{cutie patootie}

We finally got the chance to go visit family this weekend. Both our parents and brothers live in the same city, about 2 hours south of us, so it makes it easy to see everyone at once :) It's nice to be able to leave the kids with grandparents and go spend some time with old friends. We don't get to do that very often. The weather was nice enough that we got to gather around the fire pit at my brother's house Friday night:



His little boy is getting so big! He is only a little over 1 year old, but he is nearly as big as Alex! I can't figure out if it's because he is large for his age, or if Alex is small. I think it's a bit of both! Isn't he adorable, though? He has my brother's eyes, but his mom's cute little nose:





Speaking of friends, I want to do a couple shout-outs to some wonderful people I have had the pleasure of meeting. First, my dear friend Rita, who posted the nicest things about me on her blog! Unfortunately, that post got eaten by her computer, but I had the pleasure of reading it before it did. Rita is unbelievably talented! She makes the most beautiful, dimensional layouts. I was lucky enough to be on the Scrapologie team with her, and we are now together at Prima. She is as lovely a person as she is a scrapper, and without her, I know I wouldn't be doing as much paper as I am these days! Thanks, Rita! It's such a joy to know you! This is one of my favorite Rita layouts:



Secondly, Annie, who is just as sweet in real life as you would guess! She and I have so much in common, and I really got to know her well during our collaboration project. She is a great designer, a wonderful friend, and a truly talented scrapper (and fellow Mac user!):



Secondly, Christine, also on the Prima team, was so sweet to mention me on her blog the other day! I don't know her as well, but what I do know, I greatly admire. She is such a strong person, and insanely talented. Just look at this!



I'm so honored to call these women my friends!

{latest layout}

I know I just scrapped these photos, but I HAD to do a digi layout too! ;)



Here's to true friends! Cheers!