A day at the beach with our favorite Boston College fans! The four of us figured we should go to Virginia beach, since it is so close to us and classes hadn't started yet... We threw the BC football in water, went swimming in the crashing waves, tried some food on the waterfront, and just enjoyed the day!
Late one night Mike, Caesar, and I went on a little adventure hike. We had rations (Doritos and Bud Light) just in case we didn't make it back...we figured we could survive out there for at least a few hours with what we brought with us. In fact it was about a few hours when we were signaling the house from the rock above...mores code from the rock along with a flurry of text messages yielded no more rations. Probably a good thing, but we did manage to sneak back undetected, get some water, and watch a few shooting stars before being found.
Great adventure and a great trip all around!
Boating and laying at the pool were a couple of the favorite past times while at Rock Island, but boating doesn't always equal boating. Sometimes it means rope climbing, bridge jumping, wake boarding, tubing, floating in the boat towards the dam, swimming, and of course seeing real live super heroes!
Of course of the activities listed above wake boarding and tubing seem to be the most logical fit. Here are a couple highlights from our wake boarding experience featuring Mike, Brian, and Pam!
After a wonderful summer in SoCal I had a trip planned to join up with some old friends in Eastern Washington at the Villa.
After being picked up at the airport by Angela, we went to grab Mike so that we could load the car and boogie over the Mountain Pass and start a nice long weekend of relaxation...so we didn't get on the road exactly when we expected, but I didn't have anywhere else to be so I wasn't concerned about when we got there at all. Mike and Angela were a little concerned, but once we got to Monroe we saw the big DQ in the sky and started the vacation with a Blizzard.
This DQ was a classic sight since there was one manager and a bunch of trainees on shift that night. The manager essentially did everything, but the random antics going on the in background were enough to just keep all three of us laughing as we waited for our frozen treat. One of the best moments was watching one of the trainees ask the manager to help him find a top for a sundae (it was for a drive through customer). He looked around for a little bit, found something that looked like it would work, but couldn't get it to fit...he then asks the manager for some help to find a top, the manager grabbed the one out of his hand and just pushed it on top of the container and ta da a perfect fit!
30 minutes after we walked in the door we actually had Blizzards in hand and were still cracking up over the DQ antics. But, with a Blizzard in hand everyone was a happy camper! Now just a little more driving to see the rest of the crew at Rock Island...
Where should I start? This is Morgan...
Morgan and I have been spending a lot of time together the past few weeks, and it's been a blast. Morgan is dating Sage, one of the guys in the program, and she has just moved to Willyburg to hang with the kool kids. (really to be with her man and work as a high school teacher and volleyball coach) I have been joking with her that she's my pity case because our friends were worried about her moving to town without knowing anyone, so I took her under my wing. hee hee The boys are out of town, and we really have had a good time hanging out.
Girls, remember the days when you had that friend that you called every day to see what they're doing and if they want to play. Seriously. We've gone out to eat, gone shopping and just hung out. We've figured out my new nav-system (thanks, dad!) and explored the area. The picture here is our excursion down the Colonial Parkway and lunch in Yorktown.
And with every good thing, it comes to an end...
Yesterday, Sage arrived back in Williamsburg, so I've started going through my Morgan withdrawal. But, Brian is back in Williamsburg tomorrow - YEAH! So now we can all hang out. And I have no doubt we will. The start of school will bring intermural softball and now I have a friend to go to the games with. (I was solo-spouse last year.) pictures to follow...
For now, I'm off to dinner with another couple here in the complex - wonder if I'm the pity case this time?! =) No complaints from me!
And all of a sudden it was Monday - my last full day in Seattle. I met with the photographer first thing to finalize our wedding album (interested? check it out...) and the Rhiannon and Eli met me on Capital Hill. We walked around a bit, stopped for Thai for lunch and then hung out for a few hours in Volunteer Park. What a beautiful day!
I had to include this picture - because this sign is so NOT Virginia.
And what's a Monday (or any day really?) without happy hour?! Mikelle and John (married on August 11, 2007 - CONGRATS you two!) met me for a few drinks, and it was great to catch up with them. Mikelle and I have been good friends since college, and John completes her. Okay, little cheesey, but really they are a great couple! I can't wait until all four of us can hang out together!
Erin was back for a drink (can't keep that girl down!) and Ki and Seon picked me up. Ki, Seon and I hung out for the evening and it was so great to see them. We always have so much (life, work, diving, traveling) to talk about, there is never a dull moment. And they always know the good places to eat - which is such a treat!
THANK YOU - to everyone that took time to hang out with me! I had such a great trip! And if didn't get to see you - hopefully, we'll be back soon. Brian is officially done working today (Aug15) and he'll be back in Virginia on Monday. And I can hardly wait! Two months is a long time to go without seeing each other - and I have really missed him. Work is going great for me, and he starts year 2 of the MBA program in two weeks. Which brings all of our VA friends back to Williamsburg - so let the good times roll. AND, yes, Brian will start his job search for when he's done with school in May...stay tuned for those developments.
