Hunt Cup!!

Today was the annual Hunt Cup! It was my first time at the event, but Amy and Allen (and their amazing families) are Hunt Cup gurus! We had the best time!! We set up a tent with food and drinks, watched the horses run a really cool steeple race, and we laughed all day. Amazing group of people and a fabulous day! Can't wait to do it again next year!! Mikey, you will have to get off work to come with us next time!! We missed you!!!

Leah's birthday dinner!

This week, Leah had a birthday and all the girls got together to celebrate!! We went to Canton's Dockside for crabs and drinks! It was such a nice night...fun with amazing girls...lots of laughing....great times had by all!! Happy birthday Leah (and Katie, who had a birthday the following day!!). Love you girls!!!

A day with Grady!!!

So, three of our favorite people...Rian, Lisa, and Mr. Grady (and new baby D to come), are moving to MD!!! This is very exciting, not only because we adore them, but because my friendship with Rian is coming full-circle....our families grew up in the towns next to one another and we spent holidays, football games, etc., growing up with them. Now, as we all start our families, they are moving right near us....so the family gatherings can continue!!! This is truly a gift. Today, as mom and dad went house hunting, Aunt Jax got some QT with Grady!! We had the best day....he is such a sweet little man...and soooooo well behaved and independent!! Then, as a thank you, Rian and Lisa took me and Mike out to eat. The five of us had a blast, as always!! Thanks again, guys...or should I say "neighbors!!!" YEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxo

Time with Julie and Joe is always fun!!

This week, the Finkbones got an awesome visit from Julie and Joe! We had such a nice time, which was a much needed distraction these days;) We went to Mike's show last night in Annapolis and watched him jam out with a Grateful Dead cover band. Fun!! I always laugh a LOT when Julie is around, so please, come any time!! Thanks for the visit and we miss you both already!!!

Jersey time!

My dad (Charlie) is so strong. This week, I was in Jersey a bunch visiting my family and seeing some amazing friends. I am so grateful for the people I have in my life.

Dad had his first week of Chemo and radiation and is staying so strong and positive. He inspires me more than I could ever explain. When I wasn't with my mom and dad, I was being loved by some of the amazing people in my life. Drinks with Sherri, Robin, and my mom (amazing!)...dinner with Heather (long overdue and SO wonderful), a visit from Matty (we laughed the whole time)...lunch and an afternoon hang with my dad (Jeff) and Lori, who came in from FL (LOVED seeing you two!!!), a crazy egg-hunt with Sherri (hil-ar-i-ous!)...not to mention, constant love from Mikey, even though it was from afar since he was working...and...thank you for all of the texts and emails from so many of you constantly sending a ton of love and positivity our way.

We feel the love and need the prayers, so please keep em' coming.

xoxo

My amazing boss said something to me (to our TEACH group as a whole) before I headed for Jersey on Friday..."Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

I just loved that...thanks, Brenda!

Beth's Birthday Dinner!!

Mama Beth has a birthday coming up! Since I will be in Jersey and not around for the night out celebration, I had the girls over for dinner for a pre-party celebration! I must say...I LOVE my girls. Linds was sick, so we definitely missed her, but having Leah, Kat, and Beth over of course made my day! I have started to really invest in cooking and designed a tapas-style meal for my ladies....see the pictures below...Yum!! I made mini fruit pizza for dessert, too!! Can't wait to see you girls again soon!! Love you;)

Sherri came to visit!!

Again girl...we need a new photo!!

Sherri came to visit and we had such a nice time. Firstly, it was great having her here right now, for those of you who know about my amazing dad, things have been tough, but Sherri (and of course my Mikey), being here was a wonderful support. We went out on the town with some friends and had a blast. I am grateful for you being in my life, honey!!

And dad....your strength inspires me daily!!! Keep those positive thoughts...that will make all the difference;)

Easter!! These pictures say it all!!

A visit with Skye!

I am so glad I got to see you, as always!! I know you have lot of big changes going on, and you will take them all on by storm!! xoxo

A fun day with the Witz fam!!

It seems like just yesterday that little Gabe was born!! It was so nice spending the afternoon with my sweet friend Beth, getting to see her awesome hubby Dave, and of course scooping up little Gabe. Please note how adorable the picture of Gabe sleeping in the stroller with their dog, Oscar, just chillin below is!!

I was so happy to play some much needed catch up with Beth and to snuggle with the little man! Can't wait to do it again soon! xoxo

A weekend away in OC!

This weekend was so nice!! Mike and I went to the OC condo with Amy and Allen..the soon to be newlyweds! Even though it was a bit too cold for our liking, the weather didn't stop us from having a blast! Friday consisted of a trip to Seacrets where we saw one of the craziest bands ever...the Amish Outlaws! They are a group of 6 guys...4 of whom were born into the Amish faith and left home for a life of music....they were dressed in Amish garb and ROCKIN' it!!! They played awesome cover tunes and we seriously laughed for hours, enjoying their music!!! Very cool show.

The rest of the weekend was spent playing dice, cards, music together, eating a ton of beach food, walking the boardwalk, playing skeeball, having a mini-golf tournament, and a ton else over our four day stay!

We ended the weekend where it started, with a delish meal at Seacrets, enjoying a free round of drinks from the awesome manager who recognized us from our wedding last year, noting that it was one of the best, most memorable weddings she has ever had at the club. So cool, reliving our special day, and recognizing that we have almost reached our ONE year anniversary already!!! Amy and Allen get married in June and we couldn't be happier for them to start their journey as husband and wife!!

Thanks for a great weekend, guys! We loved our time with you!!!

Surfer girl!!!

So....when I went to Cali last week, I fell in love...with SURFING!! I serioulsy knew it...as soon as I jumped up on that board and rode in my first wave. It was a connection. I know that may sound weird, but this new hobby gave me the butterflies I got when I was a kid, riding my bike for the first time, or hitting my first homerun. It was super exciting and new and I LOVED it!! Now, I am hooked. I got my first board this week (a Barnfield Hawaii)...and a wetsuit, a traction board for the back of my 6'1" short board, and of course, by first block of surf wax. Sadly, the water was a bit too cold for me (and my pneumonia issues) at 51 degrees, but I am going back to OC in a few weeks and hitting the waves!! I can't wait to teach Mikey and share the joy!! I also love that at almost 32 years old, I am finding new, wonderful things that this world has to offer!!!! What a blessing:)

Meeting Mojo!!

I had such a lovely afternoon with my friend Kathie, her sister, Angel, and with her two dogs, Mojo (the newest member) and Bruster!! Thanks for spending the day with me!!