Weekend in Minnesota

In June I was able to head home to MN for a little R&R...it was a fabulous long weekend with lots of laughing and enjoying time with my family. Thanks for the trip mom and dad! Judson...you were missed.


Stone Arch Bridge


Bergstrom/McLaren ladies


Time with Grandma.


Mom and her tricks.


Annie's Parlour!


Meeting my godson John.


Visiting Grandpa.


Time with my niece and nephew.

Nags Head, OBX

Over the Memorial Day weekend Ben and I were invited to spend the long weekend with 12 of our closest friends in the Outer Banks. It was a wonderful weekend relaxing and hanging with friends. Here are a few pics highlighting our trip.


The whole group.


A typical day.


A typical night.


Atop the Jockey's Ridge State Park sand dunes.


The Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Greensgrow Farms CSA

After contemplating doing a CSA (community supported agriculture) for the last few years Ben and I have finally decided to take it on. It is a popular thing to do in Philadelphia so we thought we would try it out. Every other week we get a share of veggies, fruit and dairy from the farm that is only a few blocks from our house. The first week was awesome but I am still learning what half the veggies are and what to do with them. The CSA goes from May-November so I have several weeks to practice. We are looking forward to it!


Our first pick-up at the farm.


Our first share.

Frankford Hall

3 weeks ago Ben and I were lucky to have a beer garden open up just blocks away from our loft. It is very authentic German and has a great atmosphere. The first thing Ben said when we walked in the door was 'we are going to be spending lots of money here' and so far that has been very true! Hope you can come visit and enjoy it with us:)


Ben and brother Paul at the ping pong tables.

The Royal Wedding!

Ever since I can remember I have been slightly obsessed with the Royals. So missing the Royal Wedding was never an option. My close girlfriend Jackie (equally obsessed) and I had a royal wedding all nighter to celebrate the event. We did manage to get about 2 hours of sleep between all of the footage and the 6am wedding. But all in all I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Everything was perfect!

I don't have any pictures of the all nighter but I did get a picture of one of our early morning snacks. The Royal Wedding donut from Dunkin Donuts.

California: The Coast

After a fabulous time in wine country we spent our last day doing the famous Route 1 a.k.a. Pacfic Coast Highway. On our drive we stopped at Muir Woods to check out the coastal redwoods, "the tallest of all living things", the scenic 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, and stopped for dinner in Caramel by the Sea.


Muir Woods.


Kate and I in a redwood.


All 4 of us on the 17 Mile Drive.


In front of the Lone Cypress Tree.

California: Wine Country

This was the longest portion of of our trip and by far the most relaxing. We enjoyed vineyards big, small, famous and secret. We continued our tour of amazing restaurants by hitting up; Thomas Keller's Bouchon, and Auberge with its sweeping views. And on our last day we spent the morning experiencing the famous Mud Baths at Spa Solage in Calistoga.


Beautiful vineyards everywhere!


Our Bed and Breakfast in Healdsburg, Camellia Inn.



At Mumm...delicious sparkling wine.


Castello di Amorosa


Jordan and Ben relaxing at Alpha Omega Winery.