Day 345, Happy 4th

Spent the day with my folks and my grandma-since I am doing the sugar/caffeine/oil/alcohol free thing the 4th just isn't the same! But it was still great...I just missed a few things lol.

Day 206, My Niece

Judah Elizabeth, edited with one of my fav photo apps.

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Day 147, Baby Baby

Today we had a baby shower for my brother Matt and his girlfriend Dara. This is the cake from Polka Dots in Austin. It literally couldn't be any cuter...or taste any better!

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Day 124, Christmas Tree Lighting

My parents at the Christmas tree lighting-at the lighting the mayor speaks, the elementary school sings German Christmas carols and they provide hot chocolate and cookies!

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Me with my parents!

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Day 123, Happy Thanksgiving!

With my brother at Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg.

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Day 47, My 9/11

I know today isn't the anniversary of 9/11, but tonight I watched a 2-hour episode of Dateline that has me sad. In December, 2010, I went to NYC for the first time. I had literally dreamed of that city for years. And it didn't disappoint...it was the most amazing city I had ever been to.
We were like fish out of water but it didn't matter...every moment we were typical tourists was THE moment.
From eating pizza in little Italy to Christmas at Hotel Sofitel...it was perfect.
On Christmas day, 2010, we went to a restaurant on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. My first thought was that I hate heights and this was not for me. But it was Christmas! We ate the most beautiful dinner overlooking the Statue of Liberty...which looked so small from that high up. I noted that the water in the toilets seemed to move, as the tower swayed naturally with wind. Most of all, and my family will back me up...I felt uncomfortable at the WTC because of the bombings. I didn't want to be there. I hope I was nice to the staff at the restaurant because they were amazing.
This photo is from inside the lobby of the World Trade Center...we are all windburned and happy...it was an amazing moment. Of course only a few months later we were shocked with everyone else and we couldn't help but think of the wonderful staff.
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Day 23, Life Is...

Ups and downs. Young and old. Happy and sad.

Sometimes you have a week that makes you rethink everything about who you are, where you are and what you do. It is one of those weeks for me. I hope I don't lose this feeling when I go back to Austin...that I move forward and make a reality of the thoughts I have.

(The photo is of my gran meeting with an occupational therapist to talk about rehab on her elbow.)

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Yummy Grapes

Grape Creek is my new favorite Texas wine. On my week off, I bonded with Lola (who will now sit on command she is so smart), and went with my parents to Grape Creek Winery, Woodrose Winery and a few others. It is almost grape-stomping season here. This is a picture of me and my mom at Grape Creek.

The Grillmaster

It wouldn't be a holiday without my dads famous steaks!

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It Was a Merry Christmas

Harley was exhausted after opening presents. This year she got a new bed, new toys and a tiara. This was a special holiday because I finally grew up...not only did I get a grown up tv, but I also progressed from a disposable camera to a digital.