nephew nesting

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

I've been in total nesting mode lately - 100% due to the fact that I want my nephew to love my house the most. I got a mirror for the dining room (thank you, in-laws!), got a new desk for the office (and completely rearranged it by myself because I was too impatient to wait for Adam to get home), and finally bought the right paint to cover up some weird parts in our master bathroom. I also want to completely reorganize our weird master bathroom/closet/laundry area - but that one is gonna take a little bit of time (don't judge me, nephew!!!!).

We had Debbie and Dave over on Thursday to dine under the fabulous mirror they bought me for my birthday, and I'm pretty proud of our meal! We had Baja Fish Tacos, Lime/Parmesan Zucchini and Wild Rice. I would also like to take 95% of the credit for the whole meal. I thought of the menu and prepped all of the items. I only left Adam in charge of frying the fish because I kept picturing me on fire in the kitchen.




On Friday, I had PPSC with the gals. We decided to check out The Painted Pin, a new boutique bowling alley (apparently that's a thing) followed by some karaoke at Moondogs - let's not forget the goldfish cheeseburgers we got on the way out (holy college throwback, batman!). Always a fun time to get out with just the girls! (Adam and Erik got into their own boy trouble on Friday, so let's not feel bad for them.)




Baby Causey's arrival is so soon and Adam and I were able to celebrate him at a Chuggies and Huggies party their friends threw them. They had some super cute games for us to play, and it was fun to spend time with some of Nathan and Meagan's friends. Lots of laughs by all.

One of the games - write notes to the soon-to-be parents to read while changing the little nugget.


We were also supposed to bring a baby picture, and I found one of Adam up in the attic a week prior and had it sitting out - of course we forgot it. So let's share it here! He's so cute I could die.


Since my grandparents have recently moved to Georgia, my Aunt Nancy was in town for the weekend. Adam and I headed over to my parents' on Sunday evening for some steaks and to see everyone. Always a loud, but good time! We loved hearing all of Papabear's stories about Dad and Nancy - just wish Mamabear could have been with us. She was busy not remembering who we are at her new Memory Care home. The great news is she's in tip top spirits!

Let's see what else we've been up to....

Hank has been a total pain in my ass recently (he has successfully chewed our couch, couch pillows, ottoman, duvet cover AND sheets), and I completely lost all patience with him on Sunday. I ignored him for a good part of the day and he definitely knew he was in trouble. He tried successfully sucked up to me by finally giving me his cutest puppy face and cuddling up to me. [melt]


Speaking of pups, yesterday was National Dog Day! Because apparently we owe them a day even though they already take over our lives. Regardless, happy to celebrate these weirdos.


And because I just can't get enough of that unborn nephew of mine, I sacrificed my left shoulder for him at the Minute Clinic yesterday. Because people are IDIOTS and not vaccinated their kids, Whooping Cough/Pertussis is back, so I had to get the TDAP shot since I'll be smothering around him a lot. I was talking to the nurse about this whole "don't vaccinate" movement and she was getting so worked up about it she had to cut me off. Previously working at Children's Healthcare, she said she's really tired of seeing so many very sick babies that could be completely prevented. VACCINATE, PEOPLE.


Speaking of my nephew (again, shocker) - his mama and I had a fun day date today! We wandered around the Buford Highway Farmer's Market before a delish lunch at Gu's Bistro. My fortune cookie gave me some bad news about my future as this child's aunt, though. Sorry, Adam! They don't lie.


Welp, I think that's all for now! Looking forward to mini staycation for Labor Day this weekend. (Just kidding, Adam still works on Saturday so it's just a normal two day weekend for him. Boo!)


ATL-DFW-ATL

Monday, August 18, 2014

Back when I first started my new job, I was told we would have our Annual Roadshow Conference in Dallas in mid-August. Of course, I booked my ticket to arrive the weekend before to stay with Jeff and Katie. This was before I realized how exhausted I would be from my back-to-back-to-back trips. Regardless, I'm so glad I did! 

