O.T.W. Justin's Birthday Party

This past weekend was the big birthday party that my parents and I put together to celebrate my brother's 30th Birthday!!

We hosted the party at our family farm so we went with a rustic/country theme. I know boys this time of year will miss a party/wedding/shower all together if it interferes with football so I made sure we had football on the big screen.

We also had live music to set the tone for a fun night.

I think everyone had an awesome time! Especially my brother, Justin (which is what it was all about).

The weather was perfect Saturday for our outdoor soiree-- Sunny, high the 80's, low that evening in the 50's. Not too hot, not too cold.

I was inspired by pinterest if you can believe that. We wrapped hay bales for extra seating, I handmade/crafted the 'Happy Birthday' Banner, we made burlap tablecloths, created the rustic corn center piece for the food table and used turkey feather place mats and mason jars on the smaller tables.

My parents and I worked hard to turn a blank canvas (with no lighting) into a perfect place to celebrate my bro! To kick the party off I made a short speech and that's when things got going.

We served Bar-B-Que sandwiches, Rotel Cheese dip, Buffalo dip, baked beans, potato salad and cole slaw. The food was delicious and kept with the manly "football and fun on the farm" theme.

Any reason to party with friends is a win in my book. We had a portion of the invitation Katie Beth designed used on the cake. It turned out so cute!

Dad work hard getting all the lights hung so that we would actually have light for the party since it is pitch black on that side of the barn. The party lights absolutely help set the tone.

Daniel Jackson (DJ), pictured below on the right, saved the day by figuring out how to get the projector, sound system and satellite working. We were in over our heads with that and I had decided to just cut the football all together. DJ showed up and worked it out. I'm going to have to buy him lunch. Thanks DJ!

Everyone sipped the signature cocktail, Georgia Tea (provided by Deidra) and began to loosen up.  That's when the dance floor began heating up.

Overall the party was a huge success in my book! Everyone had a great time celebrating the Big THREE OH with my brother.

O.T.W. Farm Weekend with Family

Over the weekend Ryan and I headed to my family's farm for a weekend with the cousins! There was nine of total. It wasn't as grand as one of our ski trips together, but it was great all the same.

Over Christmas we mentioned getting together for a weekend at the farm, and Leslie took the initiative to set a date that worked with everyone's busy schedule, plan the menu, and coordinate the details.

We can always count on Leslie. She's the planner.

Saturday the weather was perfect for our afternoon and evening outside. Sunny and warm with a slight breeze. It was a day made to be spent outside.

The guys played corn hole, Ryan and I rode the four wheeler around the farm, we grilled hot dogs and enjoyed spending time with one another.

*I forgot my good camera, so the only photos I captured were on my iPhone.

The Donkeys

Celinda was sweet enough to bring everyone Strawberry  brews! Ever thoughtful. 

Ryan and I riding the four wheeler. He's a handsome lad.

Robin and Brad checking out a pic.

COWS

We got a little low on wood for the camp fire so we hopped in the Kubota and gathered a bit more!

Although the weekend started out a bit slow   ;) I'm kidding. It was an awesome weekend with the fam!

O.T.W. Farmville (In Real Life)

Ryan and I had the one of the most laid back weekends we've had in quite a while.

Friday night the weather was so bad there was no need in getting out.

I ended up staying up over half the night trying to decided whether or not I needed to get Ryan and Maggie and squeeze into a closet with me. Ryan slept soundly as I paced the floor. One of our city's weather sirens happens to be right next door to us... and it went off roughly five times in the span of a couple of hours.

I don't know about you but I think it's scary for the siren to go off and then have some guy over a loud speaker tell me  "A TORNADO WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR YOUR AREA! SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!"  Tornado warning = there is an actual tornado somewhere in our county. Me no likey.

Needless to say, it was a long night.

Saturday morning I hopped up and headed to Birmingham for a hair appointment. After my hair appointment I met Lacey & John and Kristen & Aaron for lunch at Mugshots. I tore down on an amazing cheeseburger. It was so big and so good I couldn't stop. I was so full after I literally didn't eat another thing for 24 hours. It was intense.

On Sunday, Ryan and I headed to my family's farm for an early Easter get together. The weather was beautiful. We ate, chatted with family, and I took some pictures of the farm.

Our farm is actually about thirty minutes from town. It's where my dad and his siblings were raised. None of the family lives there now... we use it for weekend get aways, family gatherings, and what not.

Eddie Murphy

Mel B

I was in love with the all the little yellow flowers in the pasture.

My dad and his brother (in the hat, pictured above) renovate the old barn. It's now a little get away. The inside has two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living room.

My dad's sister, Mona and brother, John.



Mel B is the closest and Eddie Murphy is behind her. I should note that my family actually call the jack asses Jenny and Jack. I don't think that's as original as Eddie Murphy and Mel B.



My dad and his brother actually just sold all of cows. But this one right here put a fight. She meant she wasn't being sold. She liked our farm and that is where she intends to stay. So she the lone cow for now.

Look how handsome!

My grandad was the probate judge of Clay County, Alabama for years. This was one of his old campaign signs.

It so peaceful at the farm. It was the perfect way to end the weekend.