Weekend Visitors!

Me and Danny are famous for our weekend trips. Once we even flew to Massachusetts for 24 hours. But it's extremely rare that we have the same kind of visits. So, that's why when Danny's sister asked us if she could come down for the weekend we were so excited! I requested the day off from work, decorated Kaleb's room and got ready to use our pull out couch for the first time. 

Kaleb, Rachel and Amirah arrived around 10:30 Friday night. After a 11 hour roadtrip the kids still had so much energy! Kaleb was so excited to show off his room to his aunt and cousin. He even gave them the full length tour of the house, complete with telling Amirah all the rules: no touching the walls and no eating in the living room. I love that kid!

Every weekend there is a ton going on in North Carolina - always some kind of festival or fair. But, of course, there was nothing going on this weekend. So, we said 'carpe diem' and drove two hours to Myrtle Beach! First stop was the beach! It was so gorgeous out, 65 degrees in November is unheard of in Ohio so the kids were loving it!

Then we made a stop at the arcade to play some games and win some prizes. Which included a whistle and a harmonica. More on that later...

 Next stop! Pirate Voyage! The show was so much fun. The preshow included fun songs and juggling...and beverages for the adults. Then we moved into the arena where there were pirate boats, animals and, of course, pirates. And oh-em-gee....enough food to feed 10 of me. I bought the kiddos fun flags and Amirah proclaimed it the BEST DAY EVER!

When we got home the kids decided they were starting a band...with the whistle and harmonica. They sang a rousing rendition of Old McDonald for about 45 minutes...Miley even joined in with a howl every once in a while. I think she was trying to tell them that they were hurting her ears!

This morning there was lots of lounging, coffee and donuts. And our weekend visitors were back on the road by 9:30. It was a quick trick but I'm so glad it happened! I love that we are getting closer to Danny's family and I hope it continues...and that there are many more trips in the future!

Our Halloween

Happy Day-After-Hallowen! I hope everyone had a fantastic day. This Halloween was much different than every other year. No costume, no party, nothing. I was banking on getting dressed up at the office...but alas, I had the day off. No complaints here! I spent my Halloween day with my favorite puppy, wearing my favorite color, and eating a whole bunch of autumn mix Jelly Belly. I'd say it was a good day!

The absolutely gorgeous weather inspired me to make an autumn dinner: autumn spiced steak with twice baked sweet potatoes...paired with Fatty Bumpkins Maine Hard Cider. We picked our bottle up while we were in Maine over the summer, saving it for this time of year was such a great idea!

Remember back in the day when we didn't go out until it was dark? Well, apparently these days Trick or Treating starts at dinner time and is over at 8PM. That seems so early to me! This was our first year in a house, with a porch light, and lots of candy. And the trick-or-treaters? They were plentiful! We had a football player, shark, UNC cheerleader, prisoner, ninja, Robin Hood &friends, cowgirl and after that I lost track! We had 30 trick-or-treaters. And I actually ran out of candy - how pathetic! But the cutest costume of all was my little Jaws. Three years later and she still hates her costume.

After the kiddos were gone, me and Hubby cuddled up on the couch, sipped on hot cider and watched a Halloween classic: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Our laid back Halloween may be one of my favorite yet. What are some of your favorite Halloween traditions?

Long Autumn Weekend

Since I've started working I've really learned to appreciate time off. Especially a long weekend!

We had a big list of To-Do's for Saturday. First stop was daycare for Miley! She's been cooped up in the house since I started working...and she's been such a good girl. I knew that since me and Danny were going out for a day of fun the puppy deserved the same thing! Next up we grabbed some Starbucks for the road. Then we made our way to Morehead City for the North Carolina Seafood Festival!

 We walked around for a few hours in the not-so-autumn weather....it was ninety degrees out! We looked at everything the vendors were offering, watched a chef make some yummy food, and sampled a few wines. Then, we finally decided what yummy seafood we wanted to try! There were so many ordinary things, like clam chowder, bacon wrapped scallops and fish tacos. So, me and my adventurous Hubby opted for the alligator chilli! It was pretty yummy, I would have liked bigger chunks of gator. I left wondering how the alligator sausages were...guess I'll just have to wait for next year!

We didn't last nearly as long as we thought we would..the crowds were huge and it was just way too hot out! On our way to pick Miley up we did some autumn shopping. I got some red and orange chrysanthemums, a pumpkin and a cute "welcome" sign for our front stairs. It looks so autumn-ish now!

