Labor Day Weekend Recap

Well folks, I am finally back from my last trip of the year.  That is right.  Being 5.5 months pregnant, I won't take the risk to fly anymore, even though there are many events I want to go to.  It just isn't worth it.

I went out East, and spent time with friends and family.  My first stop was visiting one of my bffs and her husband and son.  My first time meeting the little dude.  He is a dead ringer for his dad, and just too cute.  We all went out on a grown up night, and got to catch up and she def talked to me about a lot of baby stuff.  So grateful, as I feel clueless and unprepared most days. We ate dinner at Bazins, which was excellent.  Then we found a tiny boutique that was moving, and I bought a bunch of stuff for the tiny human.  Made out like a bandit.  50% off everything. Woohoo!  We also went to Sweet City Desserts for a treat to go.  Such a wonderful day.  I left their house and went 30 mins west to my oldest brother's house.

Friday we went to Ford's Fish Shack for lunch.  So good.  I was in heaven.  We then went to Ritas for some ice, and then back home so we could get ready for some Friday Night Lights.  High School Football!  My niece, aka, mini-me's school was beating some serious butt until lightening made us evacuate the field.  Bummer.  We left after they called the game for weather.

Saturday I went to Alexandria to have brunch with my ILLINI ladies. I love and miss my college friends so much.  And it never ceases to amaze me that even 15 years after we have all met, we are close, and will drop anything/everything to help each other out.  We had brunch at Warehouse, which was incredible.  I will def come back whenever I am in VA.  It was that good.  We grabbed some cupcakes at Lavender Moon Cupcakery.  Highly recommend it.  I have had many a cupcake in my day, but this place was just wonderful.  After brunch I relaxed as the baby was wearing me out all day, and then had dinner and played Apples to Apples with the crazy family!

Post Cupcakes! And over 50 years of military experience.  Awesome ladies!

Sunday I drove to Annapolis for my friend's wedding.  What a whirlwind.  Brunch with my Navy gals, wedding ceremony, and reception.  Thank goodness I wore flats:)  I just can't get over how beautiful of a day it was.  I am so happy for my friend, and just find it amusing that our whole group found our "loves" so much later than most people.  Our husbands were worth the wait!

Alie, Me, Katie

Can't even describe how beautiful this is!!!

Love these ladies!

Me and Katie.  I met her 15 years ago, and we always pick up right where we left off!!

I flew back to Chicago Monday, and am glad to be home with the pups and my guy.  Now I just have to get my butt in gear and prep two more rooms in the house before baby comes!

Trip to Annapolis...day 2!

After day 1's festivities, we were exhausted.  From travelling, walking, hanging out..so we just hung out in our room at our hotel until the wedding.  Latham and Adam had their ceremony in the chapel at the United States Naval Academy, and the reception at the Marriott.  It was such a fairytale wedding, and I was so happy to be there for their day! 

It was a bit of a reunion for our six degrees of separation Navy crew, and we had a blast!

Mike and I. 

Love this dress and necklace...stay tuned for the story behind the outfit!

Traditional Sword Arch

Gorgeous!

Mike and I on the patio at the Marriott

How did we get so many powerful women in one room?!? 4 Navy Lawyers, 1 SWO, 1 USO director, and 1 Pilates Studio owner!

Goof!

Trip to Annapolis....day 1

So after my quick trip to VA to visit family, I picked up my boyfriend at the airport, so we could spend the weekend in Annapolis, Maryland.  He had never been there before, and I have been about a dozen times for various occasions.  Football games, parties..you name it. 

When we arrived, we went on a tour of the Academy with a friend of ours, Adam..as we were in town for his wedding!  Mike loved the tour!  After the tour we ate lunch at Armadillos.  Yum!  I may or may not have assisted the economy with a serious shopping spree at Re-Sails, Lou Lou, Black Dog, and the Pink Crab.  

After my shopping binge, we had "date night" at O'Briens.  I love their food.  We had oysters Rockefeller, some crab cakes, and white wine.  We then met up with friends at the Federal House, for pre-wedding festivities.  After that, some more cocktails before bed...

Meeting up with my Navy gals was the highlight of the day.  I miss my girls! 

Annapolis, Maryland

I love visiting Annapolis.  Ever since my oldest brother took me there to visit when I was 16, I have always wanted to go back.  I have been here about 6 times, visiting friends, going to football games, creating new memories. I have visited a few times over the past 3 years, and each time is always a blast. Now, since I am living on the East Coast,  I have been here twice in two months!

McGarveys. great mussels!  Went here for a going away party. 
Federal House Had my friend, Nick's, surprise birthday party here last year.  Great times, and better music!
O'Briens  food, beer, and great times!
Acme Reminds me of a Champaign bar.  Good beer and good music!
Pussers This also reminds me of a college bar.  Open dance floor, flowing beer.  Great place to end the night with a great dance party!

Downtown Annapolis

O'Briens



Yum.



Stadium

Summer 2011

Mussels.

Me @McGarveys

What I am looking forward to this Fall!

I am looking forward to a lot this Fall.  My life has changed a lot over the past year, and the rest of the year will change even more.  If I know one thing, it will change for the better!

Navy Versus Air Force.  I love me some football! 

2010

BlackHawks versus Capitals.  Who doesn't love Patrick Kane?!?

Moving!  I am moving to Newport, RI in a few weeks.  Part 2 of 3 moves in one year.  Crazy!

via

Getting Bella back.  I miss my little pup. 

Meeting my new neice.  Welcome to the world Michelle!

Going home for Thanksgiving.  I miss Chicago.  A lot. 

Cloud Gate..aka..The Bean!

The next couple of months are going to be amazing!!

Annapolis!

I went to Annapolis, Maryland this past weekend to surprise my friend Nick for his 30th Birthday.  His fiance, Colleen, planned an entire weekend of fun..and truly did surprise Nick!

Good to see old friends, and meet some new people.  Can't wait for Colleen and Nick's wedding next year!



The Capitol Building
Annapolis



First taste of steamed mussels.  Yum!

Oysters Rockefeller from O'Briens









Me, Nick, Brad at the Federal House




Jen, Me, Col at the Federal House



Friday night the surprise party was at the Federal House.  I went to O'Briens before to get some seafood and some of my favorite beer.  The next day we tailgated, saw some of the game (Navy won!), and went to two bars.  We hit up Rams Head and Pussers.  Good times.  The next day we had brunch at Reginas before I                                                     had to catch my flight home.