Baby Nowell: Auntie Juju Birthday Time!!

This past weekend Baby bump and I went to Raleigh to celebrate my Best Friend and Auntie-to-be's Birthday! I had a wonderful time and I think the Birthday Girl did too!

I was able to drive down Thursday afternoon, Julia's day of birth, to celebrate! We celebrated with Julia's sister Aimee, and her niece Gretta and nephew Cody, and homemade tacos. After the fam left Ju and I walked downtown for a loco concert. We arrived later than planned so the fun was over shortly after we arrived, but that was okay because we were having some great quality time.

Friday we woke, made breakfast and smoothies for the ride, and got ready for a day at the mall. Now, this is not a super treat for either of us, we would both rather be at the flea market or fun little craft store around town but the mall was going to provide Julia with a free bday gift from Sephora, and a party dress of sorts for her Birthday Dinner that evening. We had Moe's for lunch, of course, and wrapped up our shopping adventures just in time to shower for the evenings festivities. Naturally, dinner was at a Mexican restaurant, of which I could not pronounce the name. We were accompanied by 11 of Julia's closest friends in Raleigh. The food was delightful and the bday girl got a Jumbo Margarita. This mama-to-be was sad not being able to partake in this portion of the dining but by now has gotten used to it. After dinner we went back to Ju's apartment for some quality time with friends and the completion of a Birthday Mad Lib created by Ms. Kristi. Quite entertaining!

Saturday was our day in the sun! We started our day off with some breakfast and another smoothie for the road! We went to the Ero River Quarry! I was a little wary of the quarry because of the potential bacteria but this was a naturally made quarry with a river and creek near by so I felt confident that we were safe. There were also multiple children in the quarry with their families so this comforted me, and besides, the 20 (well 30, with my slowness) minute hike in warranted a dip in the cool water. After the quarry we showered and then rested a bit before heading out for the night. We ended up at a friends house for a delicious cookout, with tacos! It was a nice time meeting some new people and eating great food. Afterwards we were pooped from the day so Julia and I had some quiet time at home followed by a quick trip to Krispy Kreme! Hot doughnuts!

Sunday we had a cutie pancake breakfast and then headed to the flea market. We didnt get to do our usual Flea Market looking but we got what we went for and then some. After that I headed back to Norfolk. It was very very sad to leave my most precious friend that day. The thought that I probably wouldn't be back in Raleigh until 2013 and then when I did make it back I would be with child left me with mixed emotions. Very weird and very sad.

I am glad that we were able to have such a wonderful time together and make some more BFF lasting memories. Until we meet again Raleigh!

Here are some fantastic photos from the trip! Yay!