RAISING THE LITTLE BARR'S

dog

a football holiday

CharleneComment
J can never seem to escape his little cubby of a desk inside the PCOM library for more than a day, and this past holiday weekend was no far cry from the usual. But, after the countless hours spent each morning in his study hole at the library, we were able to succeed. We succeeded in hanging out with friends, eating and drinking anything and everything, watching football, and relaxing just as much as we partied. Labor day just may be a great excuse for a football holiday...I'm convinced.



The start of college football season greeted us with nostalgic feelings. The days of waking up on Saturday mornings only a half mile from Doak Campbell Stadium on home game weekends -- let me paint you a picture: cool fall air blowing in our half-open windows, cars honking, remnant sounds of the Florida State war chant traveling through our wide-open front door from crowds walking up and down the streets, and cold beer always waiting for the first crack of the day -- weren't all that long ago, but they sure seem to be distant days for us. We were wishing for a morning like that this past weekend! Instead, we had all our Florida State gear out and ready, just as everyone else did with their respective colleges. Football, friends, and a barbeque filled our agenda that day (well, after studying, that is.)

Maggie came to visit - and added to our wide array of college football apparel. You'd think we planned to wear all of this or something.

The guys played football and the munchkins kept each other company - and played a little football themselves. The lavish food display fit the holiday so well - grilled burgers, dogs, and sausage, baked mac 'n cheese, baked beans, watermelon, an array of desserts (including one that looked like an American flag), and more. Thank you, Chiaki and Jason (and Liam too!)






A gloomy, cloud-filled sky seemed to confine us to our home for much of the weekend, but we were happy to oblige. There were plenty of movie options to keep us entertained, and of course, plenty of football. Maggie and I stayed up prettty late catching up on Keeping Up With the Kardashians (rediculous..I know!) Our pup was glad to have us around, too.


Dave had us over for pancakes, bacon, and mimosas Sunday morning...and I attempted those donut holes I was talking about. Note to self: cake pops are much better - stick with those!




We loved having time to spend with family and friends. The weekend was a success, just like our Noles...34-0 baby! We're ready for the rest of the season..

The Great Outdoors

CharleneComment
Camping at the Nantahala Outdoor Center last weekend was quite an adventure, to say the least! We had mishaps galore - but a ton of fun in between. Let me refer you to Carly's blog, as I probably couldn't explain the story any better myself: 1treewoodfamily

Traveling through the winding roads of the Smoky Mountains was only the beginning of our trip, and Grizz wasn't too pleased to be tumbling back and forth as though he were in an endless wave pool.

When we got there, it was beautiful. Hoards of people filled the freezing cold river - but the chilly temperature didn't scare the dogs away..they were swimming like crazy any chance they got!

The views were beautiful, the staff were friendly, and the beer was cold. So how could we have possibly almost been defeated by this trip?! - Just refer to Carly's blog. Don't worry, we didn't let it beat us. We beat the trip :)


And as I previously stated, our pup was exhausted. I don't believe we care to take him camping again just as much as he probably doesn't care to be left out of any future camping endeavors.
He was done.

And so were we...for that weekend at least.
We came home on Sunday, went to church, and relaxed all evening. It sure was nice!

Our wondrous weeknight :)

CharleneComment
Work was somewhat stressful this week - but I am counting down the days til the end of the school year - it's comin'! J had his big test day Monday (and passed, woot woot!) so Tuesday and Wednesday were rather carefree days for him. We both got home around the same time on Wednesday and he so casually said "Fat Matt's?" I so excitedly answered "Um, YES!" and to Atlanta we drove for some BBQ and beer on a wondrous weeknight :) We never get out on weeknights - our evenings are filled with J studying and me crossing more items off the wedding to-do list, so this was a treat for us. Fat Matt's is that great little shack I wrote about recently...
It was delicious, again!
We also went for some ice cream, then came back home to pick up Grizz and head to the park. We walked around as the sun was setting and it was so nice out. Grizz loved it :)
Gotta love his "please don't be mad at me Daddy, I know I'm not supposed to be on the seat, but your bike is in my way" look! :)

After walking, we rented a movie (No Strings Attached) and relaxed on the couch while watching it. It was such a different evening for us and we loved it. I live for nights like that :) As simple as they are, they're great!

I came home from work on Thursday to a package waiting for me from my sister - how exciting! Thank you! :)

Oh, and I almost forgot - last weekend was "Woofstock" in Suwanee Town Center park. It was a festival for dogs - with beer tents, food, tons of people, and Sister Hazel playing on stage. I went with Carly and met some of her neighborhood friends. I love festivals!
As for the wedding, we've received almost all of our response cards and we're getting really excited! DIY projects have consumed me, and I'm not posting any pics so it can all be a surprise :) The official countdown is on - 1 month, 4 days left!

CharleneComment
Did everyone have a good Easter?! We sure did. It was a relaxing, enjoyable weekend and the weather was just as great. We had an egg hunt Friday at school with the kids, as well as a Spring celebration leaving everyone bouncing off the walls! But it was fun for everyone - including the teachers I must admit. As crazy/stressful as the holiday and birthday parties are in school, it's nice to take a step back and remember how much fun I had as a student partaking in the celebrations. Holidays are so exciting to kids - they couldn't wait to see what was inside each egg, and couldn't wait for the Easter Bunny to come on Sunday. They were all ready to visit with family - and it made me a little jealous! ;) We had pizza, cookies, cake and more. Here are the treats I made for the kids:
Brownie Bites with colored frosting and sprinkles
We got an Easter card from J's grandparents, and a package from his parents (packages are so fun to receive! Or is that just the little kid in me?!)
Easter table runner + goodies!
Sunday morning, we went to Easter mass at 8:30, came home and sat out back to enjoy the sunshine. J gave up soda for Lent, so he was ready to enjoy the IBC cream soda's we had waiting in the fridge at 10:30am :) (They were delicious!)
We sat outside for an hour or two before heading to Atlanta for brunch at Park Tavern overlooking Piedmont Park. It was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! And delicious!
The view from our table :)
We left there a little uncomfortably full! So we decided to go home and relax out back some more and save Easter dinner for Monday evening. I made a ham, potatoes, carrots, and biscuits, and had one of his med school friends over to enjoy Easter dinner a day late. It was just as good - with mini carrot cake cupcakes for dessert...
With all of the wedding planning madness these days, it has overshadowed the fact that my 24th birthday is this Sunday (or is it just that I forgot because that seems old to me?!) And it also marks 1 year since our engagement. I cannot even begin to figure out where the time has gone. It seems like just yesterday we were in Ocean City the day after our engagement in NYC, calling our family and friends to share the news and being thankful for having the chance to celebrate it in such an amazing place. I've loved this year and everything that has gone along with it. We were especially thankful and happy to spend all the time we did together over the Easter weekend, with each other as company and great weather to enjoy :)