Road trips to Michigan are the best.

Over memorial Day we took advantage 

of the 3 day weekend and drove to Michigan

to see the Bowers crew and celebrate Kara's graduation. 

I really did hit the jackpot when it comes to 

both Anthony and his family. 

A short hour after arriving, 
I couldn't shake the feeling 

of wanting to drop everything 
and move back to the Midwest. 

With views like this, can you blame me? 

Like all other weekend recaps, 

here are a bunch of pics from our trip! 

Mornings are the best. 

Any time I went outside without the pup, 

he patiently waited by the door 

hoping to join the in the fun. 

Everyone thinks their nieces and nephews 

are the cutest kids ever....

but between my brother, Joel and Jamey? 

We win. 

Norah has recently picked up the phrase

"Hello Guv-nah!"

from a favorite cartoon.  

Hearing a two year old say this in a perfect British accent 

is hands down one of the funniest things I've ever heard. 

Two more reasons why my hubs is the best. 

Oh Upland, I sure did miss you. 

I think the lake it Jax's happy place too. 

Exhibit A: 

Being outside without a leash.

Exhibit B:

Opportunities around every corner.

And speaking of dogs...

Finally, a hot dog on the hot dog blog! 

(ps, this might be my favorite lunch ever)

And on the subject of favorites, 

these are three of mine. 

:-) 

3 days and two hair washes after being home, 

my hair still smelled of campfires and lake. 

Couldn't be more blessed. 

Oh Michigan, 

I miss you already.

Scenes from the weekend.

Anthony finished his second semester 

of Grad School last Sunday.

Yay! 

I couldn't be more proud of him 

and how hard he's worked this past year. 

With him being home more, 

it means he's back creating masterpieces in the kitchen. 

Being off for summer break 

also means his weekends are free 

for the first time since we've moved to Philly. 

I couldn't be more excited to hang out with him :-) 

Because of this, 

get ready for a photo bomb 

of pics from the wkd.  

Sorry but not sorry. 

Seriously, you can click out now. 

~~~~~~

No? Okay, here goes. 

Friday was First Fridays, 

so we checked out some art. 

In the art world, 

it basically just means the galleries 

show new stuffs on a Friday, 

stay open late and give away booze.

No surprise this weirdo print was my fav. 

We also happened upon

the Paddy's Pub while waiting 

to meet up with some friends.

It was pretty great. 

Saturday morning Anth decided 

to make a clam pasta from Lidia's Cookbook for lunch.

I swear, every recipe of hers is a winner. 

And shucks, 

it was awesoooome. 

Also, to those of you who don't think 

clams in pasta sound good? 

You're.Wrong.The.End.

We spent the rest of the afternoon 

down at the Schuylkill reading and napping. 

(Skooo-kill for those not in the know with Philly speak)

And then trekked to a great fancy Mexi dinner.

A HUGE thanks to Jamey and Kate 

for the generous Christmas gift card to Lolita. 

For starters, any BYO that has 

bring your own tequila 

is a step ahead in my book. 

(Blood orange margaritas are really freakin' delicious btw)

Anth's reaction to our appetizers arriving. 

Definitely one of the best meals we've had in the city. 

Sunday I was lucky enough 

to snag a spot in the Broad Street 10 miler; 

a great Philly tradition. 

Jax however, didn't get so lucky. 

The odds just weren't in his favor. 

He was obviously pissed. 

He followed me for 10 minutes before I left; 

staring at his leash and sitting 

in the most perfect attentive sit ever. 

There were also a lot of heavy dog sighs. 

Poor guy. 

#Redforboston

I have to admit, 

I was hoping the post-race treat 

would be cheesesteaks. 

Can't win 'em all :-) 

At least I got a high-five from the mayor! 

(thanks Neah for the pic!)

When I got back, 

We took the pup on a long walk

to Rita's and a local dog pet store. 

He was super pumped.

(obviously)

And finally, because we live 
in an over-crowded part the city,
we don't have an outdoor space. 

But we've got a fire escape! 

Some nights are just too nice to eat inside. 

Jax, again, was pissed he was left out. 

Hope you too had a great weekend 
and weren't left out of any fun!