Miley was so exhausted when she got home from her playdate. She passed out the second we got home! Me and Hubby decided to go out to eat to my new favorite local place. We've been in our house for six months and are just starting to find local places that we love. This place has a great bar, live music and awesome food. Hubby had a mixed bbq plate and I had grilled swordfish with mango salsa. Um, YUM!

Sunday was a lazy, lazy day. My butt was planted on the couch all day "watching" football. Usually Sunday is my housework day, but it was so nice to just sit down and do nothing all day. At some point Danny decided he wanted Chinese food, so that's what we feasted on for dinner. We usually don't eat out that much...but something about a long weekend just screams "don't cook!"

I woke up this morning well rested...and by myself, no alarm clock. It's not even 60 degrees out. And I'm sitting on the couch sipping on coffee with my Hubby. I'd say this is the perfect start to an autumn day! We plan to do some (much needed) yard work...and eventually I need to clean the house. Eventually...

Autumn in Ohio

This past week was a whirlwind. Last Sunday I went to bed preparing for a full day at work on Monday but was woken in the middle of the night with sad news from Ohio - Danny's grandmother had passed away. I was heartbroken for Danny and so nervous that I wouldn't be able to leave my new job for a few days. Fortunately, my training manager is amazing and let me leave work for the whole week. I will always be thankful for that.

It feels weird saying it, but we had a great trip to Ohio. The trip was under terrible conditions, but it brought together people who never get to see each other. I got to meet a lot of Danny's family, I got to bond with his sister for the first time ever, hangout with Danny's niece, Amirah (who calls me Aunt Nicole! I can officially call her my niece!) and spend time with Kaleb.

Our first day in Ohio was Tuesday. Me and Danny had lunch at Lockview in Akron. It's a grilled cheese restaurant with a ton of awesome beers. After lunch we went to Danny's grandma's house to see the family. We all sat around looking at family pictures and sharing memories. A ton of people dropped off food, including chicken and jojos - in New England we always called them potato wedges but I got a lot of weird looks when I called them that!

Tuesday night me and Danny went out with Rachel (his sister) and her boyfriend. It was so great to actually sit back, relax and get to know my sister-in-law. We've met a few times but have never actually bonded. We just laughed, and talked, and had a great time!

Wednesday and Thursday we went to the wake and the funeral. It was a beautiful, very emotional, service. Following the service we had lunch at the church and went back to Danny's grandmothers. All the girls chose a purse and scarf that they wanted to remember Grandma with. We also took home a few special mementos, including a Julia Child cookbook!

Friday was Amirah's 6th birthday, so me and Danny surprised her at school with cupcakes! That night me, Danny, Kaleb, Amirah, Rachel, Chris and Dan (Danny's dad) went out for hibachi! Saturday morning the entire family went out for breakfast! Needless to say I probably gained 20 pounds on this trip!

Saturday we took Kaleb to a fall festival. The weather was gorgeous, we did a corn maze, watched pumpkin chunkin, and did a wine (and soda!) tasting! It was so much fun! It made me realize how much I miss New England and the fall weather I left behind!

We got a late start on the road Sunday. We made an appearance at Amirah's birthday party for a few hours. And I also got a siblings picture of Danny, Brandon and Rachel!

It was a great trip to Ohio, I hope to make it back up there soon under different circumstances. And I'm so happy that I got to have fall weather this year! I was starting to think I was stuck with 80 degree weather until winter hits!

It's Fair Season

You already know this - but autumn is my favorite.

One of the reasons is...fairs!

I love walking around in the cool crisp air,

enjoying beer tents and fair food with friends.

Then there are parades, carnivals...

the whole fair atmosphere is fun!

This weekend I went to the Big E (Eastern States Exposition.)

The Big E is the 6th largest fair in the country and represents 

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

One of the biggest draws of the fair is the Avenue of States....which features small scale replicas of the original statehouses of each New England state. 

And each state house displays heritage, food, drink and traditions.

 Other fun stuff is the Sam Adams beer tent. The carnival. And tons and tons of food options!

And my favorite?

Hanging out with my college roommates!

Other fall fairs and events I'm looking forward to?

Oktoberfest

North Carolina Seafood Festival

Onslow County Fair

Wilmington River Fest

MUMfest

Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues and Jazz Festival

Swansboro Mullet Festival

Autumn with Topsail

Taste of Durham Festival

Chili Festival & Big Boy Toy Show

I'm excited just thinking about it!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It's here! It's here!

