Camping in March? Heck Yes!

Every year, March comes around, and Nate and I start getting the camping itch.  This year, the weather gods allowed a great weekend during Nate's Spring Break to do such a thing.  We invited the Eastman's and the Sanders.  It was so much fun to break out the good 'ol camper again.  We decided to stay close, so we went to Alum Creek.  Plus the boys wanted to Mountain Bike.  We got up there Friday afternoon, set up and then went for a walk down to the lake.  By the time we got back, we were all ready for some grub.  There is nothing like cooking over a fire.  Saturday started off with French Toast and Sausage.  The boys went for their bike ride and the girls (plus Dan with his hurt knee) relaxed, read, and then went for a nature walk.  The weather could not have been better!  Camping trip numero' uno of the season :)

Don't let this picture fool you, Mel & I started the fire, they just wanted to take credit. They were also whittling their marshmallow sticks.

Saturday Morning

BIRD!

There's no Business like SNOW Business

The month of Feb was all about breaking records.  Not only did the US just get the most medals ever won in Winter Olympics, but Central Ohio broke the previous snow fall record for Feb with a total of 30.1".  The last time was in 1912!  Nate & I have loved it though.  Nothing like sitting down to watch the Winter Olympics while it is snowing outside.  And watch, we did!  We could not get enough of the Olympics this year.  We Tivo'd it nearly everyday.  Who knew that I could grow a fascination for Snowboard Cross, Ice Dancing, and Curling!  I can't wait for the next one in 4 years!  Anyhoo, back to the snow!  We sure added some arm/back muscles with all the shoveling we did last month.  I was able to get out and take a few fun shots of the snow.

 

Driving Home from Work

 

Pulling into our Neighborhood...I could not even see where the sidewalk ended and the street started.

 

That is a yard stick in the snow...we had about 20 in here.

 

  

This was a 2nd story window

 

Prada

Oakley

Valentine's Day Dinner

Nate and I like to take turns every year planning Valentine's Day.  This was Nate's year, and since V-Day was on Sunday, he made plans for Friday night.  I, for once, had no idea where we were going.  The only hint I had was to dress up "real snazzy-like".  Turns out, he took me to the Columbus Fish Market.  It is one of the nicer restaurants in Columbus.  The reason I did not even consider this place is because Nate HATES fish.  But, in honor of a new year, he wanted to give it another shot.  He ordered grilled Tilapia and I ordered crab cakes.  Being not a huge fan of fish myself, I was thoroughly impressed with Nate's dish.  He REALLY liked it too.  We even bought some Tilapia from the Seafood counter at the grocery store and had it for dinner again this weekend.
I do have some pictures from the night, just not the best quality.  We COULD NOT find our camera, so we had to settle for my camera phone.  Being that it does not have a timer, the following pictures ensued...

 

1st Attempt

2nd Attempt

Getting Closer...

Good Enough...It made for a funny way to end the evening.

Happy Winter!

Here's a last picture for ya'll.  I took it last month after the first big snow fall.  I had driven by it a few times and kept wanting to take a picture.  One night, I happen to have my camera on me.  Great idea, whoever did this!

Turning 29 can be FINE

Well, I did it, I am in the last year of my 20's!  Surprisingly, this year was easier than last.  Don't hold your breath for next year though.  Nate was so sweet to throw me a "bright" birthday party.  He sent out invites asking everyone to wear yellow to help brighten my 29th year.  And wear yellow, they did.  Because it was SO hectic, I was only able take these 2 pictures.  I stood in the middle of the living room and kitchen and got a shoot looking each way.  I think we counted about 35 people at one point!  Thanks again, everyone, for making me feel so special and for "brightening my day"

 

I didn't know Max was looking, but he was apparently saying cheese ;)

 

Sledding at Battle-Darby Park

Back in Jan, after our first big snowfall, we decided to go sledding/tubing.  We made a whole day of it by inviting the Mays and the Eastmans.  We all met at the park and had a blast trying all different combos of getting down the hill.  It was hilarious to see the looks the guys got when all 3 of them got on top of each other and went down.  Soon, other older guys were doing the same, probably trying to show each other up...MEN!
After sledding, we had them over for Chili, corn bread and Trifle! Played a little Guitar Hero and called it a night.  I think we all slept real well that night.

