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!

Fourth Of July

So folks, I had the chance to go to Virginia to visit my oldest brother for the weekend.  It was such a great trip!

Quick Recap:

• Hot Dog Stand.  Yep.  Chicago Dogs in VA.  So good.
• Pool time.  My left foot is burnt.  That is it?!
• BBQ.  Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon.  Yes. 
• I made two recipes: fruit pizzas and texas caviar. 
• Hung out with my Matron of Honor.  We went to Casanel and to the Cajun Experience
• Watched Identity Thief.  Omg.  Funny.
• Listened to a few random comedians: Kathleen Madigan, Bob Marley, and Gabriel Iglesias

Pizza Puffs! 

Pool Side.  Chirish.

Texas Caviar

Patriotic Fruit Pizzas.  Yummm. 

Wine Tasting!

Weekend Travels

Well folks.  I went and travelled a LOT this weekend.  It will probably take a few posts, as I saw a lot of people, ate a great amount of food, and celebrated big events!

First off, I went to Leesburg, VA to visit family.  I had the best time!  We went to a place called Clyde's Farm for lunch.   It was amazing!  I don't remember the last time I had some amazing comfort food like the meal I had.  I had a pumpkin dip for a starter.  It was in a little pumpkin, with ginger snaps, apple slices, and walnuts.  Best idea ever!  I also had a fried green tomato sandwich for lunch.  Yum!  We walked around a Civil War battlefield, and grilled steaks that day as well.  I was literally only there for 24 hours, so it was a whirlwind visit.  But worth every minute to see my "mini mes", as we call my niece and nephew. 

Pumpkin Dip.  Such a cute idea!

Creepy Halloween Décor!

Gorgeous Flowers in the guest room.  I may or may not be in love with buying these vases at www.personalcreations.com!

Civil War Battlefield

Perspective.

Gorgeous Leaves!



I heart Fall!

 

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A week in good ol Virginia

After a horrible bout of food poisoning, I finally began my drive down to VA.  I got there in 12 hours from Newport to Virginia Beach.

I was able to see some amazing friends.  Liz, Brad, Bogie, Sarah, and I just relaxed with the folks in my class.  I am lucky to have such good friends all over the country.  Living in VA, I forged some great relationships.

We went to Harpoon Larrys, Greenies (a few times), Taste Unlimited, Press, Hells Kitchen..

My old haunts as I like to call them.  Something about a day/night at Greenies that just makes it feel like home.  Beer, beach, live music.  No judgement, just cocktails.

Gibbs would be jealous.  A boat on a porch!

Me n Liz

Typical night at Hells.  Met some NHL coaches too.  No biggie;)

USS Wisconsin BB-64

Virginia is for...

Lovers so they say.  Back in the good old commonwealth.  Glad to be here after a rough couple of days!  I got food poisoning the day of my graduation.  Walked the stage white as a ghost, and disappeared for a while so I could recover.  Drove to Virginia from Rhode Island in the middle of the night so I wouldn't get stuck in traffic.  Crazy right?  I made it in less than 12 hours, stopping a lot because of the food poisoning.  I prayed it was a hangover.  No such luck.  I finally feel better this morning, 3 days later.  I can't wait to get my hands on some good seafood, and see some friends. 

I am staying with some dear friends, so this way I am definitely making the most of my stay.  This is going to be a great visit.  School, friends, beaches, some drinks, and some of my favorite haunts. 

Goodbye Virginia...helllooo Rhode Island!

I will be moving once again this weekend, from Virginia to Rhode Island.  I am excited because I am going to see my guy, getting my dog back, and starting part 2 of my 3 part adventure.  I will be so happy when my class is finished tomorrow. 

I can't wait to cook again, have a place to call my own, and be out of the barracks.  Just having a kitchen, a yard, again..wow! 

Plus, I can't wait for all the adventures that I have waiting for me in New England!

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