Quick Trip to Gainesville

First weekend in September Nate and I had a quick trip down to Gainesville mostly to spend time with our families. With Mama Doris passing away, I spent most of the weekend with my parents. Nate's sister and nephews were in town for Jaxson's baptism - and we were honored to represent him as his godparents. I also got to meet baby Leah Elizabeth Smart - the second daughter of one of my friends & bridesmaids, Janeen, and her husband Ryan (the minister who married Nate and I!). And no trip to Gainesville would be complete without quality time with my best friend Courtney Rochelle. Here are a few pics from the weekend:

Gainesville always feels like home to us! We are so thankful for our family and friends that make it so.

Bon Voyage, Jenni!

As many of you know, my sister Jenni is leaving for the Peace Corps VERY soon - in just two days she will be on her way to DC to meet the other volunteers, and then from there heads to the Dominican Republic for intense training! I am so super proud of her. Last weekend, for President's Day, I went home for the weekend to send her off! I got in late Thursday night, and Friday I caught up with my friend Jessica for one (or two, or three) mojitos and then had a family dinner at Sabore! That night Jenni and I went out to listen to some live music with my best friend Courtney - our friend Brian was playing at a local bar. We had a blast!

Saturday was a nice relaxing day - I spent the whole day with my family. Jenni was loading up on carbs for her big run Sunday - she ran a half marathon!!! I was impressed and inspired to start running again myself! She made great time too, under two and a half hours!

Sunday night we had a Bon Voyage party for her, very much in theme with her heading to the Dominican Republic. Catered by Emilianos and thanks to my Tateen and Papi bringing homemade seven layer dip AND homemade flan, there was tons of delicious food! I also got to see one of my best friend Janeen and her beautiful daughter Chloe who is going to be one year old in just a month, I can't believe it!

While I am going to miss Jenni I'm very proud of her heading out on this adventure - she is going to do amazing things and I could not be more excited for her to start the adventure!

Top 5 Friday: Things to Look Forward to this Fall

I should have posted this ON Friday... but here are some things I'm looking forward to RIGHT NOW!

1.) Erica Visits! - this has been in the works literally since the beginning of 2011! We planned a weekend in June and then Erica's flight was cancelled. We rescheduled for Labor Day weekend, and then in August some Verizon employees were on strike and Erica had to cover emergency duty! Luckily she was able to return to her normal job last week and she's able to come this weekend! We've already got some things planned, like taking in a Yankees game, going to my favorite Mexican restaurant Rosa Mex, and lots more!

2.) Our Birthdays - Nate and I were born just two weeks - and two years apart. He turns 28 on September 13th and I turn 26 on September 24th. Last year we went to Boston, and this year we're staying in the city but doing two special things! First, we're doing a wine and cheese pairing class at an artisinal cheese center. It teaches you which wines and beers to pair with which cheeses! Second, we're doing a really nice dinner at Chef Mario Batali's restaurant in the Village, Babbo. We are so excited to celebrate - and we'd rather have experiences than presents :)

3.) The Breakfast Club Reunion - the one and only Breakfast Club ladies are reuniting in Tallahassee in October for an FSU football weekend. So excited to see the girls, and cheer for the Noles! Can't believe it's been 5 years since I went to a game at Doak Campbell stadium. I cannot wait!

4.) Christmas at home - we're planning on going home for Christmas which will be so much fun! Jenni leaves for Peace Corps in February so this will be a special Christmas with the family. Nate and I are both so close to our families that going home is always a treat. It will also be awesome to see my close friends, with Courtney living at home, Janeen and Ryan and baby Chloe not far away, Jessica and Austin will have their baby girl by then, and Ashley always comes to town to see her family! I can't wait to catch up with friends!

5.) 2012 - I know it's a few months away still, but the promise of the future is always exciting to me. I mentally plan trips and adventures, think about the possibilities, yet recognize there's so much you can't foresee!

AMENDED: #5 should be beach weekend with Nate's family! It wasn't set in stone when I made this so I decided not to post it, but it's definitely on the list! Can't wait to be at St. Augustine Beach with his awesome family and sweet little Tanner!

Florida Vacation

After Canada, I still had a few weeks until I returned to work. I spent two weeks in Florida with my family, spending time visiting friends. It was wonderful - relaxing and much needed! One of my best friends Janeen had a baby this March! Chloe Adalynn Smart was 4 months old at my visit and is so sweet and beautiful already! We squeezed 3 visits into the two weeks - one at Janeen's parents' house with her family, one at my house with my family, and one at her house in Green Cove Springs where I just went up for the day :)





I also got to see Jessica, who is pregnant and due in November! I couldn't believe the baby bump! She is glowing and will the mother to a beautiful baby girl in just a few months! I already love Baby Girl Weingart. It was wonderful to have a girls night together and just catch up - I'm constantly reminded how lucky I am to have amazing friends that have known me for so long!



I also planned a reunion night with some of my friends from the old band crew! Including Nate's best friend Dylan, the Brians, Courtney, Sam, Amanda, and my sister Jenni! We had a great time reunited at Swamp - I only wish Nate could have been there too!



Other highlights - relaxing by the pool, lunch and shopping with Nate's mom, and lots of nights in with my family, eating home cooked meals and watching the Yankees together in the living room. It's the simple things I miss the most being away from home - family and friends.

And the last highlight of my two weeks in Gainesville was reading all 7 Harry Potter books and watching all 8 movies with my sister! I'm officially a "Potterhead" and I have to say, I love it. I'm obsessed! I can't believe what I've been missing (I know, I know). ;)

Welcome Baby Chloe!

One of my closest friends that I have known since freshman year of high school, Janeen, welcomed her baby girl last week! Chloe Adalynn Smart was born on Thursday March 24th at 11:56 PM! I am so happy for Janeen and her daughter is just precious. She is already loved by so many and blessed with amazing parents in Janeen and Ryan!

I met her today on skype... she is precious! I can't wait to meet her in person this summer.