The traditional Post-Thanksgiving decorating!

We found the perfect tree!
Daniel strapping it to our car

Off we go!

It's a perfect fit...Before!

Ta-da.....After!

It's tradition for us to decorate the house for the holidays after Thanksgiving...it gives us a chance to work of some of that turkey. We have always used an artificial tree, but this year we decided to go for the real thing. We picked out the most beautiful tree and its' now calling our living room home for the holidays. The house is now busting with Christmas spirit!

Thanksgiving in Baltimore

Carving the Turkey
Yummy and Perfect!

The Holiday Table

Daniel at work

Kathy, Robin and Lori

Lori enjoying the appetizers

Robin starting the fire

Kathy with the Grandogs

Robin's Mom and Sister made the trip to Baltimore to spend Thanksgiving with us. We had a fun filled weekend of cooking, eating, and tinis (we discovered the 12 days of cocktails!). What a wonderful thanksgiving it turned out to be!

Jenna & Shawn's 10th Anniversary Masquerade

Robin & Daniel in their Masks
Kenny, Val, Robin and Daniel

The happy couple, Jenna and Shawn

Kenny, Mark & Carey

Daniel and Robin playing the Newlywed Game

Kitty Cat

The Yummy Food

More Yummy Food

The Awesome Cake

We were invited to celebrate Jenna and Shawn's 10th wedding anniversary. The masquerade themed event was very well done and so much fun. Jenna and Shawn are a wonderful example of how a great marriage can work. Congratulations on 10 years and thanks for having such a great party!

Robin's 30th Birthday Party's (Yes...Party's)

Daniel and Robin...Baltimore Bash
Baltimore peeps

Friends, Friends and more Friends :)


Aaron, Kenny and Keith

Baltimore Party Decor

Daniel and Robin...Indy extravaganza!

Sisters!

The College Girls!

LOVE...it got a little crazy

The late night VIP crowd!

I've said it a million times, I have the most amazing husband in the world! This year I turned 30 and he planned not one, but two amazing parties. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us. I was overwhelmed with love! As expected the Indy party was a bash, and the late night crew didn't disappoint. It was the most fun I've had in a while. Our Baltimore friends are amazing and even thought the rain kept us in, it was still a great night. Between the two parties were we able to donate a car full of items to the SPCA. They were so grateful for the help and you all made it happen. We love you so much! Can't wait till 40 :)

From Washington to Oregon and Back! Last Stop Seattle...

Daniel and Robin on the Hotel Balcony just above the Market
Seattle in the evening

The Market sign

Daniel enjoying the fresh air

Dinner at Chez Shea...
Oysters on the half shell topped with cucumber mignonette and

tomato & horseradish mignonette

Onion Cream Soup with Truffle Croutons

Trust Wine with Dinner

Seared Artisan Sonoma Foie Gras with Sweet and Sour Figs, Champagne Grapes, and Brioche Toast

Pan Seared Local Rockfish with Roasted Mini Potatoes, Cipollini Onions, Mama Lil's, Taggiasca Olives, and Lemon Sherry Butter

Painted Hills Natural Tenderloin of Beef with Green Beans, Baby Carrots, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, and a Demi Glace

Selection of Cheeses with home made crackers, honey soaked apricots, and candies pistachios

Pineapple Basil Sorbet

Fish Market

Hanging Veggies

No those are some Crabs!

LAST STOP SEATTLE

So our last stop on the week long tour of the North West was Seattle. We were only here for a day, but we could tell it was a place we would like to visit again. We walked around the market and then had another great dinner at Chez Shea. It was a french inspired menu with some wonderful twists. Our entire trip was amazing. We learned a lot about this part of the country and hope to someday be able to spend more time there.

From Washington to Oregon and Back! Third Stop Cannon Beach...

Daniel and Robin enjoying the beach
Haystack Rock

Daniel going to dip his toe in the cold cold water.

Low tide...there were hundreds of starfish waiting for the water to return

More starfish

These rocks are smaller and are known as the Needles

Daniel being crazy (really the water was like ice)

THIRD STOP CANNON BEACH

On our way from Portland to Seattle we decided to take a detour over to the coast to Cannon beach. We figured while we were on the west coast we would take advantage of having the car. Cannon beach is a tourist destination with interesting rock formations. We were there during low tide so we could walk right out to the rock. During low tide you can see all sorts of marine life including starfish, barnacles, sea urchin and more.