A blog about life, adventure, and good food.
After being away for a few weeks, I was really excited to see my baby boy Quattro! I gave him lots of hugs and kisses and then, of course, dressed him up in my Minnie Mouse ears from Disney World. They did not last very long, but I was able to get a quick photo! I mean, how cute is he?
Nick, Quattro, and I have taken several hikes to Plotterkill Falls over the past few years. We thought it would be fun to have Quattro’s friend join us this time…and his owners too of course. The two had a great afternoon running through the stream and swimming around. Anyone who wants an shorter hike with their canine friends should give Plotterkill a try!
Another Baby M post…she really is taking over this blog. Anyways, Hannah had mentioned she wanted to have some newborn photos taken of the little angel. I volunteered for the job! I would not classify myself as a professional by any means, but any excuse to see her and snap memories, I am in! Hannah picked out a few cute little outfits and props. We were able to get a few photos outside while the sun was still shining and then a few inside. Baby M pretty much napped the whole time, which allowed us to make her extra squishy. Here are two of my favorites. I loved focusing on her tiny little features and her adorable lace pants!
The past few months had been a bit hectic. Trying to find a “Photo of the Week” was a bit difficult. However, looking back it was probably a good thing given the running around I had been doing between weddings, a new job, and vacations. I was able to sneak away up to my parents camp in the Adirondacks. A relaxing day by the beach was just what the doctor ordered. Not to mention I was able to savor some QT with my dear twin who was moving to Philadelphia the next week.
The week of July 20th was a very special week in the life of one of my best friends. Hannah was expecting any day now! You have been following the sequence of events leading up to this point. Starting with my first “Gender Reveal Party” where we learned Hannah and Craig were to have a Baby Girl! Then there was the beautiful shower thrown by family, where I made the sunflower cake. Now the day had finally come, and Hannah gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl.
Welcome to the World Marylyn…and to a wonderful, caring family! xoxo
As I have previously mentioned, our vacation this year was centered around Nick’s cousin’s wedding. The ceremony was held in Estes Park, which is a part of Rocky Mountain National Park. The name alone just paints a beautiful picture in your heard. It was a gorgeous ceremony with an amazing mountainous backdrop. Jessica and Tony’s theme was elegant, yet rustic so this venue was the perfect location for their big day.
The reception was just a few steps away in a 1920’s log cabin turned Steak House. The food was delicious! The interior was a perfect setting, needing very little decor to keep up with the theme. Everyone had a great time, especially since the DJ was none other than their Uncle Tom!
Nick and I decided to schedule our summer vacation around a family wedding. His cousin who lives in Colorado was to be married in July. We took this opportunity to explore as much of the state as we could fit in. The last time we were out there, there were huge wild fires that prevented us from seeing some of the sites. They were not to be missed this time! So we settled on a pretty decent itinerary, with just enough planned and just enough free time to have a great vacation.
Our first day was spent in the State Capital, Denver. We made our way to the Art Museum for a few hours before closing. From there we headed to the 16th Street Mall; a pedestrian outdoor “mall” loaded with shops and restaurants. Not to mention awesome people watching. We had a great first day with perfect weather, sights, and a lot of walking!
The 4th of July is a day for barbeques with family and friends. It’s the second holiday of the summer season. Many people take advantage of the three day weekend and venture off to the lake or ocean or wherever their heart pulls. This year, I did not participate in a family barbecue. We did not take a weekend getaway. I actually spent most of the weekend studying for a Sunday morning exam that was required for my new position.
We did however, take part in one of my favorite traditions of America’s birthday…fireworks! Plans were not officially made until that evening. Nick and I decided that we actually had enough time to make it down to the Capital for the big fireworks show. We made our way right into the main event. Though it was crowded, the weather held out.; no rain and limited humidity. Even though we didn’t take the nice DSLRs with us, we took a few photos on our phones. Hope you all had a nice 4th as well (she says, 3 weeks later)!
My darling friend Hannah is expecting her first child in about a month. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little lady. So when Hannah and her sister asked me to make the cake for her baby shower, I immediately said yes. This is a very special time in one of my best friend’s life and I was more than happy to be a part of it.
Even though she is having a little girl, Hannah wanted to steer away from the traditional pink. She has decided to decorate the nursery with sunflowers, so the shower was appropriately centered around this theme. We went back and forth with ideas for the cake but settled on what I think turned out really cute. The cake itself was lemon with fresh blueberries and a buttercream frosting. It was quite delicious if I do say so myself.
It has been a whirlwind of a year for us three ladies shown below, Theresa especially. She was married, got a new job, and moved all within about two months time. I also started a new job and Sarah was bouncing around her numerous friends weddings and life events. It is pretty crazy to think that that three of us met a little over three years ago and have formed a lifelong friendship. I’m thankful to have these two in my life. We have shared lots of laughs and adventures over the years, with many more to come.
The picture below was taken on Theresa’s drive through town. She was heading from her parents in western NY to her new home in Boston. Luckily, Sarah and I are just about half way so she made a pitstop to enjoy lunch. To top it off, it was Sarah’s birthday!
