Our Adventure called Life

As our party entered Club 21, I glanced at the swanky setting and the yuppies sipping aged whisky in their sport coats.  I sent up a quick prayer that my children would not break anything, scream to loudly, or spill anything on anyone other than their father or I. We sat at a table near the bar for drinks and appetizers.  Scott and I were daring enough to try "most" of what was served... I may have been the only person in the entire building carrying a diaper bag and dried cranberries, but I "think" our little group blended into the setting nicely. We headed downstairs to the wine cellar where dinner was waiting. We had to pass through the kitchen on the way downstairs which was interesting!  I was going to help the chef cook a thick filet, but since I was holding the baby I figured I better not get too close to the open flame. As the heavy door to the cellar swung open, I peered into the windowless room and felt my breath catch ever so slightly. ...

As we arrived at the park, the wedding planner met us and guided us through the paths in Central Park to the wedding location.  Rhea was waiting at the top of Wagner Cove for everyone to arrive.  I'm not sure I'd ever been happier for my sister than I was at that very moment.  She beamed so brightly it was impossible not to match her smile with my own.  She had tears her eyes as all of her favorites gathered in one spot. I walked down the stone aisle with Greg's oldest son as the violinist played.  The cove was beautiful with a small gazebo placed in front of the water.  Onlookers gathered both on foot and canoe as the preacher began the ceremony.  I let his words of love and commitment soak in as I glanced behind me at my husband and our 2 babes.  Even though he had a squirmy babe in his arms and we were slightly nervous Paisley would jump in the water, Scott and I smiled at each other.  We had survived getting to NYC, getting eve...

The traveling daddy and daughter When Rhea announced New York City is where she would marry Greg, I was a little nervous about how Scott and I would handle two small tots in the big busy city.  Scott and I are always up for an adventure, so we were up for the challenge (plus, there was no way I was going to miss my sisters wedding)! My favorite little boy traveler The kids enjoying their first taxi ride Plane tickets were purchased, a room was booked at the Park Lane Hotel, and then we waited for May 27th to arrive! We drove to St. Louis and caught a direct flight to NYC.  I am constantly amazed at how nice the security screeners are to people with kids.  It was a breeze to get through with both kiddos and all our gear.  Wearing Lila also made the entire process so much easier as both my hands were free to catch thrown objects, wipe up spills, carry snacks and drinks, open doors, pull luggage, etc.  Both kids did pretty good on the flight and I...

January -Our annual ski trip took 15 friends to Park City, Utah! We had record snowfalls that resulted in a couple great days of skiing. We spent the 3rd day driving snowmobiles in blizzard like conditions and outrunning avalanches! Februar y-A fabulous photographer and even more fabulous person, Nicole Neff, took our engagement photos! What better place to have photos of two snow loving people than on the slopes of Paoli Peaks! After a day of skiing, we changed out of our ski gear and had Nicole snap shot after shot. I have to say rosy cheeks are a good look in photos! Happy Engagement indeed! March -I ran my first race! Years ago, for some reason I told Scott I wanted to run in a race.  He became my trainer as we prepared for my first 7k. I know that isn’t much, but when you’re a girl who has only ran to escape wildlife, running a 7k is a feat! Scott was with me step by step. I felt so great (and exhausted) as we crossed the finish line together! ...

One by one, I watched as Scotts groomsmen took the bridesmaids outside and across the terrace. With mom and dad on either side of me, I began taking long, deep breaths. I had never been so excited and anxious in my life. I was ready to sprint across the lawn and see Scott. As quickly as the day had flown by, it felt like I hadn’t seen or talked to Scott in days. Everything had come together. I was dressed with hair and make-up exactly the way I had hoped it would be. The groomsmen were all perfectly dressed down to their argyle socks, and my bridesmaids were glowing and looked as though they had stepped out of Brides Magazines. My parents each had an ecstatic expression on their face as our wedding planner told us it was our turn. With a final squeeze by both mom and dad, we walked outside into the beautiful sunshine. I glanced up ahead and saw our wonderful guests turning to watch our entrance. I could see each of my bridesmaids smiling at me from their spot. Scott had his b...

I wasn’t surprised to find my eyes opening before my 8am alarm had a chance to wake me from my slumber. I was surprised at the sense of calm that surrounded me. For a girl getting married in mere hours, I felt incredibly rested and relaxed. As I glanced at two of my sleeping bridesmaids buried beneath the down comforter, I quietly slipped out of the bedroom and onto the back deck. A chilly breeze ruffled my hair and I was instantly glad I had pulled a sweatshirt on. The sun was peeking above the mountains and slowly warming my face as I walked around the deck. I quickly found mom soaking up the atmosphere. She already had a pot of coffee ready and waiting for me. As I graciously took my mug, we walked around the gardens. I think the mountain air had a hand in calming any nerves that may have tried invading my mind. The flowers were glistening from the morning dew and sparkled like the diamond on my left hand. My sister joined us on the walk and asked typical “morning of the weddin...