Hot Springs with the Boys

Ben and his brothers surprised their dad with an East Coast fly fishing trip for his 60th birthday. They stayed at a rustic cabin on a sheep farm along the river in Bath County, Virginia. Apparently they had a great time. All I can tell is what I see in the pictures. If you want more details you will have to talk with one of the Brandenburg boys directly.

Clothing Swap

"A clothing swap is a type of swapmeet wherein participants exchange their valued but no longer used clothing for clothing they will use. Clothing swaps are considered not only a good way to declutter and refill one's wardrobe, but also are considered an act of environmentalism. " -Wikipedia

I was invited to my first ever clothing swap this weekend. I had read about them and thought it sounded like a fantastic idea but never attended one. I was able to get rid of a few clothes, I wasn't wearing anymore, and pick up 3 fabulous new pieces. Not only did I get new clothes but there were also delicious snacks and it was held in a an amazing photography studio!




With our treasures :)

Home Projects

The past few months I have been working on some projects around the house...here are the before and afters for you to enjoy.


Our dining room before.


Dining room after with the chandelier Ben gave me for Christmas.


Canvases before.


We needed something to fill the height of our loft...here are the canvases after.



Our kitchen with polka dots before.


After, we were tired of the dots so decided to change it up to a solid back splash.


The 50 cent lamp I bought at the thrift store, before.


After, on our dresser.

Millie Jean Perkins

I was one of the many people that was honored to have Millie in my life. She was the most extraordinary woman I have ever met and truly lived life to the fullest. She was 2 months shy of her 92nd birthday when she passed. Here are a few photos of Millie.


Traveling in Burma.


Fun at Millie's.

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.