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Harvestfest 2.0

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It was our first Thanksgiving hosting both indoors and in our new home. Following years of Harvestfests, we’ve claimed this holiday in our family.

The kids helped make place cards, Hadley decorating the backside, Carson carefully spelling out each name:

 

Both kids helped decorate the table, filling the centerpieces with pine cones, apples, filberts and other fall items:

Jason ran a tight ship, writing out the play-by-play on the blackboard. Which worked out well {as much as everyone gave him grief :}.

Table set, waiting for guests to arrive:
 
We set up the “big kids” at their own table by the window:
 
Gathering firewood:
Snow White, Frankenstein, Martha Stewart…raiding the dress-up bin brought many unexpected guests to the table:

Lily and Penny taste testing:

Sharing an appetizer of Goldfish and olives with her BFF:

Prepping:

Neighbors stopped by for pre-dinner vino:

Papa reading stories to Kate:

Chin-ups at the park with cousin Calvin {gotta burn off those calories}:

The weekend was extra special with all five cousins together and Julie and Aaron flying up from LA. I didn’t manage to get a group shot of everyone at the table, which I guess was a sign we were too busy enjoying good food and company, lots of laughter and making memories.

On The Shores of Lake Michigan

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In all the years of these annual excursions with my college pals {my”forever friends”} with destinations ranging from Playa del Carmen to Vegas, this past weekend in South Haven was my favorite of all:

Bren hooked us up with the perfect beach cottage free of charge thanks to generous family friends. We parked the cars in the driveway on Thursday and didn’t move them again all weekend.

We packed in typical girls weekend activities including wine tasting, a spa day, shopping in local boutiques and a chick flick. But the moments I’ll take away are the four of us all together laughing, reminiscing, catching up, and toasting to nearly 20 years of friendship watching the sun set over the water.

One of my fav pics from the trip, impromptu shot of Kelly on the pier:

What’s another round of margaritas over lunch when you’re on vacation?

Until next year, my Bs…

Girls Weekend

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I’m off on a jet plane to meet up for a long weekend with my old college pals. This year’s excursion involves road trippin’. Just like old times. Minus the Alanis Morisette soundtrack and Taco Bell runs.  Be back next week!

Unplugging

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My friend Shelley and her husband purchased a bit of land in the gorge a few years ago, set up a yurt and use it for their weekend escapes.
When she invited me for a weekend of unplugging, relaxing, and soaking up the sun with a few girlfriends I readily accepted the invitation.

Rocking chairs and vintage loungers on the deck command relaxation.

Shelley has the meal planning down to an art. With everything prepped and planned I felt very spoiled. Seriously, all that was left to do was pop a cork or fire up the burner for the morning French press:

Pointing out Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams had the clouds not been in the way:

Time passes quickly when relaxing is mixed with good conversation, disconnecting and yummy food. All I remember is falling asleep in the hammock, reading some tidbits in my current Real Simple, sipping cocktails and laughing a lot.

I could watch the sun set over this view every night. How about you?

{ daily quotes }

As long as you embrace struggle and mistakes, you can learn anything.
–Salman Kahn

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.
– Henry David Thoreau

There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings.
– Hodding Carter, Jr.

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