It's a Boy!

Alan and I could not be happier for our sweet friends Becky & Mike who found out yesterday they are having a boy! They shared the exciting news with us over dinner at Casa don Gallo and we had a great time celebrating with them!

Colorado Trip

Last week Alan and I were here...

...with our sweet friends from Saint Louis, Laura and Mike. They invited us to stay at their house in Silverthorn, CO and go skiing with them. We had a blast! We got in on Wednesday night and ate dinner at the Dam Brewery which was a fun little place to start our trip.

Thursday morning we woke up bright and early and headed to...

...which is about 20 minutes from the house. I was a bit nervous as this was my first time to ski out west, but everyone was super great giving me tips and patiently waiting at the bottom of the runs as I worked my way down the trail and got the hang of things.

Here is Laura and me at the bottom of a "blue" - quite proud of ourselves :)

it was beautiful!

We headed home around 5 o'clock and got there in time to see a gorgeous sunset.

Friday morning before heading off for the day

We went to...

...because: 1) we got "buy one - get one" lift tickets, 2) great mountain that's not as crowded as some of the others, 3) great "after-skiing" drinks according to Laura, more to come on that later!

Ready for the day to begin!

We were all a bit sore but also a bit more confident. The weather could not have been better!

Around 4 o'clock we headed to the lodge for an "after-skiing" drink: homemade Irish cream = delish!

On Saturday, we decided to take a break from the slopes and hit the shops so we went to...

...where we ate a yummy lunch and then just walked around the cute little town. I am actually really glad we didn't ski that day because it was super crowded as a result of the long weekend.

best of times with the best of friends

On our way home Saturday night, Mike drove us up to the top of the mountain where you can see the whole valley. I told Laura that Alan and I love to travel but that we both want to make it a point to see more of the US because we live in such an amazing country with so much to offer.

Our trip came to an end much to quickly, but we had the greatest time catching up with friends while seeing an incredible part of the country. Life is good!

Heart Day

Yes... Alan and I celebrate Valentine's Day. I know it's one of those cheesy hallmark holidays but we decide every year it's a fun chance to get out for no other reason than to enjoy our time together. This year we are back in Knoxville and went to dinner at the Northshore Brasserie.

It was delicious!

Alan surprised me with a rose (he said he didn't want to get a whole bouquet because we are going out of town tomorrow)

...and we both got cards that neither of us had a chance to write in yet, ha! I guess that's one of those things that happens after being married for a while, can I argue it the thought that counts?! Happy Valentine's Day friends, we are hitting the slopes tomorrow!!!

54th Grammy's

Alan and I are super excited watching the Grammy's tonight and are on the lookout for our friend, Dave Barnes, who was nominated for "Best Country Song" of the year! Hears to hoping he receives this amazing award!

Dave Barnes

We have also spent some time today packing and getting our ski stuff together for our trip to Colorado on Wednesday! We are going with Laura & Mike and I cannot wait to see them! Stay tuned for details of the fun times to come!

Superbowl Weekend

This past weekend, Alan and I went to my parents' house on Friday night to celebrate my sister, Christa's, 19th birthday. Christa is a freshman at UT this year and I am vicariously living out college again through her crazy shenanigans. Elizabeth and Patrick came in town for the fun so it was a great chance to catch up with them.

Saturday began at SoHo in turkey creek where I met Becky for a long overdue pedicure. Becky and her husband, Mike, are super busy traveling with their jobs so I felt lucky to have the morning to catch up with her.

That night Alan and I went to the Edwards for Brayden's 1st birthday party. There was a great turnout!

Becca did a fabulous job with all the sweet decorations, everything was perfect :)

Brayden wasn't sure what he thought about everyone singing to him, bless his heart!

Sunday we went to church and then out with friends to Casa Don Gallo, one of our favorite mexican cantinas. It makes my stomach hurt sometimes, but I don't care.. it is that good. That afternoon we spent some time making a few dishes for our evening events. What you ask? Just a football game some people like to watch called the Superbowl. We headed over to the Martins a little before kick-off.

Alan and I came bringing "THE BEST" Spinach Artichoke dip (thanks for sharing, Elizabeth!), mac n cheese, and a squares board.

The game was great and hanging out with friends was even better. Amanda had prepared a delicious meal, Alan and I ran the board for the first 3 quarters, and the Giants won! Great weekend!