Toni Visits the Midwest

In the beginning of November I headed home for a girl's weekend. My mom, sister, aunt, grandma and I spent a fun weekend in the surprisingly exciting town of Des Moines, Iowa. So many fun memories. I was also able to see a few friends and have a baby shower while I was home. Here are a few photos from the long weekend.

A morning visit with Heidi, Wyatt and Gretchen.

Our first night in Des Moines we had dinner at Jake's house...fun night!

Mom and I at the Des Moines Art Center.

All of the ladies at our B & B.

Back in Minnesota a few of my mom's friends threw a shower for me.

Lots of fun decor.

Mom helping me out with my luggage.

Fall Camping

In late October we went camping one last time before it got too cold. We had a blast with our friends and were blessed with good weather...we managed to miss hurricane Sandy by a day!

Such a beautiful weekend for camping!

The guys trying to plan our hike...this was pre-emptying what was to come. 

The ladies.

Since the guys hike didn't go exactly as planned we ended up having to walk across a river...

very cold and eventful.

Drying out.

Mom and Dad Visit

At the beginning of October mom and dad came for a visit. It was perfect timing since Ben was at a conference in Boston and they could keep Berlin and I company. Here are a few of the highlights from the trip...thanks for the visit!

After an open rooftop bus tour of the city we got dinner at Starr's Pizzeria Stella. 

A beautiful morning walk on the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Brunch at our favorite place...Terrain!

Shopping at Terrain for a new terrarium plant for Ben.

S'mores at Cosi in Rittenhouse.

Checking in on our tour guide in Old City.

Saying good bye after a wonderful trip!

Baby Girl

On October 2 Ben and I found out that we are having a baby girl! Looking forward to meeting her soon:)

Being silly in the pumpkin patch.

Fall in Virginia

Ben and I headed down to DC at the end of September to meet our new nephew Gavin and spend some time with the Brandenburgs. It was a fun weekend doing fall actives; pumpkin picking, apple picking and eating cider donuts. And on Saturday we went to Arlington Cemetery for a ceremony honoring Ben's grandpa who fought in WW2. Here are a few photos from the weekend.

Headed out to pick apples.

Brothers apple picking.

Lunch and wine tasting at Bluemont Vineyards.

Brandenburg boys at Arlington Cemetery.

Hanging out with Gavin.

6 Years!

It is so crazy to think that it has already been 6 years since we made the move from Minneapolis to Philadelphia. When we moved here I had the mind set that we would be here for 3 years or so and then head back to Minnesota. I think having that idea in my head made me not want to get too close with anyone or get involved. But after the first year and a half Ben and I were in love with this city and the amazing friendships we have made. We can't even imagine life anywhere else at this point of our lives. (sorry mom:) Of course with Ben's PhD work coming to a close we aren't sure where we will move onto next so if you want to come visit us in the 'City of Brotherly Love' now is your chance. Hope to see you soon!

NYC/Philly with Kata & Nick

Over Labor Day weekend Kata and Nick came out to NYC for a friend's wedding and Ben and I were able to meet them there. On Sunday we headed back to Philly for the rest of the holiday weekend. It was fun to show them our favorite places in NYC and our stomping grounds in Philly. Thanks for the visit!

Sisters outside the Central Park Zoo.

Before leaving for the rehearsal dinner.

Heading to Philly.

All of us at our loft.