Operation Nursery: The Chair

So, I am one that is always up for a challenge...but I have to say, this project almost did me in! Some good friends of ours so kindly gave us their rocker/glider/chair that they were no longer using. They used it for both of their little ones and were no longer needing it and since we didn't have one we were beyond excited to have it. Chad went over, picked it up and brought it on home.
It was in great shape but it was a different wood color then the rest of the furniture in Landry's room. So, I had a decision to make...do I sand and re-stain...or should I say, sand and beg someone else to re-stain it...or could I upholster it? Hmmmm....decisions, decisions!

Well, being the over achiever that I am...and the thought of sanding all of the little spindles didn't sound like fun...I decided to upholster it. Now, you may ask yourself, "Does Kristin know how to upholster furniture?" Nope, not at all...never in my life have I even attempted it...that should have been a sign!

Off to JoAnn's I went to get batting and the softest, coziest, chenille fabric...perfect for my little one's chair. Now, I had read on several other women's blogs how they had re-covered furniture before...so I did have a little bit of info...very little. Very eager to start my project, I grabbed my handy dandy staple gun and started stapling batting on any piece of wood I could find. Here is what it looked like after the batting was on...

Yes, I did just add batting right on over the existing cushion...didn't remove it or anything...as Chad would say, "That's the was I roll!"

Next came the fun part of actually attaching the fabric. All of my math teachers should be very proud because there was a lot of math and geometry skill that went into this...not anything like formal equations...more like a lot of trial and error with angles and such. After everything was said and done, I added some navy blue trim to cover the staples...yup I just stapled the fabric on...oh, and used a "bit" of hot glue as well...here is the final project:
All in all I think it turned out pretty good. I just need to make some pillows for a touch of color and it is ready to go! Don't get me wrong...I am NEVER going to give up teaching to do furniture upholstery...but when you figure the fabric and batting only cost about $40...I don't think it is too shabby!

Operation Nursery: The Bedding

Most women who are pregnant go to the local baby store, choose a bedding ensemble, put it on their crib and...whoila...the bedding is done. Well, being that I couldn't have possbly been that easy, my adventure in baby bedding has been quite a ride...but so worth it in the end. When Chad and I found out that we were pregnant...well actually let me be honest...BEFORE we had even talked about having a baby...I knew, that if we had a boy, I wanted the nursery to be done in fun, bright colors...periwinkle, lime green, orange and navy blue. Now, I know that at first thought you are probably making that scrunched up, just bit into a lemon face. Yup, I know...kind of crazy. Did you really think I was going to do pastels? C'mon...this is the woman who's kitchen and guest bath are painted "Posh Red"...pastels are not exactly my thing.

So, I once again hit the internet running...shocking, I know...in search of bedding and/or fabric that matched the colors and picture I had painted in my mind. I was so excited when I had found this really fun set of coordinating fabrics. All I had to do was wait and see if we were having a boy or a girl so that the ordering could begin. And of course, being the extremely patient person that I am...the night we got home from our ultrasound I went right online and ordered samples...just to be safe. Well, thank goodness I did. Because after days of stalking my front porch and mail box...and after doing my excited, happy dance when the fabric arrived...I opened the box and oh my lord...the fabric was HIDIOUS!!!!!! In Chad's words, "Wow, that is very 70's looking!" Let's just say that the whole 70's thing was so NOT what I was going for.

And so, the adventure continued...needless to say I was a bit deflated and totally bummed that I had this great picture in my head of what I wanted and no fabric or bedding. I tried to talk myself into some other bedding sets but just couldn't do it. So, I headed off to JoAnn's in hope that something would inspire me. Well, after 2 hours in JoAnn's looking at fabric...yes, 2 hours...before I even waited to get my fabric cut...I struck gold! I had remembered that some of the bedding ensembles I loved on-line were made up of kind of random fabrics, colors and patterns all put together...and yet, when they were together they were amazing. So, that's what I did...I found a fabric that had each of the four colors I was looking for and headed to the cut table.
Fast forward...so, after much deliberation, excitement, disappointment, creative-soul- searching, and sewing...here is the result!

This is Landry's bumper...made by his dear, sweet, ol' mama:
The full view of the bumper...

And here it is with "the wall"...by the way...no one makes navy blue crib skirts...so, I took a really inexpensive drapery panel from Target ($7) folded it in half, and safety pinned it to the springs underneath the mattress...yup, that's right...$7, no-sewing, bed skirt...DONE!

