Paul, Jodi and Gavin Visit

Ben and I were excited to have Ben's brother Paul in town for work these last 2 weeks. This meant Jodi and our newest nephew Gavin came for a bit too. It was fun to have them around for an extended period of time rather then the quick visits we usually have.

Gavin was fascinated by Berlin.

They brought some delicious German Gluhwein to share.

I took Jodi and Gavin to my favorite lunch spot in Philly...the URBN headquarters.

All of us:)

Our Christmas Tree

On Black Friday Ben and I had lunch in the city and then went to get our Christmas tree...our usual Black Friday tradition. Here are a few fun photos from the day.

Lunch at the delicious Garces Trading Company.

Finding the 'perfect' tree.

Berlin helping Ben.

Ben getting the decorations down from the attic.

Our tree...and the gifts ready for the trip to Minnesota. You can see our boots were out in anticipation for St. Nicholaus' visit on December 6th.

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.