Loved Charlottesville

We just returned from a weekend in Charlottesville, VA, with my family.  We absolutely loved the town, especially with Ellie in it.  She's waving now, which is particularly spectacular.  

Finally Getting a Pooch!

Here's the little gem. More to come.

Happy Birthday, Michael!

Tomorrow Michael turns the big 2-9.  I am thrilled because now he will have to stop telling everyone that he is younger than I am.  We celebrated with dinner and some delectable cupcakes tonight.  Tomorrow we're having friends over to barbecue and celebrate.  It's supposed to be in the upper 90s here.  These are the times I wish I still lived in Boston!  In other exciting news, today was my last day of work!  Yipee!  Summer is here.  I'm thrilled.  Michael works through next Thursday and then begins his gig with the Teaching Fellows the following Monday, so he will welcome summer with a three day weekend:).  

We're oh so happy. 

We love our niece!

This weekend Michael and I went to Virginia for sweet Ellie's christening. She was such a good girl! I've uploaded a few gems from the weekend. Here's the happy family.

Here are some snaps of the cutie in her christening gown. J.P. and Maureen made sure to dress in pink, too. Below is a picture of the main event at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington. Alex and Margie (the Godparents) look on with Mo and J.P. as Ellie is baptized!

The family got together at J.P. and Maureen's before and after the christening to celebrate.

Ellie loves her Great Granddad.

Ellie enjoyed opening her gifts.

The balloon animals were a big hit. Uncle Buddy had a blast, as you can see.

Happy girl!

Danny and Michael

Good Times in Boulder

Luckily Emily and I had the same spring break this year, so we were able to go see Sara and Scott in Boulder. One of the highlights of the trip was seeing Pete Snowdon again! He and his girlfriend, Katie, live in Denver. It was so much fun to be together again. Apart from being a lawyer, Pete hasn't changed a bit. Here's a shot of the Arlington reunion. We just need Mindy and Julia and we'd be back in high school again!

I was also able to meet the light of Sara and Scott's lives...Millie and Aspen. It was nice to finally meet these gems in person.

This is a great shot of Em, Sag, and the kitties, of course.

Sara and Scott took us on a short drive for a beautiful view of the Flatirons. This is what the Holladays see everyday. Wow.

It actually snowed our last night in Boulder. This was nothing for these Coloradans, but my blood has gone south fast. Turns out I don't miss the snow as much as I thought I did. It's cold!!

Building the Garden

Meghan is in Colorado visiting Emily and Sara, so she asked that I take pictures as I put together the garden. This is my first time posting to the blog, so here goes nothing!

The planter box is in place. This was the easy part!

A trench was dug and the planter box is recessed into the ground.

The NC clay and grass are tilled. This was the hardest part!

Top soil is added on top.

The top soil and NC clay are tilled together. All done and ready to plant!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We had a great St. Patrick's Day dinner with Quinn, Kym, and R.C. Quinn gets cuter every time we see her.

Such a cute Irish lass!

My birthday was fantastic. I can't believe I'm 29. My students brought me flowers on Friday, so we have a small flower shop in our living room. It smells fabulous! Here are some shots Michael took of me opening my presents. I was definitely spoiled.

Love the clothes, Mom. I wish you could have been here to open these with me!

I love the sign! Thanks, Ellie!! It's perfect for our family room.

Here are some pictures from our first fire last weekend. We've been waiting to use this fire pit for months. More fun days to come with this puppy.
If you look closely you can seen a mini marshmallow on Michael's stick. It was a good effort.