Favorite Moment of 2013

Looking back on the highlights from 2013, this was definitely one of my favorite moments (summer vacations were a close second). Tad was sworn in as an attorney in November and it was the best day. This was about a week after he passed the bar and we were still on cloud nine. I am so proud of this man and his accomplishments. 2014 is looking pretty bright.

How good does Tad look in a court room? I mean. What a stud. He was born for this attorney business.

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours! Overflowing with joy and thankfulness this holiday season.

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." Matthew 2:10

Happy Halloween

That's all Krycek has to say about that.

P.S. That boy (not the sailor) got his bar results back today. He PASSED! We're a little excited. Best Halloween treat ever.

Desert Paradise

Our favorite part of Scottsdale was our stay at the Saguaro a.k.a desert paradise. It's located in the heart of Old Town. So bright, so beautiful. I could definitely live there. We lounged by the pool most of the time and even did some night swimming. They had underwater speakers. It just doesn't get more magical than music under water.

We also put the bikes to good use. If you're not a regular, apparently you're sore for days. Who knew?

We had to try out the Distrito. Their chorizo is everything. I think it may have been the best I've ever had and I've had some pretty amazing chorizo. 

So long, summer! You were so good to us.

An Arizona Adventure

This picture just about sums up how I feel about Scottsdale, Arizona. Kandee and I traveled to the valley of the sun this month and had an absolute blast. We couldn't get enough of Old Town and the desert. I may not miss the 115 degree weather, but I do miss that charming town full of culture.

The best Jalapeno Pecan Cakes from the Orange Table Bar.

Just chatting it up with some locals.

When we weren't stuffing our faces with food, we were shopping at Mexican Imports. We went to this store at least once a day. We left with Mexican blankets galore. I had trouble fitting all of the goodies into my suitcase and had to even take a few blankets as my carry on. Yes, I was that girl. There were so many places we didn't get a chance to explore. Take Goldfield Ghost Town for example. I guess I'll just have to go back. No complaints there!

Meet Krycek

Meet our new cat. This is Krycek (named after an X-Files character, of course). So he isn't exactly new, but this is basically the first time I could snap a picture. Not because he is camera shy, but because he never really stops moving. He is one active feline. He is mad as a hatter, but we love him. By we I mean I. Tad is still trying to get past the litter box and him destroying various household items. Never a dull moment! He is definitely a little blessing and I am thankful Samantha thought of us when he needed a home.

I was really missing the animal life after Klifford decided to leave us to live with my parents' chihuahuas. Yes, he decided. He wasn't happy unless he was with my dad. I didn't want to believe it, but they are truly inseparable. Seriously. If you see my dad driving around town, Klifford is in the passenger seat. Lucky for me, they visit on weekends and I have a crazed cat who keeps me on my toes.

Siesta Key

What a gorgeous beach! In a nutshell, I spent the week collecting seashells, falling in love with Hadley Hemingway's story and soaking up the sun. I think I may have brought home over 200 seashells. I had some help collecting only the finest. Tad asked me what I'm going to do with all of my mermaid money (he would). That's a great question. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share.

Such a great week with those sweet in-laws of mine. I was so happy to be a part of the matching tops tradition this year. Thinking we should include the boys in that tradition next year. I'm already looking forward to putting my toes in the sand again. I mean, is there really anything better than the beach in the summer? Didn't think so.

Check out more Florida vacation here and here.

Shrimp & Sunsets

My favorite night of vacation involved shrimp and a beautiful sunset. Tad's sweet granddad treated us to dinner at Lobster Pot and it was so delicious. I have never had a lobster roll and had my heart set on ordering one. That is until I saw it was made with mayonnaise. I just couldn't do it. It didn't take me long to get over it when I saw stuffed shrimp on the menu. Yes, please. 

These lovebirds. So sweet! After dinner, we had to check out the sunset on the beach. Such a sucker for that cliche. Who isn't?

The only thing that could have made that sunset more perfect was Tad. Next year!

The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

When in Sarasota, visit the Mote Marine Laboratory. I was so excited for this. I absolutely love the aquatic life. I was this close to switching my major to marine biology after freshman year. The staff there is living the dream. We had so much fun exploring the aquarium. If I'm ever in this neck of the woods again, I'll be back.

Can't believe I mustered the courage to touch a stingray. How does swimming with a whale not frighten me, but touching a stingray does? I'm a mystery.

 Carter's face. Is that not the cutest sea turtle you ever did see? She is just too darling.