Meet George Walter

He wasn't a George after all... Walter is his new official name. Look at this face! Still dying to snuggle with this little guy!

Meet George

Look at this cuteness! My parents got a 10 week old labradoodle yesterday. To keep the Seinfeld pet name theme going, they named him George. So now they have Kramer and George. Hopefully they will be friends! I am dying to meet this little guy!

brian turns 28!

Today was Brian's birthday. He used it to his advantage, getting me to do things with him that I would not normally do... Like play zombie video games "because it's his birthday." It was actually really fun and a very laid back day. Just what we needed after travelling last weekend. 

He requested cranberry orange scones. This is my favorite scone recipe!

I brought out the "happy birthday" banner! You know, to keep things somewhat festive. :) 

After a lazy, very relaxing day, we headed out to dinner and a movie. Now it's time for Texas sheet cake! Happy birthday, Brian! I love you!

a long weekend in IL

This past weekend Brian and I headed up to IL for his best friend Mike and Jada's wedding! We decided to make a long weekend of it, and it was such a fun trip. I feel completely rejuvenated after being away! 

While Brian did wedding stuff with Mike, I got to hang out with my dear friend Nina who lives in Bloomington now! We had a lovely lunch in downtown Normal and then headed to downtown Bloomington for the best pumpkin spice latte I've ever had. I'm still dreaming about it! It was so much fun to catch up on life and spend some time together.. Love this picture of Nina representing her town. So cute! :) 

On Saturday evening, I drove to Flannagan, IL and met up with Brian for the rehearsal dinner. It was the most beautiful drive. I haven't ever really been in this part of the country!

Here they are! The Feys! It was such a sweet wedding. The perfect day to get married.. crisp fall weather, colorful leaves.. doesn't get much better. We are so glad we could be a part of it! 

On Sunday morning we headed up to Chicago for day. We were able to stay on Michigan Avenue right in the middle of the city! We went on a food tour which was the perfect way to taste our way through the city. We walked through Millennium Park, saw "The Bean", walked through Grant Park, sat at Lake Michigan, down Michigan Avenue, and ate dinner at the Purple Pig. So fun! 

At sunset we headed up to the 96th floor of the Hancock building. This was such a gorgeous view. We scoped out a seat at the window and enjoyed cocktails overlooking the city. A definite must if you're in Chicago! 

HL Girls' Weekend!

I have this picture framed in our guest room... 

It's of all of the Hamilton Lakes girls at Thanksgiving in the Meadow in 2001! It is crazy to think that this was taken ten years ago. Even crazier to think we've been friends for 20-ish years.

Here we are this past weekend at our fall girls trip visiting Michelle in the quaint town of Sparta! 

It was the most relaxing weekend I've had away from home in a long time! Michelle was such a wonderful hostess.. She made her home so warm and inviting with fall decorations and delicious homemade food. We all experienced our first corn maze (seven acres of corn!), took a hay ride in the spirit of fall, and almost adopted 12 week lab puppies. Ginna, we will get Margie and Chauncey one day. Lots of talking, lots of laughter, and wonderful quality time with old, dear friends!  

DIY pin cushions!

Aren't they adorable? I recently saw my friend Alinna's blog post where she had made for a friend.. I, being new to sewing didn't even have a pin cushion of my own! So I made one.. and then another.. and I couldn't stop.. It was kind of like the yarn wreathes the weekend before! Addicting!

The following weekend we had a girls' weekend planned, so I decided to make one for everyone! I stitched their initials to add a more personal touch. :)

You should totally make one of your own! Here's the link for instructions.