Bridesmaid Bliss

I was a bridesmaid in my cousin, Sarah's, wedding on June 21. Her and her fiance, Doug, had a beautiful wedding ceremony in Maumee, OH, and then celebrated with a top rate reception in downtown Toledo, OH. I was honored to be asked to be a part of her wedding and I am so happy that she is happy and in love and now a new wife! Here are a few pictures from the festive weekend (oh, as an added bonus, I got to spend time with my entire family on my Mom's side--yeah!):

Sarah and me at the rehearsal.

Mom, Grammy, and Me at the Docs in Downtown Toledo (Rehearsal Dinner)

Mom, Matthew, and Me at the Reception

Oh, I just couldn't resist posting this picture. This is my cousin's daughter, Tatum, and she is such a cutie pie!

I love my Aunt Nancy (my Grammy's little sister)!

And, finally, a picture with the bride and groom--the new Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Mark. Congratulations!

My Girls

I am so very, very blessed with the most amazing girlfriends. Time and time again I offer up a little gratitude prayer for the wonderful women in my life.

This past weekend I went out for a sushi dinner at Tuna Town in Huntington Beach with Kara, who was visiting from Seattle, and Theresa.

Then I met Sabina, Alanna, Janet, Nicole, and others at Chronic Cantina to celebrate Janet's marathon completion, move, new job, and birthday.

And, finally, on Sunday, I met Britt at her place in LA and we visited the LACMA and had a late lunch/early dinner at King's Road Cafe.

Good times; GREAT friends!

Time Off

Just a quick note: I received some positive news about our time off at work this week. I won't go into details about it, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn about a policy that I was unaware of before. That's always good!

Seeing my Sister in Manhattan Beach!

Yeah! I got to see my sister AGAIN! She was on another long layover at LAX on her way home from Australia and so I picked her up and took her out to eat at a crêperie in Manhattan Beach. Then we walked down to the pier and took a few pictures. It was a gorgeous non-gloomy day and I was so happy to see Anna again. I won't see her again for at least another three months:-(

Seeing my Seester in Santa Monica!

Anna was in LA for a long layover on Sunday evening (she was on her way to Australia--how cool?!) and so I picked her up and we went out to dinner in Santa Monica (Anna had sushi for the first time!), walked around the Third Street Promenade, listened to the street entertainers, grabbed a coffee, and admired the ocean and pier from Ocean Ave. What a perfect evening with my little sister! I love her and miss her so much and was so happy to spend the evening with her before she left the country.

Seeing my Seester!

Anna was in LA for a long layover on Sunday evening (she was on her way to Australia--how cool?!) and so I picked her up and we went out to dinner in Santa Monica (Anna had sushi for the first time!), walked around the Third Street Promonade, listened to the street entertainers,

Patio Work

After living with a boring patio for over three years, I finally got motivated this weekend and "redid" my patio with wall art, decorations, lights, and lots of lovely new plants. I plan on spending a lot of time out here this summer!