Well...what do you think? Not too bad, huh! Next up...upholstering the glider...this is sure to be exciting...and window treatments...stay posted!

**As you can see it is a hit with our sweet kitty Amp, too. This is her new favorite room!**

If you look closely you can see the silver safety pin holding the "crib skirt" on! :o)

Operation Nursery: Round 1

Here it is...round 1 of "Operation Nursery!"

So, I know it doesn't look like much...I had to give you two "before" photos! :o) Yes, the two above photos are most definitely the "before" photos. I have to take a few minutes to point out some of my favorite parts of the "before" photos. Here they are...

1.) The Rockband drums that you see in the background...awesome, I know.

2.) The chandelier on the floor...that is a future project for our master bedroom...it is going to be receiving a fresh coat of paint...and did I mention that it has been there, in that state, since oh...August!

3.) The large canvas with orange and pink ribbons on it. Any guesses as to what that is? What...you don't think it is the perfect decoration for a boy's room...come on...all right. It is what we used a placecard holder at our wedding. Yup, the wedding that happened, oh, a year and a half ago...yup...that one.

Needless to say...we have a bit of work ahead of us before we are able to complete Landry's room. So, the first step was to clean out the cluttter...which of course meant cluttering up the other bedroom in our house.

Many of you know that I am a bit of a "blog stalker" and my husband will most definitely spill the beans on my internet addiction...I don't think it is that bad of a problem...doesn't everyone spend a few hours searching the web for great ideas? Anyway, during one of my "stalking" sessions I came across a great picture of a nursery at Design Dazzle...if you haven't checked out their website...it is a MUST SEE...www.designdazzle.com...love it!

So, once I had the room cleared out...mostly...it was time to start taping, caulking and painting. I must share that this project led me to purchase a new toy that I am in love with...a laser level! Yup, that's right...I spent a whoppin' $15 on a Black and Decker laser level at Lowe's...if you are thinking of doing a project like this...it is a must...it will literally save you hours and the pain of painting crooked lines. With the help of my laser level I had the entire wall measured off and taped in about 30 minutes...no lie! Here is a picture of the tape with the caulking:You may wonder why it is that I took the time to caulk all of the tape lines. Well, my dear friend, Shara told me that it was a guaranteed way to prevent the paint from seeping under the tape. If you have paint experiences like me, then you have definitely shared in the "what in the world" horror that often arises when it is time to peel away that magical, blue, painter's tape only to find TONS of bleed throughs. She told me to get regular painter's caulk and use it to "seal" the edges of the paint. Now, I must warn you...the caulk does cost like $2...I know...it may blow your budget...and it took me about 1.5-2 hours just to caulk...but...the end result, after paint and all was this...Can you hear my scream of excitement through your computer? Yes, I have to say that I am ABSOLUTELY in love with the way it turned out. Do you see all of those fabulous, straight, crisp, clean lines and boxes. Let me just add that I did NO touch up work...not a lick! So, I am now a true believer in the magic of a little caulking. Yes, it added to the prep time...but the amount of joy that it brings me knowing that the lines are so crisp is undescribable...it is like crack for someone with a type A personality...I LOVE IT!

Now, there are still several projects to start and finish...keep posted for an update on the bedding I am making...until then...SMILE!!!!

Bump It...chapter 1

As most of you know, Chad and I are expecting our first baby this May. Those of you that are parents already...especially you moms, know what an adventure preganancy is and how the moment you see the positive result on the pregnancy test, your world goes into a whirlwind. Are you going to be a good parent? Is the baby going to be healthy? What about that drink I had last week...have I given my baby brain damage already? Is it a boy or a girl? Are we REALLY ready for this? Is he REALLY going to be excited when I tell him he is going to be a dad? How is this child going to get out of me? Oh my goodness...there is something living inside of me, that I am going to be responsible for FOREVER!!!!!! Those are just a few of the thoughts that raced through my mind the moment I found out I was pregnant...and let me tell you, the worries, thoughts, questions, concerns, excitement and anticipation hasn't stopped.

I haven't been really good about giving updates about the pregnancy...so here goes...I'm giving it the ol' "college try!" So, here is a quick update on where we are now...

I am 21 weeks along and so far life has been pretty easy. I was SOOOOOOO fortunate and missed the entire "morning sickness" period. My one and only problem has been my "lovely" sciatic nerve. I have definitely developed a "love/hate" relationship with it. I am absolutely in love with it when I wake up in the morning and forget that I have a sciatic nerve at all. I absolutely despise it when I wake up and am unable to get out of bed because it is causing so much pain I find myself contemplating cutting off my own leg because I am sure that would be less painful.

