Homebodies

Lately, we've embraced the term "homebodies". With the holidays over and no big plans looming over us, we've been taking it easy. We've gone out with friends here and there, but for the most part, there's been a lot of painting, organizing, and getting the new basement in order. 

Those pics will be posted soon...

Somehow, amidst this demanding schedule, we've made time for naps.

With such warm weather last week, we made a few trips to the park around the corner. Margot LOVES to swing and go down the slide. Baby girl squeals so much that she loses her breath! 

And here's Margot, showing of her new "skinny" jeans from her Auntie Sarah.  She loves them because they make her legs look so looong, as you can see.

This quiet part of the winter is nice.  

It feels good to have time to catch our breaths as we look ahead to the busy spring and summer.

Next up: The basement reveal!

4 Years Ago Today

As I write this, it's inauguration day in Washington, DC. This morning, Tucker and I talked about where we were 4 years ago. We were living in our apartment on the corner of 6th and Constitution, only a short distance from the Capitol. My aunt Priscilla was with us for the weekend and the three of us, along with some friends, braved the cold and crowds for a long, exciting, and memorable day. 

Leaving our apartment for a long day in the cold.

  Our friends, Joe and Tamzyn

Our view in the "Silver" section.

That night, we went to the Southern Ball. 

Tucker's suit was too big, and it still makes us crack up! Sorry sweetie. This was also the first and last time I ever wore this dress.

This year, we'll be watching the excitement from home. With the crowds so big, and Margot so little, spending the day out in the cold isn't even an option. Maybe when Margot is 5, we'll bring her to the inauguration of the first woman president? 

Hillary 2016!

34

Last Saturday was my birthday. Thirty-four. It's a nice number, but man, it sounds grown up.  It seems like an age where no matter what you do, you should know better, have an answer, and definitely have had at least a few experiences that somehow categorize you as wise, at least according to a twenty-something, maybe? 

I had my new favorite drink: champagne and St. Germain. De-lish!

On Saturday night, we had a fabulous dinner (fabulous as in fancy) with a group of pals at The Bombay Club in DC. We ate plate after plate of amazing food and could have stayed all night. It was one of those kind of evenings for me. 

So, 34? Yes, I'm a certified adult now. Card's in my wallet.  But truly, I have so much to be thankful for and I couldn't have gotten here without all those days and nights that add up to 34 years. 

Bring it on 35! Or, maybe, not so fast...

Lubbock Christmas

We had an amazing Christmas is Lubbock. We spent lots of time with family and friends around the fire place, cooked wonderful food, listened to music, and sweet Margot actually let us SLEEP IN! Here's the story in pictures. This is a long one, so be prepared!

Bright and early in Baltimore, Margot was ready to fly to TX on her own!

 On the plane in Daddy's lap.

 And then she slept, and so did we.

When we arrived in Lubbock, our friend Cameron came over for a quick visit and snapped these shots with her camera. Thanks Cam!

Tucker's dad's boots from when he was a little boy.

 Cameron's mom Ann and Judy.

That first night, we visited with Tucker's buddies from growing up along with their wives and kiddos.

Here are Piper and Margot.

 Zach with Larkin, Jake with Piper, Tucker with Margot, Jesse with Thomas, and Kyle with Kyler.

Priscilla flew down from Hoboken and spent the holiday in Lubbock, too!

Here are Judy and Priscilla prepping the dough for the Berliners. Yum!

 We got dressed up for church on Christmas Eve...

 On Christmas morning, we were all up early...

 ...especially since it was SNOWING!

Later on, Margot didn't so much like the Santa hat.

  

 Katrina, Ryan, and Chance came the day after Christmas. One of the first things Katrina did was coax Margot into sitting on her lap. She's the baby whisperer.

Margot was doing her best koala bear impression all week being clingy with Tucker and me.

On Thursday night, all of Tucker's friends, their wives, and kids as well as lots of family friends came by for a party. It was so much fun!

 Of course, because we had so much fun, I forgot to snap pics, except these few.

After the party, we tucked Margot in bed and left her with her Sassy. We went out to Cafe J with friends, and had a blast.

Me, Tucker, Iwona, Callie

 Jesse, Jake, Zach

 The next day, we spent some more time with Chance, Kat, and Ryan. Chance loves music. Here's Katrina with Chance as he "plays" the guitar.

Then, we went over to the McPherson's for dinner. I am in love with their house. We ate delicious food, and drank good wine (McPherson wine of course!) and stayed late listening to Jim and Eppler play music. Another wonderful evening.

 For the rest of the visit, we just relaxed at home together. It was just what we all needed.

 We had a special dinner on Friday night, just family (and Judy's friend Jim, though I think he's considered family these days). I got to set the table which I always love doing!

 Tucker's mom's kitchen really is the heart of her house. It's fun to cook in, eat in, and just hang out.  When we're in Lubbock, we spend most of our time here.

 Tucker really had a hard time relaxing.

 Margot, Kat, and Chance.

 Chance is getting so big!

 Judy has a tradition (from her mom) of getting the kids PJs at Christmas. These ones are classics!

 The flight home felt like a long one, but Margot did great. 

Hopefully we'll get back for another visit soon!