Weeks end

It's Monday night already? What just happened? I just sat down for what feels like the first time today. Today was definitely one of those blender days. I like them because they're a challenge, I am pooped though. I really should be in bed!!! I am going to regret this in the morning for sure ha ha it's already ten o'clock. I finally have a new computer though, so now all I want to do is sit down and blog, edit pictures and finally finish and order my photo album from Rome and Ireland!

My weekend started off with a tae kwon do tournament and then home to my parents. We celebrated my Dad's birthday, so all the siblings were home for the weekend:)

Even though that crisp cold fall air has arrived we didn't let that stop us from enjoying the fresh air. It was filled with apple picking from my parents apple tree and the neighbors trees. Making forts in the woods with the nieces and nephews, even Grandma and Grandpa were out there putting up a tarp for protection from the wind for them! Are they good Grandparents or what? And of course there was a bonfire and hide and seek! That's a must in the fall!

We ate lots of apple pie for the birthday celebration because my Dad loves pie and it's the season for it! My sister got lots of hugs and kisses from our niece (picture). She loves her Auntie Hannah SO much, I love how much she loves her! She was giving her so many kisses and hugs and asks to get up on her lap. The SWEETEST! Then I ask for a kiss and she won't give me one! I guess we know who her favorite Auntie is!:)

I hope you had a lovely weekend!
Ciao,
Rachel

First birthday

This past weekend was so much fun! It started on Friday for me with skating and a relaxing afternoon with my mom. She cooked amazing food and I working on my photos:) I think I like to keep teasing this girly about my Europe pictures;) Then the rest of the weekend was spent celebrating my nieces first birthday! She had fun playing with the cupcake but didn't actually like it haha! She took her first steps too! It was so adorable to see how proud of herself she was when we all clapped and cheered for her! 

Other weekend happenings: playing outside in the snow! Being pulled in a sled behind our uncles snowmobile! The kids loved it and so did us adults:)! 

How was your weekend?

Ciao,

Rachel

Birthday List (26)

It sounds like there should be a blizzard going on outside it is SO windy and cold! I am not sure if I am ready for that though. I am thinking it would be ok to come home from Europe to piles of snow on the ground though:) I honestly have to keep reminding myself that I am leaving the country! I have never done that before! Seriously! Holy CRAP! IT IS HAPPENING! I am so thankful for the opportunity!

This past weekend I celebrated my 27th birthday! It was a great birthday spent with family! Wine lots of wine and delicious homemade food from my Mom! SO GOOD! She is such an amazing cook! I wanted to post pictures, but I forgot my camera at my parents!

Here are a few from my phone.

I LOVE her smile!

They are all so darn cute!

A sweet birthday package that I just got in the mail today from Maggie! 

We have an owl thing, and these glasses are so cute! I love them! She also gave me bath salts from Lolia in the scent Close! I'm taking that scent of lotion to Europe with me! Love Lolia!

Remember my birthday list from last year? It's a bucket list of the things I want to accomplish in the next year! Here is my last years list and how I did!

1) Go downhill skiing

2) Go cross country skiing.

3) Take a trip out of the country I am counting this one!!!

4) Go on a mission trip

5) Get back into coaching figure skating (hence the revision of my resume!)

6) Go to Girl and The Goat when I am in Chicago over new years.

7) Take my niece and nephew ice skating

8) Grow my blog and get 50 GFC followers! So I don't have 50 followers via GFC but between bloglovin and GFC I do! :)

9) Do a color or mud run!
10) Start taking classes to complete my bachelor's degree.
11) Go water skiing
12) Read all the books on my to read list (This list will never end so I am changing it to...

Get my first degree black belt

I think I did pretty darn good! I had some big things on that list! I love goal setting! I can't wait to make my new list for the year!

~ Rachel 

A Happy Happy Birthday to.....

Maggie! 

You got me hooked on coffee......oh bad! My Mother will never forgive you hahaha! You are so high maintenance when we're together JCrew and Nordstrom can hardly handle us! "Sisters at heart!"

Hahaha Seriously who looks that awesome in those goggles! Oh my gosh you are so cool! 

I hope that you have a fabulous day! Thank you for being such an amazing friend chica! I am so grateful to have you in my life Maggie!

I cannot wait to see you in a couple of days! Ahhh get here already girl!

Love

~ Rachel