A Very White Christmas

Ben, Berlin and I once again took the 18 hour drive home to Minnesota to spend the holidays with our families. It was a busy week driving all over the Twin Cities seeing friends and family...but it was totally worth it. Here are a few photos highlighting the week in snowy MN.


Twenty-something years celebrating Christmas with the Pearsons!


Checking out Kata's new digs in Rochester, MN.


Aiden, Elaine, Kim and Me at the shower mom and I threw for Kim.


Christmas with the Brandenburgs.


Loved spending time with our Nephew Ethan and Niece Ellie.


Dinner and games with the Pedersons.

Post Thanksgiving Weekend

After Thanksgiving my family stuck around and we decided to see another part of Pennsylvania while they were here. We headed to Lancaster County...better known as Amish country. It was a nice weekend in the country relaxing at the Osceola Mill Bed and Breakfast while we watched the Amish buggies drive by and experienced their simple way of life. Thanks for the fun trip Mom, Dad, Kata and Judson.


Osceola Mill Bed and Breakfast


Family style dinner at Stoltzfus Farm Restaurant


Outside our front door when we woke up.

Thanksgiving Week in Philadelphia

Ben and I were blessed to have both of our families visit us during the Thanksgiving week. Here are a few pictures highlighting the week!


Touring Eastern State Penitentiary.


Bowling night and dinner in the city.


At the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade!


The guys deep frying our turkey in the rain...thank you!


Cousins Bailey and Berlin getting their Thanksgiving Dinner.


Thanksgiving Dinner...all 15 of us!


Heading back to DC after breakfast at Parc on Rittenhouse Square.

2nd Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

This year our flat had its second annual Pre-Thanksgiving dinner. We are lucky to have incredible chefs as neighbors and a beauitful afternoon to eat outside once again! Thanks for the delicious meal everyone.


Hanging out in our courtyard before dinner.


The delicious spread.


The dinner!


Annick and Teague...too cute!

Austin, Texas!

For the second time this year I headed down to the Lone Star State...never in my life did I think I would spend so much time in this surprisingly wonderful place! I had the opportunity to spend the weekend in Austin, Texas with my parents for a wedding reception of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Sarah. Sarah and Cliff had a destination wedding and had this reception in their home state for all of us to celebrate with them. Congratulations Sarah and Cliff!


Sarah and myself with our moms.

Camping in the Pennsylvania 'Mountains'

In an effort to enjoy fall in Pennsylvania Ben and I thought a weekend in the Pennsylvania 'mountains' would do just that. We spent a beautiful weekend in Jim Thorpe, PA camping, hiking, fishing and relaxing with our good friends Jackie and Corey. Thanks for the fun weekend!


The guys in the Lehigh Gorge.


One of the many waterfalls we saw while hiking.


At the top...it was worth it!


At the Boulder Field.


Berlin, happy to be along.


Fishing at our campsite.


Enjoyed lots of time by the fire.

New England in the Fall

We’ve been a little pessimistic of New England. To do so, is to be a Midwesterner. There are still too many Ivy League schools per square mile, and too much traffic, but after touring through Cambridge, Boston, Plymouth, and Cape Cod we can safely say, it’s one of our favorite spots in the country!

Our Top 5 List:

1. The Harvard University Bookstore, Cambridge.

2. The Bakeries at Quincy Market, Boston.

3. Free Tiramisu at Pomodoro in the North End, Boston.

4. Park Ranger talk about King Philips War at Plymouth Rock, Plymouth.

5. Church of the Transfiguration, Orleans, Cape Cod. (Protestant Benedictine Monastery)


Ben on the steps of the Harvard Library, Cambridge MA.


Meeting up with the Helmbergers in Quincy Market, Boston MA.


At the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock, Plymouth MA.


The spectacular Church of the Transfiguration, Cape Cod MA.


Nauset Beach, Cape Cod MA.