from a Newport wedding to a birthday barbeque

Last weekend was Rachel and Adam's Newport wedding. The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner were in Middletown and Newport, Rhode Island. After hair and makeup in New Bedford, it was back to the Hyatt to relax before getting ready and taking the trolley to the church. We had gorgeous weather and a fabulous time. I am always eager to see a couple's planning and vision come to life. The trolley ride and late-night snacks at the reception were perfect!

hair and makeup: complete!

the bride and groom after the ceremony

xoxo

We couldn't say goodbye Newport quite yet, so Sunday morning we walked the cobblestone streets for some shopping and Cupcake Charlie's. Mmmm....





Justin's birthday was Monday and we enjoyed his meal-of-choice--Papa's apricot chicken, scalloped potatoes, and corn. Cheesecake Factory cheesecake was a dessert surprise!

Leah came over Thursday night for a bbq and some DVR. Quality time with a sister is always nice.

Friday night Becca and I ventured to Derby Street Shoppes for dinner al fresca at Rustic Kitchen, some gf time, and pinkberry. Yum.



Saturday was Justin's birthday barbeque, and we had a houseful! (We also have an insane amount of food left over. Guess who will be cooking out every night this week! :) ) It's always nice to entertain and fill the house (and backyard) with so many friends and our families.

Today we hiked Blue Hills and enjoyed one heck of a workout! It was a lot of fun, and I'm excited for our next hiking adventure! After lunch at Panera and a well-deserved treat at pinkberry, we enjoyed a movie in the den to wind down another busy, fun-filled weekend.

I have a "vacation" from camp this week and will be taking a computer class at the middle school. I'm looking forward to seeing a few of the teachers and taking a break from foam, glue, and glitter for a few days.

By Thursday night I will have completed 5 graduate courses in 5 months. Phew!

TGLW

Thank Goodness for Long Weekends

There truly are not enough hours in the day to complete my ongoing, never-ending to do list. In a concerted effort to complete more tasks on my to do list, I have been staying up later and later--and I sure have been feeling it. The house gets awfully warm too, so we are looking forward to the days after our air conditioners are installed. I have recently discovered a Dunkin Donuts I conveniently pass on my way to work, and not only are they friendly, they have never served me a coffee I have been dissatisfied with! Some days, it's the small things that count the most...

On Thursday my class Skyped with their pen pals and while some were a bit nervous once they were "screen to screen" with their pen pal, I think it was a valuable and memorable experience for all of them. That night was my last writing class, and while it was time-consuming (class meetings, creating lesson plans, writing reflections, and creating a portfolio) it may have been one of the most beneficial classes I have ever taken.

That night after picking up a few more teacups for RO's shower, a flat tire changed our evening plans. Instead of a quiet night in of teacup cupcake experimenting, Justin met me while the punctual, friendly AAA serviceman switched the tires. We ended a long day at Texas Roadhouse with an iced cold beer and frozen strawberry margarita.

Friday night Mom, Dad, Sarah, Leah, Matt, Justin, and I dined at the Stockyard restaurant in Brighton for Leah's see-you-soon dinner. The food and the company were fabulous. I look forward to our next family meal--be it north or south of the Mason Dixon line. :)

Late Friday night and early Saturday morning was spent prepping for RO's surprise shower at All Things Tea in Plymouth. I created teacup cupcakes for a dessert favor.






Last night, Justin and I triple dated with RO, her fiance Adam and another couple in the North End. We drank and dined at La Famiglia Giorgio's on Salem Street.


In appropriate fashion, our evening ended with sweets from Modern Pastry.


Leah left this morning for Teach for America induction in Memphis. While I will miss her terribly, I hope Skype, phone calls, pen paling and blogging will help us remain in the best of touch. xoxo

After a viewing of Mean Girls, so kindly downloaded from my tech savvy husband, I will write a case study and analysis on bullying and enjoy another day off tomorrow!


TGLW

Waiting...

I find myself looking forward to the weekends more and more and waiting for some exciting events in our near future.

I am excited for tomorrow night's baking creations.

I am waiting for a closing date.

I am waiting for moving day.

I am waiting for a $200 check as credit for being over-charged for dental work a year ago.

I am looking forward to reunions next month with old friends.

I am waiting for the day I get to furnish our new home.

I am excited for a twenty-mile walk with a great friend.

I am looking forward to Memorial Day weekend and a reunion with my favorite bride-to-be.

I am waiting for my new {smaller} bridesmaid dress to arrive!

I am waiting for June when both of my graduate courses will be over.

I am waiting for RO's summer wedding and a weekend in Newport.



Patiently waiting. . .