home for dinner and heading out downtown so I went with him. Don't recall where we went, but I woke up on his couch the next morning with the worst hangover ever and had to borrow Joe's car in order to get home and bridal shower-ready. Should've gotten a DUI driving back to the suburbs. Napped, rallied. Returned Joe's car, picked up Prosecco with dad and got dropped off at Robin's. It was perfect- right as we pulled into the driveway, Erika and her family were walking across the street so as soon as she got to the driveway, I got out of the car and said "HAPPY WEDDING SHOWER DAY!!!" She was shocked! We both cried (so did our moms).

childhood friends xo

The ladies did an awesome job putting on the shower.  The food was amazing and Robin made the desserts of course- including glass slipper-shaped cookie favors with ribbon that said "Happily Ever After" on it. Watching Erika open her gifts, meeting the other bridesmaids and spending time with the moms and sisters was priceless and I am SO happy I found such a cheap flight for the weekend!