Hosting Thanksgiving

Happy belated Thanksgiving! 

I hope you enjoyed a fabulous weekend full of family, friends, and food. 

This was the first year that I didn't get to help in the prep for Thanksgiving dinner because I worked Thanksgiving day at the hospital.

Halfway through the day, I got this text from my sister. 

I got off work and rushed home, sorry if I flashed my lights or tailgated, I just couldn't wait to get home to my family. This was the first year we had both sets of our parents and sister at our apartment for a holiday.

We aren't crazy Black Friday or Thanksgiving day shoppers, but we do love to go and pick out our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. 

This year, my FIL picked out the perfect tree. 

I love our little family of three. 

On Dasher and Dancer...or Aida and Bailey! 

We had so much fun with our families this weekend.

We laughed, stuffed ourselves, bought our tree, saw The Book Thief in theater, and squeezed in next to each other on the couch watching football. 

Aida and Bailey loved celebrating their birthday together with a trip to Woof Gang Bakery and a special birthday treat to share.

After all of the family left on Saturday morning, we worked out, and finally went to see Catching Fire. I love the Hunger Games books and the movies are fabulous. Afterwards, we went to church and tried a new-to-us restaurant: Chow with a friends from our small group. I'm so thankful for incredible friends and conversations with them. 

We wrapped up the weekend with a quiet Sunday relaxing and getting ready for the week. 

Yesterday, I also put together my first of three Secret Santa gifts for a co-worker. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them for my next two gifts. 

Linking up with Sami and LeeAnn

beers, brats, burgers, and bikinis

Happy belated 4th of July!

We celebrated a fabulous July 4th with our neighbors and friends. This was the first time in five years that I haven't been at the hospital, so it was a welcomed holiday away from patients.

I got home from night shift and took a long nap before the Chef and I got a text from our neighbor Kyle telling us to get to the pool for "Beers, brats, burgers, and bikinis."

We spent the afternoon poolside with our neighbors and a friend from work, soaking up the sun together.

After getting our fill of sun, we pulled out Kyle's grill and cooked burgers, Wisconsin brats, and veggie skewers.

We stuffed ourselves before heading to a nearby parking lot where we spread a blanket, and Aida watched her first fireworks.

Then it was one last trip down to the pool for drinks and hot tub time.

It was definitely an amazing July 4th with the best neighbor! I'm so thankful for the holiday away from the hospital, friends, and great weather to enjoy such a fun holiday.