About two weeks ago my bump started to show. Just last week I asked Chad if he would be willing to take a picture of me so that we could have a series of photos to document how "large and in charge" I get. I figured he was going to make so much fun of me for wanting a picture of my belly but once again, he surprised me...I gave him the camera and he shot away. He was so cute...he must have taken about 5 different shots of it, close up, side view, full body, partial body, etc. It was so neat to see the excitement in his eyes and to hear him say, "We have to get a good shot of this...our baby is in that belly!" My heart is melting!

So here is it's pictoral debut...my bump!

Yes, that is me...20 weeks along!

Now, even more exciting is that we had our second ultrasound appointment one week ago. You know, this "big" one...the one that would hopefully tell us if we were having a little boy or a little girl. We were both so excited for the day to come...and I was so excited that I woke up at like 2:00 on the morning because it was like Christmas morning for me. So, later that afternoon Chad and I made our way to Advanced Medical Imaging. It was once again, the most amazing experience ever!

We were so blessed to have the nicest tech EVER! She walked us through the entire process and pointed out all of out little one's precious anatomy. I will never forget the emotion I felt, lying there, looking at the monitor and watching my beautiful baby BOY move around in my belly. Chad was so excited that he was texting friends while we were seeing his cute little foot print, his thumbs up he gave us...almost as if to say, "Don't worry mom and dad...I'm loving it in here!" So, Landry Tigh Lofgren will be joining our family sometime around May 11, 2010!

More from the Real World!

So, this past week I received some more photos of cute little ones in my creations. The first is absolutely the most handsome little man ever. I had made his mom one of the "Executive" onesies as a shower gift before he was born. Then just a few weeks ago she contacted me and wanted to know if I could make a Christmas version of the "Executive." So, I headed to my faithful ol' JoAnns, found some adorable Christmas stripe fabric and here is the result...and here is Liam, wearing his "Executive" onesie for his meet-n-greet with Santa... Tell me that he isn't too cute for words!

Now the next set of photos are as precious as "Cherry Pie"...sorry, I know that was cheesy but I couldn't resist. This darling little girl, Baker, is so dang cute you just want to pick her up and give her a big hug! Her mom came across my blog this past summer and contacted me about making one of my pillowcase dresses for her. She was so sweet and sent me the pictures of their photo shoot...and of course I couldn't resist posting them...especially since they are so darn cute. Check her out...

My Work in the Real World!

As a teacher I am blessed each year with getting to know some absolutely wonderful families. Many times these families become a part of my "adopted" family...I think of their children as my own and the moms and I become great friends. This post is honoring one of those families! I had the pleasure of having their son in my class two years ago and Kim (mom) and I are still good friends. Kim has been so supportive of my side venture and always gives me a "shout-out" when she posts her pictures on Facebook. So, like any proud mom...here are some pics of my work...in the real world! Thank you Kim and family for all of your support and love!!!!! This is Kim's niece...

Kim and her family on vacation in Florida...the girls are wearing their "Mocha Splash" pillowcase dresses.

How sweet is this...nothing beats a ride on Daddy's shoulders!

***Sorry the pics are so small...I "stole" them from Kim's Facebook page! :o)

Pottery Barn has nothing on me!

So, last weekend I decided to break out the Christmas decor and start working. As I looked around our family room area I was very happy with our tree, mantel, and even the garland on our kitchen cabinets. There was one problem...this: For some reason the big, bare, blank window really bugged me. I had been stalking these wreathes I had seen at Pottery Barn last year. The ones on the gate...love them! I loved the simplicity of the greenery with the sparkle of the ornaments.

Now, I don't want to hate on Pottery Barn because they have so many things that I love...but...the price for these wreathes...take a deep breath...you'll need it...$80 for one 22" wreath. CRAZY...I know. So, knowing that there was no way I could justify spending $80 on a Christmas wreath...which may I add...is decorated with PLASTIC balls...yes, PLASTIC...I decided to make my own version.