Today is the first day of autumn!

When I was little summer was always my favorite,

but as I get older autumn has become my favorite.

The colors, smells, foods, clothes, weather, everything.

These are my favorite things of this season...

After two crappy Pumpkin Spiced Lattes...I'm moving on. One word - YUM!

I still want pumpkin though. In the form of pastries! Pies, cannolis, breads...I want it all!

Layers. I don't have a "seasonal" wardrobe, I just add layers, boots and tights. Oh, I love autumn layers!

We never keep candy in the house. But I could eat candy corn by the handful!

Soup. Stew. Chili. I want it all!

And the number one thing I'm excited for this season?

Halloween! And trying to figure out what they heck I'm going to dress up as this year!

Halloween with the Colwells!

Last night me and Danny dressed in our finest and headed to a Halloween party at Jennifer and Dustin's house. Jennifer 110% outdid herself. She made an amazing Apple Pie in a Jar, Halloween bars, pumpkin cheesecake, mummy-dogs, and a taco dip.

Jennifer even had a costume contest. And can you imagine I won for sexiest costume? And Danny swears he didn't vote for me. It makes sense though, voting took place after tequila and everclear shots. Jesus won for best costume, funniest costume went to the Mexican, and scariest costume went to the "gay guy." And I'm pretty sure he wasn't in a costume!

Costume parties with couples are always fun. I love seeing what everyone comes up with! Here are the costumed-couples!

The Mexican (aka Mike) came prepared with tequila...and shot glasses. When that was gone, the everclear came out. Let's just say...boys will be boys! By the end of the night Jesus turned the Roman into a devote follower, plans for poker nights were being made, and they were begging to go to the Waffle House.

The party was over when the boys started bargaining with us..."If you don't bring us to the Waffle House we're going to do MORE shots." Carmen and Mike brought me and Danny home, and my night was over when Danny passed out on the couch...and I claimed the bed for myself...complete with no dog!

We had such a fun night with friends and can't wait for the next time we all get together. Jennifer and Dustin, thanks so much for having us over!

I'm a World Traveler!

Okay, not really...but this weekend I did hangout with people from all over the United States. In one weekend there was Massachusetts, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Arkansas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, and more places that we never discussed. Back in the day, before I married into the Marine Corps family, I never thought I would spend a weekend with people from all over the country. Call me a nerd, but I think that's pretty cool!

Friday night I gave my house to the guys for a poker night (Miley supervised!) and I headed out for a girls night. First, never under estimate how much pizza a bunch of girls can eat. Second, Apples to Apples is a great way to really get to know someone. Let me just tell you, my friends all have a sick sense of humor...and I love it! And I also I had my one-and-only s'more of the year. It was heavenly!

Saturday morning I did some early morning baking and headed to Katie's bridal shower brunch. If you know me, you know I love brunch, so I was thrilled when her sister said that's what we were going to do! We had delicious chocolate chip pumpkin muffins, yummy cookies, and my special strata. And we drank a lot of coffee. I was so excited to give her my gift, I had a panty bouquet made for her...and a lingerie cupcake. Seriously, the cutest things EVER! I can't wait for her sister to post the pictures..my camera apparently didn't like to take early morning pictures!

After the shower me and Danny made a brief appearance at Oktoberfest. It was a bust. (Rachel, I should have listened to you.....) But that's only because Danny left his ID at home. Um, Oktoberfest with no ID? Not gonna happen! I took a picture to prove we were there, ran home to get his ID...and ended up having a sushi date night. When we got home there was a little concert going on in our neighborhood, we went up for a little bit but Miley didn't really like the crowd (can't blame her...there were some creeps!)

We had a family day today, went for a walk, cleaned the house, did the Sunday-haircut-routine, and watched a movie.Now I'm sipping on a pumpkin spiced latte and ready to enjoy the evening with my little family! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Pumpkin Season!

Pumpkins are autumns version of snowflakes, no two are the same. There are big ones, small ones, orange ones, white ones, bumpy ones...and the perfect round pumpkin that everyone wants.

Over the weekend me and Danny picked out our perfect pumpkins. I found mine right away, Danny on the other hand...had to inspect every single pumpkin that they had!

Tonight we got out the carvings tools and got to work! I cut my top too small, broke a knife...and made a huge mess. But we both proved to be great artists!

Just one of the many thing I love about fall! Speaking of pumpkins...has anyone tried the pumpkin spice Hershey kisses? They sound amazing!