It was so wonderful to have my friends Lindsey and Dan come for a visit last weekend with their sweet baby Adeline and their dog Nya. Lindsey and I have known each other since middle school, but have become much closer over the years, especially since she lives in Charlotte, NC and it’s not far for visits a few times a year.

The bf and I were busy all week re-doing the guest bathroom, so we were more than happy for a weekend of fun! When they arrived on Friday evening, the dogs went crazy! Stella and Nya are BFFs, and Chelsea was more than happy to get in on the play.

We went to dinner at a new brewpub in Alpharetta called Hop Alley. The food was not great – pretty greasy all around – but the beer was really, really good (Even Adeline agrees!)

On Saturday morning, we headed down to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens after breakfast. Lindsey knows just about everything about plants, gardening, care, growing, etc. so I was excited for her to see this beautiful place, and the current exhibit of “Imaginary Worlds” – huge, mosaic plant sculptures. 

“Katherine Minerva” was also with us at the gardens. (Backstory: It’s a mask we found at an abandoned house in Lindsey’s old neighborhood a couple of years ago. We thought it was awesome and creepy, so we take it around with us and get funny, weird pictures). The mask made for some excellent photos, and some confused/horrified looks from passers-by! 😉

We hid from the rain (yes, it rained again – shocking!) in the greenhouses, and enjoyed the dessert and rainforest houses, as well as the orchids. Stunning! 

Once the rain subsided, we headed back to the car and over to West Midtown for lunch at Taqueria Del Sol. We all got a variety of yummy tacos, shared some salsas and queso, and generally had a very nice lunch. Adeline was sweet as pie and sat on Sean’s lap the entire time, perfectly content. 

We made it to the pool for about an hour and a half before scrambling out to avoid an approaching thundercloud. That was still plenty of time for some happy splashes and kicks from the baby, and an appearance by “Katherine Minerva.”

Sean and I made pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and our friend (and chef) Jeffrey’s “Charred Corn and Pickled Blueberry Salad” complete with chives, jalapeños and mint from my garden. We also picked up some fresh ciabatta at the Roswell Farmers Market, and I made a lemon blueberry yogurt cake for dessert. It was quite a feast.

After dinner, we played “Cards Against Humanity” and used the rule that lets you have an “imaginary” player at the table – so of course, Katherine Minerva ended up with a seat. She beat Lindsey, with 6 black cards to her 5 – how’s that for creep-tastic!?!?

On Sunday, I made a frittata with red pepper, onion and fresh basil for breakfast – yum. We played with Adeline and the pups for awhile before heading downtown. I took Lindsey and Dan to my office on the 40th floor of the 191 Peachtree Tower so they could see the gorgeous views and the very hip Studiocom office. Addie loved posing in the modern furniture!

We then headed over to Little Five Points for more sightseeing. We stopped at Arden’s Garden for a fresh juice, hit up a few thrift shops, and brought “Katherine Minerva” out for a little fun in the wig shop. Lindsey and I also got matching copper bracelets from a street vendor – such a great momento!

Lindsey, Dan, Addie and Nya headed out after lunch. I was sad to see them go, but I know Addie’s first birthday bash will be here soon and the good times will ensue. It’s always so wonderful to spend time with the people (and pups and babies) you love!