3.30.2013

25

I am now 25! 
We celebrated with good food, friends, and a surprise trip!

Dan made me this delicious cake!
Baby William made it to the party. 
Our friends still want to hang with us even when we are 
crammed in our little apartment.
Dan surprised me with a trip to Chicago!
We have a list of places we want to visit, and we made
a very quick weekend trip to "the windy city".
This plate was in our hotel room when we arrived. Fun!
We ate Chicago style pizza at Pizzeria Due.

We walked around the city a little bit and got our bearings.
The next morning we were off to explore!
The river that runs through downtown Chicago is dyed green 
every year for St. Patrick's Day. 
Boy, was it a party!
We had never seen so many people wearing green and all 
were equally excited to celebrate this holiday.
It was crazy!


This little boat was being driven by a very old man. 
We loved that it looked just like a car on the water.
Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen.
All of the buildings are equally unique and interesting.
So neat to walk around and explore.
This is what the sidewalks were like around town that day.
It was so crowded. Everyone was either at the river 
or headed to the parade.
We were outside for a few hours, and then we 
were so cold we had to seek shelter.
I see why they call it the windy city!
We stopped in my favorite place to have some sweets.
Magnolia's Bakery makes the best Banana Pudding.


We stayed at the "W" downtown.
It was the perfect location and was close to everything! 
We loved the elevated train! So cool.
Unfortunately, the park was closed for the parade, so this was the 
closest we got to the famous bean!

We also went to the Lincoln Park Zoo for free.
It was so much fun!
I would love to visit there again in the summer time! 
I bet it is beautiful.
It was a quick trip but very fun!
Thanks Dan!

2.22.2013

Valentine's Date

Dan is the best.
I always look forward to Valentine's Day because he 
always plans something so simple and sweet.
We went to this restaurant we have been wanting to go for 
a long time, over in Chagrin Falls.
It was delicious and our table looked straight out at the falls.
We went home for dessert and I made 
Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes.
Thanks, Dan.

2.09.2013

PJ McIntyre's

We went to an Irish Pub with some of my
friends from work for dinner and music.
The band was so much fun to listen to
and sounded like they were straight from Ireland!
The food was really good, too.
 These are some of the lovely therapists I work with.
 The awesome band, Mary's Lane.
What a cool place!
We love exploring Cleveland.
So much to do!

1.05.2013

Christmas Vacation

Christmas vacation in California is always the best!
We started the holiday with a trip to the San Diego Temple.
We went out to lunch afterward. 
Delicious food and great company!

Girls night was a blast!
We did lots of girly things while the boys...
...went to the Poinsettia Bowl!
Dan was loving being with the boys and watching a good game.
We had a lot of fun passing out goody bags to 
brighten the holiday season for others.



A morning stroll at Torrey Pines.

The Hall Family Christmas Sing-A-Long!
The ugly sweater contest was a hit!
The house was packed with carolers. 
Always a good time!

We spent some time walking on the beach in San Clemente
and visiting my grandparents place.




Christmas Eve crafts with Stella.
I love my sweet nephew, Bradford.
Christmas morning was so crazy and fun with all 
of my siblings and their families there.

 

I tried on all my gifts at once. Ha!

Christmas day tradition... walking to the beach.
Beautiful sunset!
Walking on the pier...
...with these two lovebirds.
The boys went fishing on the pier one day
while the girls went to lunch.

The family went out to eat at the Crab Cooker.
We got dessert at Sprinkles.
Love these two beauties.
We celebrated Phoebe's birthday!
She is adorable!
Hall family stroll at La Jolla Cove.
Dan with his sweet niece. 


 We played a lot of Ladder Ball!

Dan took me to visit my grandparents' graves.
It was beautiful to see all of the grave sites with holiday wreaths.

Nothing compares to going home for the holidays.
I was particularly sad to leave this year.
I sure do miss my family.
Cannot wait to see them again in June for Sammy's wedding!
Yup, Sam is engaged to the sweetest girl around.
We love you Tiffany!
Congrats you two!