A visit to Grandpa Bunting & Chris's 28th birthday

This past weekend, Chris and I drove down to Jacksonville, FL, where I had the honor of finally meeting my new grandpa -- Chris's grandfather, George. While I have shared many phone calls with him over the past two years, it wasn't the same as getting to finally meet in person the man that played such a key role in Chris's life throughout his childhood.  

Over the past few years -- since the passing of his beautiful wife -- his health has steadily declined, and due to his pain medication and Alzheimer's treatments, he spends most of the day in and out of sleep. 

Despite this, it brought us such joy to spend the day with him in his room, cherishing all the moments he was alert. During our time together, we were able to share some conversation, hugs, and even a few, quiet laughs. When he first met me, it brought tears to my eyes as he lovingly squeezed my hand and told me how good it was to see me. 

Here are a few photos from our time together. Although he appears sleeping, he was awake in these photos, and was happy to be in his first picture with his new granddaughter. 

Knowing how much my grandmother in Virginia loves when we bring treats during a visit, we wanted to bring Grandpa George a few, special goodies to enjoy.

Grandpa George's room was filled with old photos, and I just loved seeing this one of him and his lovely, new bride on their wedding day.

This is such a sweet photo of Chris's mother (far right), aunt, and uncles as children.

After leaving Grandpa George in Florida, we decided to break up our drive home with a stop in Savannah, GA. As it was Chris's 28th birthday on Sunday, it made for the perfect spot for a quiet birthday celebration. We woke up early Sunday, and headed downtown for a delicious stop at a local bakery (Harvest Baking Company -- fabulous!) for a homemade donut and sticky bun (Paleo cheat day!) and then on to an adorable, artsy breakfast cafe for a yummy birthday brunch.

I'd say the name of the cafe were we enjoyed our brunch was quite appropriate. :)

We love our food. :)

Much of their menu came served in cute, cast iron pans.

After our early brunch, we enjoyed walking around downtown Savannah for a few hours, before hitting the road homeward by afternoon. With Chris's graduate school schedule, and work early the next morning, our visit had to be brief, but we made the most of a few hours and took in much of what this charming, southern city had to offer.

Walking Waterside.

A view of the Capitol building.

This lovely, old theater makes me miss our neighborhood theater from our time living in Ghent.

The prestigious SCAD. 

I'm in love with the Spanish Moss that gracefully falls from the trees in Savannah's many charming parks scattered throughout downtown.

I cherish every day spent with the love of my life. Happy birthday to the best husband in the world. I love you!

Single guys say it best

I couldn't resist sharing this hilarious video with you, produced and starring my youngest brother, Jonah, and my cousin, Levi. They put this short video together as an intro to be played before a new series on relationships at my uncle Rick's church, Mosaic Lynchburg.

I encourage you to take a moment on this gorgeous Friday to enjoy some laughs as a few single guys take on the topic of women and relationships. You (and your cheek bones) won't regret it. ;-)

Shot through the heart...

Although you're probably all "loved-out" by now, I couldn't resist one last post in honor of the holiday of LOVE. I think you'll understand why when you view this adorable VDAY "cupid" photoshoot of my baby nephew, taken by his father, the owner of Stone Blue Productions. If you haven't fallen in love yet, you will. I just love this little guy to pieces! :)

Baby munch, a bear, and a crate

One of my most favorite (little) people in the whole, wide world came visiting last week. In addition to being one of the coolest dudes in Lynchburg, he just so happens to be my one and only awesome baby munch nephew, Ian Thomas. He of course brought his mom along (he knew she would miss him) as well as his Nana -- my own momma -- because he knew she would miss him, too. =)

Just moments after his arrival, Ian had already discovered his most favorite place to play at his Auntie Rach and Uncle Chris's home: Little Bear's bed (A.K.A. crate). After dragging it out of our bedroom and into the hallway, the munch proceeded to spend each day crawling in and out, in and out, and in and out of the crate. Little Bear was his faithful companion for the duration of his visit, and frequently joined Ian on his crate adventures.

How I love this little face! :)

When Nana talks, everybody listens. ;-)

Ian modeling the multi-generational "little red jacket." My mother purchased this jacket for my oldest brother -- Ian's father -- when he was a baby. Since then, my mom has been passing the jacket down for all of the siblings, cousins, and now grand kids, to sport. This was Ian's first time wearing it, so we had to snag a few shots for the photo album. Seriously, could he be any cuter? I propose not.

Love, love, love the expression on his face here. What a little kid. :) The munch is growing up!

Love my nephew to pieces. Love being his Auntie "Ray Ray."

Sister love. Baby/bear love. :)

 Momma love.

Lots of love. So blessed to have such a wonderful, close family. Priceless.

The Awkward Family Photo

If you've never visited Awkward Family Photos  before, you are in for a real treat. I think you could literally spend hours clicking through one awkward moment after another captured forever on film, sucked in by the hilarity of it all. Take this one for example:

I never thought an image of myself would join the ranks of such a photo. That is, until my sister-in-law recently pointed out a certain photo of my family, taken several years ago on Mother's Day. I admit, I died laughing. It's perfect really, and I couldn't resist sharing it with you.

 This photo was taken seven years ago. The backdrop was at the suggestion of my brother, Joel, who thought it would be funny to stage our Mother's Day family photo in the shower. He was right. Seven years later, it's downright hilarious. Just another reason I love my family. We're "special." :) Oh, also loving my mother's "flower." I guess we couldn't spring for the real thing back then, so a balloon had to do. It's much more versatile, anyway. ;-)

Here's hoping your family is just as special as mine. Start digging through an old photo album, you might just be surprised by what you find. :)

Lynchburg Calling

This past weekend we had the joy of welcoming my mother, two of my dear aunties, and my cousin (all from Lynchburg) for a New Year's visit in our home. While my mother has been up to see us many times while we've lived in Norfolk, it had been a while for my aunts. The last time they visited, our home was quite bare, with sparse furnishings and no decore in place:

It was so nice to be able to hostess with a little more comfort and style this go-around:

Our time together was extremely relaxed, although mom and I found time to sneak in some bread baking -- just like we always used to do when I was growing up. I learned from the best! :)

(I'll include this bread recipe in an upcoming post)

*The girls*

My mom, Aunt Linda, Aunt Mimi, and Cousin Leah

Testing out my self-timer so Chris could hop into the photo, too. (Look who managed to sneak into the photo -- lower left.)

We put the "R" and "S" in our company, RS Exclusive, LLC. Best mom (and business partner) ever.

This goes without saying, but our home is always open to our dear family and friends, whether near or far. It gives us such joy to welcome our loved ones into our home, and we would love a visit anytime. :) We've had so much fun creating our cozy nest together, and nothing gives us more pleasure than to share it with the ones we love most.