Week 17: Spring (or is it Summer?) has finally sprung!

After some bizarre recent DC weather (hailstorms in April?), it seems we've now skipped entirely over spring and launched right into an early DC summer. It was in the mid-80s all weekend, so I enthusiastically welcomed flip flops and shorts back into my wardrobe, and spent Saturday night grilling outdoors with some cold beers.

Hopefully we'll get some real spring back before the gross and humid summer is here for good. For now, these temps are a welcome change, so I definitely can't complain.

I also forgot to take an SP til today, so this is what you get... me cruisin' in my car with the windows down.

Week 16: Down to the lowcountry!

From April 19-22, John and I took a mini-vacay down to Charleston, S.C, our first visit down to this beautiful, historic and quaint old city. During our quick getaway, we had a great time thanks to wonderful weather and delicious southern cuisine. Charleston is full of little secrets -- you'll turn a corner and find a mysterious alleyway that opens up into an amazing garden; or stumble upon a street and find a row of gorgeous houses each with its own unique charm. We even took short trips to Folly Beach (on the West side) and Isle of Palms/Sullivan's Island (to the East) to enjoy some beach time, which everyone knows is my favorite thing.

All in all, it was a great trip! Here's an SP taken at the end of the Folly Beach pier.

Week 15: Bonding at the bar

This week's SP comes courtesy of John's long arms. There was just no way I'd be able to attempt or successfully complete a 6-person portrait. I'm counting it as this week's shot because I was the one who (mis)directed John into cutting half his face out of the photo. He should know better than to take my advice.

Kim & Natty were in town from New York so we all met up at Fado in Chinatown on Friday night for some late-night fun and cousin bonding. Had a great time!

Week 14: Eating my way through NYC

Auddie's Spring Break started last Friday and she was itching to get out of Springfield. She convinced me to take her up to New York for a few days, and we enjoyed a nice mini-vacay, despite the rainy and cold weather.

The three days consisted of eating, shopping, more eating, visiting Kyle & Avery (cutest kids ever!), more eating, and basically just hanging out with Kim.

Meal highlights included: Bulgogi hot dogs (don't forget the kim chi!), cheap dumplings from Chinatown, mini cupcakes, and a sampling of delicious mac 'n cheese!

It had been over a year since I'd been up to NYC and I was reminded how much I enjoy myself up there! Great food and great company. Can't go wrong!