Welcome to Atlanta...

Lots of changes in the past few weeks - new city & new job! I've recently moved to Atlanta and I just started work with a wonderful law firm. It's been an adventure so far just figuring out how to get from the apartment to work and back home again, but I imagine I'll start to find my way soon enough.  My roommate snapped this awesome picture on my first day of school work. It's nerdy, but pretty endearing. I must say I am glad that she captured the momentous occasion :)

Cottonbaler Ball

On Saturday, Matt & I attended his Battalion Ball at the Marriott on River Street. He looked so handsome in his dress uniform! I made him explain the significance of each decoration on his uniform - but I'm afraid I would mess up if I tried to list some of them. Needless to say, I'm a proud fiance.

Here's all the guys - so sharp in the dress blues!

 Matt & SFC Solomon

Melissa & I before the dinner. She'll be tying the knot in a few weeks!

I really enjoyed seeing all of the traditions and formalities that the soldiers recognize. Matt's Regiment dates back to the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 and has such a rich heritage. Before dinner, several toasts were made - "To the United States of America, To the Commander-in-Chief, To the 3rd Infantry Division, To our Fallen Comrades....."  It was special to be a part of a tradition that dates back so far.  

It was powerful to look across the ballroom and see hundreds of men standing proudly in their uniforms, singing the Army song. It's been a challenge, and scary at times, but I'm thankful that through Matt, I've learned so much more about our military. And The Army Goes Rolling Along..............

Solomon Wedding

On Saturday, Matt & I went to the wedding of his former Platoon Sergeant.  It was a beautiful wedding and I was excited that I wasn't going solo, or as a 3rd wheel! I had a date, I had a date, I had a date, hey hey hey hey! Both SFC Solomon & his wife are in the Army. The bride was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!

Solomon was so funny because he would stop in the middle of the aisle and pose for pictures; it was hilarious!

He's been such a good friend to Matt while he's been at Ft. Stewart and I was happy that we could celebrate with them on thier special day.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Solomon!

HHI

Matt & I took a quick vacation to Hilton Head and we were able to soak up the sun for a few days. It was such a treat! I am incredibly jealous that Matt tans so easily while I constantly lather on the SPF.

At night we met up with friends that were in town. I'm not sure what we were celebrating here with the giant party hat. 

 

Just a quick recap of the beach trip - I wish I was there now!

Sweet Isabelle

One of my oldest friends from home, Ellen, recently had a baby girl that is just too cute. Ellen and I grew up in church together and it was so special to see Isabelle be baptized there.  She is such a beautiful baby.

It seems like yesterday that Ellen & I were playing man hunt in the sanctuary and going to youth group lock-ins. It's hard to believe she & TJ have a precious little one.  After church, Ellen & TJ hosted a reception at thier home. I had to take a picture of the cake ... isn't it sweet?!

                                                               Love this happy little one!



Matt's Homecoming

This post is a bit overdue, but I'm happy to share the news nonetheless! Matt is finally home from Iraq and I am so thankful! I wanted to share a few pictures from the welcome home ceremony. We heard that the troops would arrive to Ft. Stewart around 9:00 p.m., so of course I made the Flowe and Reese families get there at 6:00 p.m. just to be safe.  Matt's family was so excited and his Mom brought flags for everyone to waive.

The guys finally arrived much later than expected and it was so dark that it took me a while to find Matt. There were hundreds of guys that all looked alike. When we finally found each other, I practically shoved another soldier out of the way so that I could get to Matt. I was so so happy to finally hug him.

The welcome home ceremony was so sweet and I loved seeing all of the little kids with their "Welcome Home Daddy" shirts. The Army band played lots of patriotic songs and the spirit in the air is something that I will never forget. My heart really felt like it would explode.

We spent the next few days in downtown Savannah. Matt was excited to wear normal clothes and eat good food.

 Cory, Matt & Reynolds

 So happy to be together

Thank you friends & family for all of your prayers and love and encouragement over the past year. Matt & I have so much to be thankful for!

My Maids are Getting Married!

Several of my dearest pals and bridesmaids have recently gotten engaged (or married) and I couldn't be happier!!! I'm so excited to be able to share in the wedding fun with each of them!

Jennifer & Jesse got married in May, & it was one of the most fun weddings I have ever been in!

Mary Andrews & Griffin got engaged around Memorial Day weekend

My cousin Taylor and her boyfriend Tripp got engaged last week:

And Meredith & Jamie got engaged TODAY!

I love these girls so so much and I'm excited about all the fun times ahead :)