Love you all!
Not to be out done by Saturday - Sunday was just as busy, and I loved it. I was able to attend mass at St. Benedict's, which was fun because I hadn't seen Father Steve since the wedding. PLUS, two couple that we know from church had babies that were baptized. I was so glad I was crazy lady on vacation that just happened to have her camera in her purse...
The bonus was sitting with the Suarez's (remember them from Saturday?) and seeing other friends of ours, too - so many reasons to be thankful!
After all the "Congratulations" and hugs, I was off to lunch with Kori, Colby and their little bundle of joy, Sydney. Isn't she adorable? Her mom and dad are just as cute (okay, kind of =) but I'm not so good with the camera, so no picture to prove it.
After lunch, was the drive to L-town. I had plans to spend the afternoon catching up with the Stewarts. They have two little girls that are just adorable. Shelby and Cory are our 500 card playing, wine drinking, work talking, career discussion friends. Bug (Siena is three, as she proudly will show you with her fingers) and Sydney are their girls.
Talk about a cute bunch. I was talking with Shelby, but Siena is all about having me read her a story. I hope our kids are as excited about reading! And if this action video of Syndey doesn't make you crack up, you are working too hard....Crawling is SO OUT!
Sunday evening was all about family. I headed over to the in-laws - which was a blast. We started the evening with mojitos while we got caught up, and dinner was fabulous. Now I've totally forgotten what Carry and Nick are doing in the picture (which might be just blocking the sun from their eyes)- but it's still cracking me up!
Saturday morning started off perfect! Erin and I were up early and off to breakfast with the Suarez's. Mike and Nicki are right around the corner and are truly welcoming when bringing guests into their home. Breakfast was fantastic and the conversation lively. Eliana was the first of many babies that I'd be visiting this weekend - and what a cutie!
Saying "See you later" was always the theme when I left someplace. And this time, Erin got to be my date at the volleyball team get together. I love these guys! And we're starting to complete the lineup with kids! Maier (Sara & Burke's) is a riot - not even 18 months and he was all over the facial expressions. Mac, short for Mackenzie, (Jaime & Mike's) is a precious *little* one (5 months). You should see her go crazy in the jump-thing! Even when she's crying, she keeps on jumping. Curt and Amanda have Johnny (the cutest chiwawa you ever did see).
And how can you not love a crowd that spoils you with cake?!? Bri, babe - if this continues...we might have to move back!
Not that we were hungry, or wanted to leave...but it was time for girl's night! Erin, Karissa, Beth and I met up at the Pink Door. Only my FAVORITE place to meet the girls for dinner. The servers let you sit as long as you'd like. The house wine works just fine and the Italian food is always tasty. It was SO good to catch up and talk, miss you guys!
Brian and I are really enjoying our time in Williamsburg, but I had the chance to sneak back to Seattle for a few days. I didn't get to see everyone and, of course!, I would have loved to stay longer. I'm going to post just a pic or two of everyone I did get to see. I miss you all! And thanks SO MUCH for working with me and my "schedule". Love you!
Amanda picked me up at the airport (sweetheart!) and we went into Freemont. We caught up over coffee and dinked around the shops, before getting lunch at Nickerson Street Saloon. Mac and Jack's, Seattle, sun - talk about a great "welcome home!"
Curt (Amanda's handsome husband) met us for lunch and even Erin was able to sneak out of work early. YEAH!
Erin and Mike have a new home that is absolutely fabulous! Erin hosted dinner for Erin, Jen and I. It was great to catch up and hear all the happenings....
This beach is a great example of what happens when people reach critical mass...I saw everything from your regular Joe's to street entertainers along the long stretch of boardwalk. Besides for the wild people, on the boardwalk and beach, one could buy just about anything they might want here at Venice beach...
Okay, it was a few weeks ago now, but I wanted to make sure that I got these pictures posted because these are the peeps we have been friends with the longest in Willy-burg. To the right is Elizabeth (in yellow) and Bruster (the big dog), and Becky with LuLu.
Here is Will (Brian's carpool buddy last year) with his wife and their baby. (Yes, we are called Aunt Sarah and Uncle Brian) We left LuLu and Will in Williamsburg and went into Richmond.
The three of us went into Richmond for a night out on the town. It was fun to relax and enjoy the night scene. We went out in "the Fan" - think the casual bars that you can walk between...Fremont-ish. It was a blast! Then it was up early to attend the Nordstrom Sale and get back home.
Miss the Nordstrom Fall Sale?!
NEVER! Just a new shopping buddy....
Posts
