Diana: A celebration exhibit

For those who adored Princess Diana, you might really enjoy the "Diana: A celebration" exhibit at the Atlanta Civic Center. Diana's brother, Charles Spencer (along with the Spencer family) decided to put an exhibition together and travel the globe as Diana loved doing.

I've been dying to go but something always seems to come up. Finally, the chance came and my Mom, Lexie and I jumped at the opportunity. The exhibit displays everything from Diana's family jewels, to her childhood mementos, family photo albums, correspondence, famous wedding gown, and to a lot of the beautiful couture evening gowns designed by famous fashion icons.

Though it was great to see all of these things that Diana actually wore, it felt a little morbid in a way and really sad. There was Charles's had drafted speech announcing to the public about his sister's death, the 4 page speech he read at Westminster Abby during the funeral along with the musical score of Candle in the wind sung by Elton John.

All in all, I suggest going to see it. It was a little bit of history I may never get to see in person again. The exhibit is in Atlanta until June 13.

Diana, Princess of Whales

The Spencer Family crown -1840

My Mom and I were drooling over this necklace. The 2 big diamonds can also detach and can be worn as earrings!!! 46 diamonds set in silver and gold.
Isn't this broach gorgeous?

Coronet for the Countess Spencer. Probably made to wear at the coronation of Edward VII

The Spencer tiara Diana wore during her wedding ceremony.

Believed to have been made between 1770's to the early 1800's.

Never really a big fan of this dress but it was neat to see it in person. It wasn't as 'poofy' as I thought it would be?

Over 1 billion people watched the royal wedding in 1981

You can't go wrong with a classic Chanel suit. Ahhh - what I'd do to have Karl Langerfield design me a couture Chanel suit!

This was always one of my favorite dresses. I can't get over how different the color is in person. I guess all those camera flashes really change the color.

This dress was worn the day of Diana's last public appearence

Charles Spencer's hand drafted letter to the press announcing the death of a princess

We had to get a picture with the princess. . .

It's official. . . . .

Our house is on the market as of yesterday. We bought another house about 3 miles from this one. It's a great house but we are refinishing/restaining the entire first floor hardwoods, master and catwalk upstairs. Then we are painting the whole house, and replacing the carpet in the guest rooms. Hopefully we will be moving in by the first of May. . . .

Our current home is for sell - sad and happy all in one. So many wonderful memories in this home. I hope that someone/or family can find happiness in this home as we did.

Our New Home!

Back - It needs some help in the landscaping department but my Mom and I already have an idea of what needs to be done. . . . This picture isn't the greatest but the backyard was the selling point. It's nice and flat!

First Birthday Party

*Again, late post*
We got to celebrate Lexie's 1st birthday party in Opelika.
Dave and I are in the midst of moving so we didn't really have a place to host Lexie's party (and she has to have a party. . . .). :-) My parents were gracious enough to host the party at their house Saturday, April 10.
Lexie and I drove down to Bama on Wednesday to help my Mom set up. Dave and his parents drove down on Thursday.
Friday we went out to my parents farm. The guys fished at the little pond while us ladies drove around on the golf cart.
Saturday, the party came and went. Boy did we all have a great time! I got to see so many of my childhood friends and their families. I didn't get to talk to all my girlfriends nor take pictures with them as much as I had liked. But it sure was so wonderful to see everyone. We even had a 3 week old join us. Precious, little Duncan Martin! I'm glad he was able to grace us with his presence along with his 2 sweet older brothers, Ford and Luke. Lexie got to meet a lot of other adorable kids like Tripp, Georgia, Walker, Kyndall, Jonah, Mary Evans, and Whit. Thanks for coming sweet babies! Lexie may not remember it but she enjoyed having you all!
Lexie started to get a little fussy during the party. I tried to put her down for a quick nap but she wasn't digging that idea. I hated to be a bad Mom and make her miss her own party. So I skipped the nap and decided to do the cake smash. She had a fantastic time with that! We all sang happy birthday (which I thought she might get real upset because EVERYONE was singing to her but she thoroughly enjoyed it) and then presented her own smash cake! It was so cute and she even offered me some of her cake. After all the excitement, she went on to take her 3 hour nap.
The rest of the weekend consisted of spending time with our wonderful family and watching the Masters. It could not have been a more perfect weekend!

Eating scrambled eggs at Stewart Farms

Grandma and Su Su letting Lexie drive the golf cart

Watching the dogs outside

Lexie's fantastic cake!
Laurel, me, and Say - 2 of my dearest friends (and oldest)!

Sweet Nicki

KareBear!

Sweet Baby Duncan!

I'm not sure about this. . . .

Yay! It's my birthday!

Can't walk and eat a pretzel at the same time

I love my Su Su

Family photo before the 'mess'

Trying to give me some cake

This is fun!

I'm making sure I get every last piece smashed!

The Mader girls - Lexie and Amelia are only 3 months apart. I see a lot of fun in the future. . .

The Mader Clan

Su Su and Papa John - Lexie is eying Dad's sunglasses

Lexie's 1st Birthday (4.6.10)

*Late Post* My how time flies! Our baby girl turned ONE on Tuesday, April 6. Dave was actually in Chicago until Tuesday morning. So I woke up Tuesday morning and made Lexie her favorite breakfast, scrambled eggs.
Dave got back from Chicago and took his ladies out to our favorite restaurant, Marlows. After a fun family day, we gave Lexie a cupcake for her actual birthday celebration.

Loves Bathtime!

Happy 'Early' Birthday Sweet Pea

I keep saying this, but I can't believe my baby girl will be a year old tomorrow. This past year has brought me such joy and happiness. I was given the best and most precious baby girl I could have ever imagined! Dave and I are blessed to have Lexie as our little munchkin! :-)

Below are pictures of Lexie's first 24 hours of life in this world!

Before. . . . .(family of two)
8 lb 13 oz later. . . . .voila!
Family of three!

Papa John and Su Su holding their first grandchild for the first time! Daddy's girl

My angel

Time to go home!