Weekend Brunch

We had a much-needed low-key weekend recently, and one of the highlights (aside from the Packers winning and my husband grinning from ear to ear for about twenty-four hours) was a simple brunch with some of our close friends. It seems like some of the most last-minute get-togethers are the best, and we had a wonderful time just talking, eating, and laughing. 

Because it wouldn't be a brunch without a food photo! 

Nick & Sam's dog Tucker. My sweet boy!

Mary and Kyle were able to make the trip - woohoo!

The fabulous and funny Wes & Theresa

Nick & Sam's daughter Ella, trying to determine if Scott has a tasty hand.
Please note the almost DEAD ON Jim Halpert face Scott has.

Eh, not so tasty.

"GIVE ME SOME OF YOUR FRUIT LADY!"

Ridiculously cute.

Her little outfit for a wedding they were attending in the afternoon. Child model? Yes I think so.

Proud poppa.

Nick & Sam - love these two.

Is it bad that I'm already wanting to plan another brunch?

The Blizzard of 2010 ... (the 3rd)

Because the East Coast apparently didn't get enough snow during 2010, it decided to squeeze one more big storm in before 2011 rolled in. We were still in Vermont with my family when it hit (thus the intense traffic in New Jersey when we finally headed home), so we got to enjoy the snow rather than worry about going to work in it. Whew!

**Please note the "road" beyond the fence. It had been plowed twice when I took this photo.

It's dark, but yes, you read that last picture right. The morning we left, it was exactly zero degrees outside. We're still attempting to thaw out.

Christmas 2010 Highlights

Now that Scott and I are finally back home for a while, we're getting the photos unloaded from our cameras and I'm reminiscing through the memories of another great Christmas. Here are our highlights from Christmas Day this year. Hope yours was just as wonderful!

Well, this was actually Christmas Eve, but too fun of a picture
to not post. This is my mom and I, about 2 seconds before I managed to fall
off the toboggan. Classic.

Santa brought Scott and my dad pencil torches in their stockings.
Our lives will never be the same.

The world's most beautiful Christmas morning. ...but I might be a little biased.

My sister-in-law bought my brother "grow-in-water" boxers.
It took a bit longer for them to inflate than we thought.
Go ahead, let your imagination run wild. 

They will probably kill me for this, but I love it anyway. My brother and sister-in-law.
Love them.

The kids' teamed up and bought my dad (or should I say my mom)
wireless headphones so he could watch his loud (obnoxious) news shows
without anyone else hearing a sound. With the exception of his hoots and hollers.

Props to Scott's best friend for a hysterical wrapping job. And an AWESOME
Christmas present - tickets to an Anberlin concert later on this month.

This probably has a lot more meaning to members of my family, but my brother
got my Grammie a banana-keeper....for bananas on the go. Hilarious. 

This is the same man that raced us on sleds the day before.
Love my Pop-pop.

Mom and Dad got my brother a gift card for Christmas. But instead of
just putting it in a card or a gift bag, they decided to make it interesting.
By wrapping it in saran wrap, tying a string to it, and burying it
deep in a jar of peanut butter. Which was wrapped like a normal present.
Have I mentioned that I love my family??

It may not look like much, but this is a recipe that has been passed down
for several generations in my family, and has been the source of many
Christmas meal feuds over who gets the last serving. My friends...be introduced
to Spaetzle - a homemade German dumpling/noodle. And sorry, you won't
be getting the recipe from me anytime soon. Or ever. But you are welcome
to someday come share a holiday meal with me and maybe I will share with you.
But only if you bring me a good present. And some chocolate.

I love this picture of my mom. Pretty, but you can just see that mischief
lying under the surface. 

Hilarious game of Blink with some family friends. 

And we'll finish off with this. The photo that will cause me to be excommunicated
from our family. But it's worth it, because it's amazing. Remember mom - you gave birth
to me - you have to love me!

And we're back!

I know, I know. I shouldn't have abandoned you all like that. But the good news is, I have 7 days worth of vacation pictures and stories from snowy, beautiful Vermont for you!

Since we were stuck in traffic in New Jersey for what felt like 12 years (along with every other citizen on the east coast...which is another rant entirely...) I haven't had much time to write, but I do have lots of pictures.

Here are some of sledding at my grandparents' house (pre-blizzard snow). Enjoy! :)

My brother (right) and our friend Sandy (left) racing down the driveway.

Me and my daddy racing (hopefully you can tell us apart!). Please note
that I am about to be run down by a crazy black lab. We love that animal though. ;)

My brother and his wifey. Also please note the black ears in the
bottom left corner. We've started referring to Addie (their dog) as
"The Blur" - she moved faster than the sleds and would try to jump on
you as you were moving downhill. She is a BIG fan of sledding. Crazy dog.

My 85 year old grandfather...racing a sled. Have I mentioned I love him?

My brother Andy and....who is that with him??

Not only does she like to chase sleds, she likes to ride on them too!

Off they sail into the sunset.

Andy's war face. His arm is reaching out to "gently" nudge
away his competitor.

Again, my 85 year old grandfather, leading the troops. Hilarious. 

The sun setting on a gorgeous day of sledding. Vermont is beautiful this time of year, haven't you heard?

Don't worry. There are plenty more photos to come!