I kick-started my trip with an 8 hour delay. I heard the tornado sirens going off on my drive to the airport, so I had a feeling the night would be interesting. After two cancelled flights, one loooong delay and a missing flight crew - we finally took off at 1:00am. I killed time by exploring the airport (F/International terminal is the best, of course) and my dad treated me to a little visit to the Delta Sky Club (cheers, dad!). Adam even dropped by for about an hour after work and we grabbed dinner at the Airport Marriott. 


After the shuttle bus trip from hell (at least he was fast!), I arrived at Jeff and Katie's at 2:30am - can you believe they didn't wait up for me? I'm so glad I didn't bail and decide to just fly out on Sunday night, because I would have missed all of the fun!

We spent Saturday on their friends boat in perfect boat weather - 100 scorching degrees! Had to stock up on booze first, of course.

Absinthe anyone? (Just kidding.)

Such an awesome day!


I wakeboarded for the first time - so fun!

After recuperating from our day at the lake, we headed out for some authentic mexican food! I can't remember the name of the place in the Stockyards, but it was awesome. After a quick stop at their dive bar, Showdown, for a couple terrible games of darts it was time for bed! We spent Sunday lounging around and then headed to another friend's house for dinner and drinks. All in all, an awesome weekend with two of my favorite people!

Monday morning it was off to the Hilton DFW Lakes for a week of conferences! It was my first time meeting the whole team, and they were awesome! In addition to some really long sales meetings, we also had a line dancing night, self defense class and the International Team (me!) was treated to an incredible meal by Chef Matt McCallister at FT33.

The self defense class really was awesome! I learned a lot.

Our yummy dinner at FT33...

...check out that menu! Everything was delish.

 Matt McCallister - he was recently named one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs. Decent.


I finally made it back home on Friday and spent the majority of the weekend getting some stuff around the house and trying to relax. Sunday was the 8th Annual Give Me Five at Cherokee Town and Country Club. Aka my first Share Our Strength event on the "other side"! To say I was excited to actually enjoy the event is an understatement!


My colleague, Ashley, had to bow out at the last minute so my mom and dad were able to join us (and buy a live auction item!).

Kelly and Jason were the best dates! We always have so much fun with them!

Post-event pic! (The flash was something serious.)

It was a jam-packed week, but I do feel really lucky to have the opportunity to stay so busy doing all of these fun things! I'm excited to be HOME for awhile - and not-so-patiently wait on that little nephew of mine to make his arrival!


#mitchapalooza

Moving right along to our next big adventure of the summer - the week after we returned from Alaska it was off to Vegas to celebrate Mitchell's 21st birthday! It's a tradition my parents started with Jeff (thanks for that!), so all of us Reaves kids have taken a trip to Vegas for our 21st.

Little blast from the past - here's a picture from my trip 5(!) years ago.

Night one! Adam couldn't make it until Friday night, but we made sure to get the party started for him anyway.

Who knew it was illegal to take pics while gambling in Vegas? Not me! Anyway, here's Mitchell coming in hot at the Roulette table. He brought two of his friends from school, who were a good time!

Can't believe the baby is 21!

Jeff had to work during the trip, but that didn't stop Katie from joining us! Lindsay also happened to be in town for a birthday party, so the weekend really worked out in my favor.

Did the real Caesar live here?

So glad I got to spend time with my bestie!

Katie has quickly become one of my favorite people. Jeff better not screw this up!

Day 2: My parents rented a cabana at the Flamingo. Definitely the way to enjoy a Vegas pool!

Mom really got the party started!

As I mentioned previously, Jeff couldn't make it for the weekend extravaganza (sad face!), but surprised all of us with our own "survival kit". He made one for each room - this was for me, Katie and Adam. Could he be any more thoughtful?! Love that guy!

