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.

Adam's Visit

It's not quite a book dedication, but after I stayed at Adam's pad in Chicago for about a month while doing research, my old college roommate was kind enough to splendor us with a weekend visit.

Yards Brewery, Philadelphia

Crist's East Coast Road Trip

Over Labor Day weekend we were blessed with a visit from our dear friends the Crists. They drove out from Minnesota to spend the long weekend with us and check out some East Coast cities (Philadelphia, New York and Atlantic City). Here are a few pics from the weekend. Thanks for the fun visit!


Elfreth's Alley in Old City Philadelphia.


Wyatt's first trip to the ocean!


Don't tell Wyatt he rode in a pink carseat the whole weekend :)


Central Park, New York City.


Dinner in our courtyard for Crist's last night.

Libertipalooza

Every summer all 3 Liberti Church congregations get together for a day of fun, food, relaxation and competition out of the city...


Relaxing on the hill.


Ben showing off his moves.


Berlin and his new BFF Chloe.


Some extreme greased watermelon rugby.


Just the 3 of us.

Twin Cities Weekend

Our last weekend in Minnesota was spent in the Twin Cities with the Brandenburgs/Muhrs and friends. We were able to spend time with our growing niece,Ellie, and nephew, Ethan, along with hitting up our favorite restaurant Punch pizza! Sadly we missed out on the Minnesota State Fair by only 4 days...maybe next year.


An afternoon at the Science Museum.


Berlin enjoyed hanging out with his Aunt Molly.


High school girlfriends.


The car packed up for the drive back to Philly.