Happy Birthday Justin!

Today is my Brother In Law's Birthday!

Happy 30th Birthday Justin!

Saturday night his adorable Girlfriend Casey threw an 80's bash that would put any leg-warmer wearing, teased hair, Ray Ban sporting person to shame.

She thought of everything....

 Jello Shots

Fun Candy Favors

Cupcakes plated on Vintage Vinyl

Pac-Man inspired edibles

Clay and I came ready to party

As did Brit and Ben

Brit and I put our outfits together in one hour-

(I think we look pretty good for last minute styling)

Casey pulled off the surprise!

I had to try the favors...

Who doesn't love a Ring Pop??

Mr. Kirbyface on the other hand....

Tucked away a treat for later....

Brit and I had to take a little "break"

For my feet....

Personally I think Best Dressed should have gone to Benny....

(and a close second should go to the guy dressed up as John Cusack from Say Anything-complete with Boom Box)

Unfortunately our night had to end early....

Shortly after our arrival we received a phone call from our sitter.  Maddie was sick, and we had to head home.....

The best part of the night....

Watching my husband stop at the well-lit ATM to get cash for the baby-sitter... 

Mohawk, pegged pants, and salmon polo (collar up, of course)

Let me bring it in closer for you to get the full effect....

(He kept the glasses on all night-even at the ATM)

I'll say it again...

Happy, Happy Birthday Justin!

Thank you for being our "on call" Handyman, great Uncle to my children, Fun party companion, loyal brother to my Husband, and there for us whenever we need you.

I love you just as I do my own brothers, no "in law" needed.

I couldn't have hand picked you better myself!

Daddy Does Hair

Madeline finally has enough hair to do something with.

My style of choice for her is usually the standard palm tree.

This weekend she did not want Mom to do her hair.

It had to be Daddy.

So for the first time in his life....

Daddy did his daughters hair

Not bad for his first try!

Such a good Daddy!

M.I.A.

To say life's been busy, would be an understatement.

Between, work and kids, and our home, and weddings and showers.....

It's been crazy.

I'll try and catch up soon.

to keep you coming back....

Here's a sneak peak of current chaos:

My dining room....

and my brother ripping up my old floors....

that go into my living room.....
(that's my Dad-who is The Ultimate Mr. Fix-It, love him)

Remodeling with two small children aint easy....

but we are getting through it.

More to come.

Soon....

I promise.....

Good-bye Old Friend......

Today we had to say good bye to a very good friend.

Tonight our dog Trigger was put down.

He was so sick.

He wouldn't eat.

He wouldn't get up.

He was just not himself.

We took him to the Vet, and she confirmed what we already knew.  He had severe anemia, extremely low red blood cell count, and most likely Cancer.  

We had to make the very difficult decision to put him down.

It must be said.
Trigger was the best dog on the planet. 

He was loyal, and loving, and protective and full of life.

He was a housewarming gift to Clay and Me in 2000.  He was the most adorable puppy you have ever seen. He stole my heart immediately.

and then he chewed up my first pair of Via Spigas I ever bought.

And the love affair ended.

(I'm kidding) 

But it soon became clear that Trigger was definitely Clayton's dog.

They were the best of friends.

If Trig had to pee, he would nudge Clays arm to wake him up.  He wouldn't even attempt my side of the bed.  If I walked in the house he'd wag his tail, and look up.  But if Clay walked through the door, anyone standing in his way would be knocked over by that powerful tail.

Oh the tail.

It was like a bull whip.  So strong, and stung like a bee.

It was forever wagging.

When we first got Trigger, Clay's Mom called him wiggle butt.  When he wagged his tail, his entire rear end moved.

I have spent many, many nights alone without Clay home, and never worried because I knew Trig would protect me.  He had the most ferocious bark, but wouldn't hurt a fly.

He loved to stand in the kitchen when I cooked, because he knew there would be "treats" in his future.

He loved to swim.  He could even climb the ladder of our in laws pool.

He was so good to our kids.  He would let them jump and pull and tug on him, and wouldn't flinch.

Jack quickly became his second Best Friend.

Trigger and I had a silent love.  My time with him was when it was just us.  I would share my popcorn with him while I watched late night TV.  Or purposely through him a bite while I cooked dinner.  He always came up to check on me if I slept in too long.....Just to make sure I was still there.

He was the greatest.

and I will miss him.

very, very much.

Good Bye Trig.
We will always love you

September 17, 2000-February 10, 2011

Happy Anniversary Gram and Pop!

56 years ago today Gram and Pop said I do.

So of course when they invited Me to an afternoon in Napa, I had to say....

I DO!!

So off we went!

To Thomas Kellar's

Awesome, does not begin to describe this restaurant.

For those of you who aren't "foodies" Thomas Keller is the Chef and Owner of the world renowned French Laundry in Yountville.

Bouchon is just down the street, but in no way disappointing.

Someday I will get to the French Laundry...

But in the meantime...

Bouchon does me just fine.

:)

We were greeted by our Server with 4 glasses of Chandon Champagne.

Compliments of the restaurant in honor of My Grandparents special day.

Next came Appetizers...

The Chilled Tower

Complete with Crab, Oysters, Clams, Prawns and Lobster.

Oh. My. God.

I could have ate the whole thing.
(I had to fight Gram for the oysters...)

Pop took a long look at the wine list

He decided on a nice Chablis...

My second course

(not the best pic-but it was delicious!)

Baby Greens with Goat Cheese in Herbs de Provence.

MMmmmm

Clay had their Mushroom and Crab Salad.

(Which was the best of the three we ordered)

Pop Had the Endive and Roquefort Salad.

(a close second to Clay's)

Gram was stuffed from all the Oyster stealing.....

Then came the Main Course

Seared Scallops topped with Lobster served with Parsnip Puree.
Hands down, the best meal I have EVER had.
EVER.

Delicious to the last bite.
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

Pop and Clay had the Steak Frites

And Gram had the Lobster Bisque

poured table side.

Yum.

Then dessert!

Which was half gone by the time I remembered my camera

(darn wine...)

But the profiteroles and the Dark Chocolate Mouse were divine!

Gram broke out the Jewels for the day.

Please note the gorgeous ring on her finger.

Only dusted off for special occasions. 

Such a perfect day!

Unbelievable Weather

Impecable Service

Delicious Food

Great Company

What more could a girl ask for???

Two Fantastic Grandparents!

:)

Love you both Gram and Pop

Happy Anniversary!

Here's to many, many more!

Baby G

HE'S HERE!!!

Gabriel

8lbs 12oz

20 1/2 inches

And Perfect.

I arrived shortly after Baby G did, Starbucks in hand.

I was prepared for this amazing Mama...and she was grateful. 

She was also prepared...

Socks and all.

I had to get a group shot. 

I don't care what she thinks- 

She. Looks. Great.

I was even there when Big Brother came to visit

He sang me a duet with his Mother.

He could not be more adorable if he tried.

(I may be biased, him being my God Son and all....)

And now some photos of this Baby-

He's too cute not to share....

I feel so lucky to be able to share in Gabriel's Birth Day.

What a lucky boy to be born with such an amazing woman as his Mother.

Happy Birth Day Gabriel.

I love you so much.

Congrats Bo.

You are Awesome.

(and I love you too....)