The ups and downs of Charlotte

While visiting this beautiful city where I was born and called home for the first 9 years of my life I came to realize several different things...

1. Where can you find a prettier skyline than this? Whenever I see this skyline I instantly have so many memories flood my mind; family, friends, church, school, sports, kickball games, lemonade stands etc. This is the city where I came to a loving relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, made many memories with my family and friends, where I got my first scar from swimming on the bottom of the baby pool, where I learned how to walk, talk, swim, read, and write. It is where my dad would coach my first softball team. It's where I thrived on the swimteam and could help my team win the city/county meet. It is where I got my dog Benji. It is where the dream of me one day being a teacher started at Rama Road Elementary. It's where my parents, sister, and I would create friends that last a lifetime!

2. While Charlotte has many great places to do LOTS of this and all the stores have great selections and I can always find something in my size... 3. There is the downfall of this...TRAFFIC and LOTS of it! While living in Charlotte I never noticed the traffic, I remember having to leave early to get everywhere we wanted to go but no big deal. In the past years when we have gone back to visit the traffic has never bothered me and I have always just gone with the flow of traffic. But something about this past trip there, I realized I do not have what it takes to drive in traffic day in and day out. It stresses me out! It may be different if I lived there and knew my way around but for now I will let Charlotte keep its traffic and I will go back to my town where I can easily get around no matter what time of day and the only traffic is caused by stoplights and construction.

Dear Charlotte,

Never fear I will be back to visit and I hold many fond memories of you. But please keep your traffic down south and send your shopping a little further up north!

Sincerely,

Allison

Totally In Love

This past weekend Matt and I took our engagement pictures and man did we have a blast! I think we both totally missed our calling and were really supposed to be models, ha. We both had a blast being in front of the camera and were very comfortable being our self. You know we enjoyed it and wanted these pictures when we were both awake and ready before 6:00 AM, yes you read that correct 6:00 in the MORNING!! And we are not morning people! It has been fun to look back at the pictures and to see our love shown in pictures! We have an amazing wedding photographer, Andy Baker, not only is he a family friend but he is a fantastic photographer. We headed downtown and to a car show for most of these pictures. I hope you enjoy them as much as we have and if you want to see more of Andy's work be sure to head over to www.andrewbakerphoto.com/blog to see all of our pictures click on proofs.

Our hands sitting on top of the Bible. Our relationship is what it is today because we have God in the middle of it and seek His will for us.

I got to spend my weekend with two major cuties!

Only 130 more days til I marry my soul mate!! :)

Happy Birthday Dad!

On Sunday we celebrated my dad's birthday with cake and a dinner with my uncle and grandma! What a great way to celebrate the best dad.

Dad blowing out his candle on the cake.

Happy Birthday Daddy! I am so thankful for you and always cherish the times that we have had together and look forward to many more memories. I thank God each day for allowing me to grow up as your daughter. You have always taught me how to live and been a strong Christian witness to me and others, and I will always look up to you!

Coming Right Along

We have been in full swing of wedding planning and now have all the major details worked out except for a DJ. This time has been so exciting but the thing that I love best is knowing that at the end of it all on November 5th, I will be married to Matt, the love of my life, my best friend and soul mate!! How exciting is that?!? In only 138 days!! YAY!!

This weekend we will be getting engagement pictures done. I have been busy looking at photography blogs trying to decide on some cute picture places. Matt and I have our outfits picked and location decided on. It is going to be such a fun day! I can't wait to post our pictures here for you to see!