annual holiday baking 2012.

Each year the ladies get together to do some holiday baking!  We always end up with so many yummy treats but it is a lot of fun!  We even had matching aprons made this year.  First we meet for breakfast at IHOP by my parents, then we all go to the grocery store together, and then we get to baking...

happy independence day.

We celebrated the 4th with our families at my parent's with a cook-out.

Fun times!

Here's our 4th of July in pictures:

new year's eve.

Matthew and I aren't big New Year's Eve people but nonetheless we had champagne to celebrate ringing in 2010...which we hope to be a year of many blessings!
All of us baby-sat Miss B and we played cards and dominoes! We had a fun time and of course, I adore spending any time with my niece.

This is how Miss B rang in the New Year!

holiday baking 2009.

We baked some goodies this weekend. We made sugar cookies, peppermint bark, and mint oreo balls.

Hudson did not like this. He barked and wanted us to pay attention to him. Little did he know that Santa is coming with goodies for him...

We'll bring lots of goodies with us to KC to share with you...

And finally today, we frosted our sugar cookies!

And of course, cleaning up is the worst part. Thanks, Matthew!

light up night.

We went downtown on Friday night to experience Light Up night in Pittsburgh. We loved walking around downtown! It's the night they turn on all the Christmas lights, Macy's unveils their holiday windows, and there are fireworks. We took the "T" downtown and back and avoided crowded roads and finding a place to park. They had a lot going on for people of all ages...ice carvings, carriage rides, bands, games, fireworks, and food. It was really neat and actually not too chilly!
In front of the tree at PPG Place (where we've previously ice-skated).

These are the Macy's window displays. They were really neat! The theme this year was letters to Santa, as you can read in the first picture.
We loved seeing the names on the Santa letters. In fact, we saw the name Lilly & Caroline. (If you know us, you know those are most likely our girl names when we have children. We have middle names, too. Ha! And boy names...but we did not see those anywhere.)

(Joseph & Amber, if you read this...this one is for you.)

The mayor's Christmas tree.

Now I think we're in the Christmas spirit. (although we're really waiting for the snow to fall because it still doesn't feel like winter...yet!)

Merry Christmas Happenings

We enjoyed a wonderful time with our families for Christmas! We even got to see some friends during our time at home. Here are some (LOTS!) pictures of our trip back home (sorry they are not in any particular order). We went out to eat with friends and family, saw Marley & Me (so sad!), went shopping, relaxed, and enjoyed togetherness time!

Zoe decided she would hang onto Hudson's leash.
It turned out she was the one being pulled.
We enjoyed dinner with Nick & Teal and Eric & Kim. Lots of laughs!!!
Hudson shortly after he had surgery (poor guy)! We never want to see him like this again. He was so lethargic and docile. We celebrated my birthday with my family! My parents gave me a sewing machine. I can't wait to make some things (especially for Baby A).
Confetti cake and vanilla bean ice cream - my favorites!
24 candles! (It's starting to sound old...er)
My pretty machine...with lots and lots of different stitches.
Dinner with Meagan at Red Robin! So fun!
A wok...celebrating Christmas at Amber & Joseph's.
Mary (Matthew's mom) opening gifts!
Amber & Joseph opening presents!
The pups got their present from Mary & Russell...a huge bone! They all loved them.
Hudson opening his presents...a new ball and nylabone!
Why is that box duct-taped shut? Kyle opening presents.
Dad...got a shirt, visor, and camera.
Matthew and me opening presents!
Mom & Dad got a wedding picture!
We laughed a lot...
Kari & Neal's presents. The maternity leggings, the onesies ("Daddy's Little Squirt" and "My Mom's A Hottie"), the spoons...
I found the pickle and got $20!
Our stockings at my parents' house.
Hudson and Jack play!
The boys play foosball before going to Christmas Eve Candlelight service. (Matthew would like for me to point out that he didn't lose.) :)
Christmas Eve dinner
Jack and Kyle
Mom and Zoe, their new maltipoo puppy.
Zoe and me.
Celebrating Kyle's 26th birthday!
Chewing on their bully sticks together. Hudson always tried to steal Zoe's when he was done.
Matthew hanging out with Jack and Hudson.
Zoe and Hudson meet!
Zoe is obsessed with Hudson's pheasant. She wanted all the big toys!