Happy Last Day of September

Happy Friday - finally!  In continuing the tradition of family weekends, I'm heading over to Wenatchee to see my baby brother.  I'm looking forward to soaking up the last days of sunshine east of the mountains and spending quality time with my brother (which we know will involve lots of food).  Hopefully, this trip turns out better than the last :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

pic from an impromptu sailing adventure on an awesome boat this week :)

Happy {late} Birthday Great Grandma

While I was gone in Colorado last week, my great grandma Eloise celebrated her 92nd birthday.  Can you imagine all of the things she's seen in her 92 years?!?!  I wish I could've been there to help celebrate, but I know she was deservedly spoiled by the rest of the family.  Happy Birthday, Gram!  I love you very much :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

pic of me, great grandma, & Shaun flashing peace signs at Christmas 2009

Colorado {Muriel & Adam}

My main reason for heading out to Colorado was for the wedding of my bestest college buddy, Muriel.  The wedding, held at the Aspen Historical Society followed by a reception at Hotel Jerome, was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen.  The weather was perfect, the bride was stunning, and the venue was decorated so beautifully.  I loved the personal family touches - from the arch made by Mur's dad that the couple got married under to the rockin' tunes her parents played during the reception while we danced the night away.  I'm so happy I was able to be a part of this special day, and I wish Mur and Adam lots love and happiness.  Congrats you two! :)

Mur & her dad Bo

Bo & Vicki singing a song they sang at their own wedding

Bo & me

with the Hale's - Taylor & Mur

Jimmie & me

Bo & Vicki at the reception

my favorite band :)

father daughter dance

Congrats, Mur!

xoxo,

stephanie marie



Colorado {Klosterman Kids}

playing outside with puppy

I spent most of my weekend in Colorado at the Klosterman house playing with Abby and Griffin.  When we weren't watching Lilo and Stitch for the 200th time over the course of 4 days (their present from Auntie Stephie), we occupied our time by:

reading books

riding bikes

being a princess

swinging from the monkey bars at school

being an angry mouse

riding the train

being the sweetest little man...

...and the cutest little lady

Kelli, Jeff, Griffin, & Abby - thanks for a great weekend.  I love you all :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Colorado

I got in too late last night and got too little sleep over the long weekend, but I had a great trip to Colorado and can't believe it's already over.  I spent a lot of time with this little lady (above) and went to one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever seen.  With the temps in the 80's and 90's all weekend, it's tough to come back to a windy and rainy Seattle day, so I'm going to go grab some coffee and will be back tomorrow with lots more pics.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Colorado Bound

I'm off to Colorado for the rest of the week to watch this lady tie the knot (finally).  I can't wait to see some of our old buddies and Mur's family, as well as spend quality time with the Klosterman kids.  This visit is way overdue, and I'm so happy that I'll be there to help celebrate this happy and special day.

So excited for you, Mur :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Diana {Chicago}

I finally picked up my Diana pictures from Chicago, and though some are a little dark or a little blurry, I love the colors and how these pictures capture my trip differently than any of the digital ones could have.

{this one is my fave - look at those clouds!}

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Hale's Ales

Saturday evening my parents and my brother met me in Seattle for family dinner.  I took them to Hale's Ales in Fremont for some yummy pub food and seasonal beers.  Since it's rare that all 4 of us are in the same place together, it was nice to have a relaxing dinner to catch up and recap the college football games of the day (poor Rams).  Afterward, we went back to my house for dessert before my parents took off for the evening and my brother and I did one of our favorite things - watch old episodes of The Office to get ready for the season premier next week :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Crab Cakes

After our crabbing excursion last weekend, I brought home several halves of crab intent on making crab cakes.  I searched all over for a quality but not too labor-intensive recipe and settled on these from Paula Deen (paired with the sauce found in this recipe).  With the crab already cracked (thanks, mom!), this recipe was a breeze to put together.  After a few unsuccessful attempts at shaping the patties, my sous chef graciously stepped in to help and after a few minutes on each side in the frying pan, we were ready to eat.  Paired with a light salad and yummy beer, this was the perfect end of summer meal to gradually take us into fall.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Barrio & Tavern Law {date night}

Last week for date night, since we were craving Mexican and low key, we decided to head up the hill to Barrio, a fun restaurant with yummy food and refreshing margaritas.  I've never been disappointed when I go there, with the hundreds of candles lighting the space and the inventive menu.  After dinner, we walked down the street to Tavern Law for cocktails.  Though we didn't get to the speakeasy upstairs, the drinks were still delish and the food menu worth taking a look at for next time.

margaritas

candle wall that the light by hand daily

grilled flank steak tacos

Tavern Law

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Maximus Minimus

Last week, with nothing for lunch and a gorgeous day outside, David and I ventured out to find the Maximus Minimus food truck down by Pike Place Market.  I've walked by this "pig" many times but had never stopped to try it out.  It was Taco Tuesday so David opted for the 3 taco special, but I went with the original pulled pork sandwich and slaw with maximus sauce.  Mmmmm.....it was delicious!  I will definitely be stopping by this truck more often from now on, and I would highly recommend checking out their schedule online to go hunt them down.  Do it now.  You won't regret it :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

The Weekend {in pictures}

family reunion at the family farm

Besides crabbing, the rest of my weekend home was filled with family, friends, and, of course, lots of food.  I can't believe it had been so long since I'd been home, and it was exactly the relaxing weekend I needed.

my favorite restaurant back home

tuna melt at calico cupboard

view from my parents' new home

one of dad's projects at the farm

erika, maddie, and autumn finishing the skagit flats half marathon

best roadside deal around

xoxo,
stephanie marie