Yahtzee

Erika, Holden, and I used to go down to the lake with beer, lunchables {true story}, and the game of Yahtzee and spend sunny evenings in the summer having an amazing time playing this awesome game.  We even came up with the "Yahtzee dance", in which a person who rolls a Yahtzee has to run around like an airplane while fellow lakegoers stared and laughed.  It's one of my favorite memories of when I first moved to the city - in fact, from that time in my life, most of my memories include these two.  I can't believe that this weekend Holden is finally tying the knot with the amazing Lisa - he really did hit the jackpot with this one.  While I'm so so happy for them, sometimes I long for those carefree days of our early twenties here, being silly and a little crazy with not a lot of responsibility.  I'm so grateful for those times, and even more grateful for these friendships that have lasted so long.  Congrats Holden - you got a Yahtzee!! :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Weekend in AZ

Last weekend I flew down to Arizona for some sunshine, relaxation, and lots of football :)  The weather was a bit warmer than I'm used to, but when all you have to do is lay by the pool, followed by jumping in the pool all day long, then who can complain?  I also had the snuggliest, sweetest, largest dog I've ever seen to keep me company - this 150 lb giant wanted nothing more than to snuggle on my lap all day long, and I happily obliged.  Sunday we headed out to the Cardinals vs. Rams game, and though I felt like I was cheating on my team, I was a good sport and am pretty sure will get invited back.  It was a lovely weekend - just the refresher I needed :)

 morning coffee by the pool

 this is how deuce sits on the couch to watch tv - it's amazing

 with the boys at the game

 cheers!

thanks for having me, chad!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Gramps!

Happy Birthday Gramps!  Now that you're retired I hope you're spending your days as you should - planning the next trip, reading your favorite books, and drinking red wine in the afternoon :)  Have the best day - you deserve it!  I love ya!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Ryley's 1st Birthday

Last Thursday I headed out to Kirkland to celebrate Ryley's 1st Birthday with his friends and family.  It seems so surreal that he's already 1 - this year went by so fast!  We celebrated with wine, pizza, and cake {just like any great birthday} and even though there were a few tears around the cake {he'll learn} I know that Ryley had a great time being celebrated and loved.  A few pics:

 he was a little unsure of the cake

 he even crawled over it to get to his mommy

he did love the airplane his grandpa built him though!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Erika

Happy birthday to this gorgeous mama, who I can always count on for a yummy meal, a listening ear, a belly-aching laugh, a baby or kitty snuggle, a shared bottle of wine, and a trip to the pumpkin patch {where she'll inevitably find a kitty to put on a pumpkin for the sake of a good picture}.  Love ya, Erika!!  :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Don't Think

I saw this quote on Instagram recently and I really liked it. Seemed fitting :)  Though it's not "home", I'm taking this weekend to not think and just feel, which is leading me on a sun-filled weekend adventure in Arizona.  Hope you have a lovely weekend!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy 1st Birthday, Ryley!

I can't believe that this perfect, sweet little boy is turning 1 today!  This past year has just flown by.  It seems like just yesterday I was anxiously rushing to the hospital to meet him and squeeze him and kiss him :)  Ryley - you are my favorite little 1 year old around and I cannot wait to watch you grow and learn {and keep your parents on their toes}.  I love you little buddy!

xoxo,
stephanie marie