Friday night Adam finally made it and headed straight for the craps table. One of my BFFs Kalyn and her BF, Corey, came over from LA to spend the weekend with us. When we found each other at O'Sheas (best casino/bar in Vegas - so cheap!) we screamed and jumped and I'm pretty sure everyone thought we had just gotten engaged. LOVE HER! And Adam and Corey became best friends, so our plan is working perfectly!!

Big winner! Mitchell came home with an additional $300 - lucky duck.

On Saturday, we headed back to the Flamingo pool, sans cabana.

Best day, ever! I love poor Vegas.

On our final night, we all rallied and headed out to Casa Di Amore for dinner. I totally recommend this place! It's off the strip and looks like this little hole in the wall, but the food and wine were great - and they had a band!


After dinner, Kalyn and Corey headed back to the hotel (couldn't rally after our fun in the sun!) and Lindsay headed out to join the birthday festivities she was in town for. So Katie and I joined the guys and went out gambling until the weeee hours of the morning (seriously... we were out until 6am).

Katie and I met a new friend named Joshua at Caesar's Palace - he was our Blackjack dealer and thought we were hilarious, so obviously we loved him. I was on fire and won a ton of money at craps (hundreds, people), but Adam lost a ton of money at craps (boo). The good news is we ended the weekend only $20 down from how we started! Basically free entertainment and drinks - we'll take it!

Being out until 6am, the flight home was not enjoyable. We were so happy when we finally made it to bed! The pups also had a big weekend and were ready to snuggle up, too (phew!). We found a new dog sitter who watched them at her house and they were worn out! So glad we finally found a great alternative.

How cute is wittle baby Hank all cuddled up under the covers? He is just the cutest sometimes.

Julie (our new dog sitter) sent us pictures of the pooches all weekend, which I loved! Look how happy Ruthie is!


Needless to say, the weekend was a blast! Happy birthday, Mitchy!

Alaska 2014 - Part III

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Wrapping this up almost a month after our trip now....

We finally recovered from our endless hike by Friday and decided to go explore a glacier near their house.


Michael brought his 'nocs everywhere! Always on the lookout for something to hunt - bears, goats, etc.

 Katie and I led the crew because we're just so adventurous.

The boys were whimps and stayed up top. (Not really, but it started that way.)




 Katie and Adam both fell in the exact same spot - one on the way out and one on the way in.

 It was stunning!



After the glacier, we all relaxed and then headed out to see Michael's boat - the USS Sycamore.

After the hike, we headed up to Ski Hill for the annual Salmon Jam!

 The Salmon Jam is Cordova's annual festival - a full three tents worth! But it really was fun. They had awesome jam music.

 This picture was at 10:30pm... don't mind the sun.

After the festival, Katie, Adam and I all went out to the few bars. Jeff and Maggie were running the next morning so couldn't partake in the festivities. 

Katie and I took this picture at the Reluctant Fisherman Inn around 12:30/1:00am. Gorgeous!

The next morning, Jeff and Katie ran the Salmon Jam half marathon! I forgot my fancy camera, so ran back to the house to grab it. OF COURSE I made it back right after they crossed the finish line. Who knew they would both be so fast! 13.1 miles in 2:07.



After the run, Maggie had to work the Fish Print station at the Salmon Jam, so we all went out to support her. (Yes, that's a real SALMON that we covered in paint and printed.) Michael was definitely the most creative!

Our last night in Cordova and second night of Salmon Jam! We really lucked out, it didn't rain our entire visit until the last day.

The boys helped Michael load up his four-wheeler before we headed out to the airport the next day. So sad!

Adios, Cordova! We miss you already!

We all had pretty long layovers (Adam and I win - 12 hours), so we headed into Anchorage to the much-talked about Moose's Tooth Pub. It was fine... nothing to write home about. Then again, Anchorage itself isn't much to write home about.

And just like that, our trip was over! Thank you, Maggie and Michael, for being such amazing hosts! We wish we could come back every summer, but look forward to y'all being back in the Continental US in the next couple years.
 
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