 

  

Melanie

Those Boys

 

They're such good friends, they even hold hands when they walk together.

 

Tyler jumped on right after he pushed them

 

The girls all in 1 sled!  We went FAST.

Zoo Lights 2009

Nate and I made our annual trip to see the Zoo Lights again this year.  Somehow, we didn't get a picture of us, but I was able to caption a few shots of the pretty lights.

 

Love the new LED lights

 

Kind of cool in Sepia

 

It's hard to tell, but this is Santa feeding the fish is the big aquarium.  Something you don't see every day ;)

Christmas 2009

I know, I know, I know...Christmas was like, 2 months ago!  But, if you are intersested, here are some pics from the happiest season of the year!

 

Christmas Morning

Wee for my Wii!

 

Nater

 

I didn't even ask for these...Santa is pretty slick!

 

The only picture I got at the in-laws...pure chaos.

Twlight Years

So I have a lot to add to my blog, but just had to put this up in the meantime.  Adrienne sent it to me and I thought it was so clever and funny!  Enjoy ;)

Twilight Years from Tom on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas

We want to wish all our family & friends a VERY Merry Christmas!  Hope you get what you asked for and also remember why we get to celebrate this amazing day.  Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Cutting down our Christmas Tree Part Deux

So, you may remember this from last year. We went to Cackler Tree Farm again this year.  Nate's parents came too, which was fun.  It was a very similar situation from last year.  Very cold, and pretty quick.  It did also start spitting snow flurries when we got there, which made it more authentic.  We both found our trees pretty quick.  Nate cut them both down.  Again, got a quick picture, paid for our tree, got some hot chocolate, and headed home.  I look forward to this tradition every year!  There is nothing like being out in nature, with the snow falling down, pine scent in the air and making memories with my sweet family.
We actually are hoping to get a permit next year and head out into the woods to find the "perfect" tree.  Until next year.

Photo Op

Hauling both Trees

Thanksgiving 2009

This year, we decided to have another "friendsgiving"  We had the Gross's and the Hunter's over.  We did this 2 years ago, and just had to do it again.  Even though we have Nate's family here, most of our friends do not, nor do they go home for Thanksgiving since they are leaving for Christmas.  So, we all get together as "family"  We ate great food, as always.   We also played Cranium and then, while the boys played X-Box, the girls looked the the Black Friday ads.  It was a great day and it was a great way to remind Nate and I of how grateful we are for all the friends we have made out here.  It was also bitter sweet as this will be the last time the Gross's are here for the Holiday season.  >>>Tear<<<

The Turkey

Carving the Bird

I have a picture almost identical to this from 2 years ago.  I looked, but could not find it because of the great computer crash of 08.  Just picture it ;)

Nate's 26th Birthday

While my dad was here, we had a semi-surprise birthday party for Nate.  I decided to combine the Iowa game with his party and make it a Buckeye Party.  My dad and Nate went shooting out in West Jeff, which gave Renee' and I just enough time to make the food and decorate the house.  The party was a huge success with great good and even better company.

The Food

The Football Ice Cream Cakes

Make a Wish

Gift-Time

Happy 26th, Baby!

Visit from my Dad & Renee'

My dad and Renee' came to visit the Land of the Buckeyes a few weeks ago.  This was their first time in Ohio.  It was such a great weekend, weather-wise.  High 50's and low 60's the whole time!  They came in Wed and stayed until Sun.  We didn't have much planned before they came, but somehow found plenty to do.   We went to the North Market in the Short North District.  It was right up their alley!  We all bought some good food, ate some yummy Jeni's Salty Caramel ice cream, and enjoyed the eccentric atmosphere.  We then went to German Village.  Here is my dad and me in front of an old church.

We also went into the 32 room Book Loft.  It reminded me of a labyrinth of books.  Crazy!  We all found some good books though.

Outside the Book Loft

Outside of Schmidt's

After all this, the boys decided to go golfing, and the girls went to Kenneth's Salon.  I got my hair cut, and Renee' got a Mani.

This last picture was the whole fam right before they left.  Thanks for coming, Dad.

New Mo-o-o-o-on

New Moon was A-MA-ZING!  Jacob was so stinkin' hot...'nuff said.