Tee It Up!

We have been on a major golfing kick lately. They announced at work that we will be having golf outing in September. So who knows, maybe deep down we are practicing up for that! Last weekend was perfect weather to enjoy a day out on the links. We played 18 holes at Windham Country Club in NH last Saturday. They have a good twilight rate with a cart. I have been spoiled most of my life between playing in middle school/high school/college and working at a golf course for 7 years… I am so used to free golf! Now, we have to shop around for the best deals. Windham is a nice course though. It’s very challenging with lots of hills, water, and narrow fairways. You need to hit it straight on this course! I did not shoot under 90 on this round, so it looks like I need some more practice. After golfing we met Mike and Julie at Shorty’s for some good Mexican food in Nashua. Then we went to Chunky’s Cinema to see Inception (the new Leonardo DiCaprio movie) – super good! Chunky’s is our new favorite place to watch movies (the two times a year we actually leave the house to see a movie). They have big leather chairs set up around tables that you can lounge in and waiters that come around and serve you food, drinks, dessert, etc. It’s great! Your butt will never fall asleep at the theater again... but you may have to go to the bathroom more often!









We've been going to the driving range in Middleton a few times after work to perfect the old swing, as well. My favorite part about that is Richardson’s homemade ice cream is right on the premises. Nothing beats a double scoop of Moose Tracks after hitting a large bucket of balls on a hot summer night. Talk about a perfect way to wind down after a long day on the job.












This weekend we played at Fresh Pond Golf Course in Cambridge with Mike. It’s a little 9 hole track. First come, first served… so on a Saturday afternoon it was quite backed up! It took us about 3 hours to play 9 holes. Wow! I don't remember the last time that's happened. (JV golf meet maybe?!) The course was in good shape though. Not too challenging, but some fun holes nonetheless. Sunday we got 9 more holes in with Darcy at the Woburn Country Club, another 9 hole course. Golf two days in a row... life is good. Unfortunately, I still can't break 40 even with all the practice we've been getting. At least I can still beat Adam though - that's all that really matters. ;o)

O | A | R

On Friday night we went to see O.A.R. at the Bank of America Pavilion. The Pavilion is in the seaport district right on the harbor. I must say, there is something incredible about going to the Boston waterfront to see a concert outside on a perfect summer night. It is my favorite place to see a show in Boston so far!

After work, we took the T into the city and grabbed dinner and some quick drinks on the patio at Whiskey Priest. Then we headed to the Pavilion to settle into the VIP tent before the show started. In the VIP tent they had 24oz beers... both in a can and on tap. It was so scenic with the water and the sun setting over the skyline.
















O.A.R. was truly amazing! They put on such an awesome show, as usual! I've seen them 3 times now and every time it's different with all the improv they do. This time around they played a lot of their old songs and we got to hear a few new songs as well. It was great! I can't wait for the new album to come out! I got to hear most all the songs that I was hoping for... all except Hey Girl!! They played a show on Thursday night too, where they played a whole other set of songs. Looks like I will have to go to BOTH shows next years to hear all my songs! =)

There's No Place Like Home

We just got back from another wonderful trip to MN. I could really get used to this visiting once a month thing! Too bad I don’t have endless vacation days… I really need to do something about that. Get ready for lots of pictures in this one...

After a few undesirable trips to the airport, we finally landed at MSP Thursday morning. My parents and my brother picked me up and we headed straight to St. Croix National in Wisconsin to make our 10am tee time. When we got there, it was raining quite a bit so we decided to head into Stillwater for a while to wait out the rain. Lumberjack Days were just starting, so we drove around town and checked it out a bit. Then we went to the Freight House to grab an early lunch. After lunch the rain clouds disappeared and we headed back to the golf course. It was perfect timing! St. Croix National was awesome... It was my first time ever playing there. It was actually my first 18 holes of the season and it went much better than expected. After golf we went out for pizza to complete a great day with the family.









That night I met all the ladies at the nail salon where they were getting manis and pedis. Due to my dress fitting, I would have to do mine myself. No time for pampering for this girl... just go, go, go. Afterwards, Angie and I went to Wild Bills to have a few drinks, relax on the patio, and catch up. It was perfect patio weather (one of the things I miss most about MN summers). A few other familiar faces showed up as well. It was nice to see those guys again!

On Friday I headed down to Treasure Island to hang out before the rehearsal dinner. We had pizza, pitchers of beer, and BOWLING! It was definitely a good time. I broke out the koozies for the bridal party - they were quite a hit! Yay! We ventured into the casino for some late night fun at Parlay Lounge before calling it a night.









The next day was the whole reason for my trip home - Sarah and Ryan's wedding!!! So exciting!! We started the day off with hair, makeup, and mimosas. Then we finished getting ready just in time for pictures. After pictures we had some time to relax (or attempt to relax anyway!) before the ceremony. The ceremony was at Paradise Cove down by the Mississippi River. It was absolutely beautiful... just like the bride! =) We all made it through with no tripping, no fainting, no runaway brides! It was a success! Then it was time for dinner and celebrating with the new happy couple!! It was such a fun night! Thanks again Ryan and Sarah for including me in your day - it was truly an honor! Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day... enjoy!









Sunday we had a surprise visit from Lisa P... we got to see her for a quickie at Rudy Red Eye's before we brought her to the airport. LP - it's always a pleasure. Hopefully we will see you in Portland sometime soon!

After that we ventured to St Paul to visit Adam's mom and his brothers and sisters. We spent the day outside playing mini golf at Como Park. Adam won - of course. It was SUPER HOT that day, so we stopped at Snuffy's for some ice cream to cool us down. The Brownie Malt is delish, for the record! For dinner we went back to my parents' house for some steaks! One thing is for sure, we always eat good whenever we go home!









Monday morning we packed up our things and got ready to go back to Boston. But not before a visit to Grant and Nichole's to see baby Levi! He is such a cutie. He is quite the little kicker... we might have a soccer player on our hands! =)

After yet MORE problems at the airport (Delta and I are NOT getting along) we finally got home around midnight. Going to work today was definitely a chore. Would I take any of it back? No way! As usual, it was a great time Minnesota... we can't wait to visit you again!