I ran down to JoAnns, got a plain wreath...36" on sale for $12...plus I got to use my 15% teacher discount card...LOVE IT! Then I headed to Dollar Tree and bought a whole bunch of red and gold ornaments...shiny ones, matte ones, glittery ones, etc. I will be honest...this project sat in my trunk for oh, about a week...but the important part is...I did it. With the help of my trusty ol' hot glue gun, here is the final result:

And some close up shots of the detail...yes, I like to think I'm some sort of professional! :o)

And...here is what it looks like in my window:

Oh, how I LOVE it!!!! Wondering how it is "magically suspended in the air"...well, with the help of another friend of my...FISHING LINE! Yup when I was finished with my project I shared with my hubby that I was going to hang it in front of the window. His response...he gave me his, suspicious, skeptical, "your aren't going to put a bunch of holes in the wall" look. I said, "Don't worry, Babe. I'm going to use my thick Christmas ribbon, wrap it around the wreath, over the blind valance...and "voila" it will be done." Well, as with many of my "ideas"... that didn't work so well. So, I grabbed the fishing line and it worked...yes, I stood of the back of the couch...4 1/2 months pregnant...to reach the valance...my hubby was gone and you know how patient I am! No worries, I am safe, baby is safe and more importantly...THE WREATH IS HUNG AND BEAUTIFUL!!!!

So, the point of the story...Pottery Barn wreath...$80...Kristin Lofgren wreath...$20...and did I mention that my wreath is 14" bigger!!!

Boy, Oh Boy!

So, I know I'm kinda mean...did the title make you think that we were having a boy? Well, I hate to disappoint but...we don't know yet! December 9th is the day we will find out if we are having a Lilly or a Landry...so, I'll keep you posted.

Actually this is an update of some "new" designs I have for onesies. The reason I say "new" is because some of these were created oh, a mere 3 months ago...so I'm a bit behind on my blogging...shoot me! Anyway, if you work with me, you know that everyone at Riverview has baby boys...I really mean EVERYONE! There has only been 1 girl born in the last 5 years...CRAZY! So, with all of the little boys runnin' around I have created some "boy-friendly" designs. Enjoy!!!!

By the way...if you are interested in ordering something I have a new e-mail address...thanks to some lovely cyber-hackers...you can reach me at ahintofwhimsy@gmail.com!


Be sure to check back soon...I am working on some pretty cute Christmas crafts and yes...Christmas has exlpoded at the Lofgren house!

50/50

So, if you know me at all, you know that I am a bit type A and have a "touch" of OCD...just a touch. :o) Well, there's no better time to combine the type A personality with the OCD as when you are pregnant. Today...I caved in to my OCD side. A friend of mine had told me about this at-home test you could take that could determine the sex of your baby. Well, being almost as good as a new pair of shoes...I have been a bit fixated with the idea ever since she mentioned it. Did I mention that this friend is a nurse...so she has to know what she is talking about...right? EXACTLY!

Today was the day...I just "happened" to go down a certain aisle at Target and what should I find but the "Intelligender: Is it a Boy or Girl?" test. How could I resisit...it was like fate that I was in Target, down this aisle and there it was. So...of course I got it. I could hardly wait to finish the rest of my errands so that I could rush home and find out...is it a boy or a girl?

Now, I have to tell a side story here. Another dear friend of mine told me about the "100% accurate"...that was her quote...Chinese lunar gender predictor. The results...BOY!

Now back to the story at hand...my mom, friend and I are convinced it is a boy...my sister, a few colleagues and other friends have very strong feelings that it is a girl. So, you see...I am in quite a predicament...what's a pregnant girl to do? Can you sense the sarcasm? just a little?
Well...I rush home, pee in the cup, stir in the "magic powder"...my term not Intelligender's term...wait 10 minutes...and the result is...GIRL!

So, what does this mean? Yup, you guessed it...we are still at a 50% chance its a girl and 50% chance its a boy! I guess I will just have to be a little bit patient and wait for the ultrasound!

Pitter patter...

So, you may already know that we are SOOOOOOO excited about the upcoming addition to our family. Yes, we will have a Little Lofgren joining our family sometime near the beginning of May. We are so excited and feel so blessed to be able to embark on this journey together. Chad and I are so lucky to have such amazing parents that have set an amazing example for us...and we hope to be half as good as they were!

Those of you that are parents already know how crazy, amazing, confusing and worrisome this entire experience can be right from the get-go. I think my biggest surprise has been how unbelievably...yes, I think I made up my own word...excited everyone has been. It is times like these that you are reminded of the amazing people that are in your life. We have been blown away by every one's happiness, excitement and sheer exuberance. We cannot thank you enough!!!!

So, there are sure to be more posts along the way with updates. Yes, I am already one of those moms that is showing off photos of her child...who says you can't be a proud mom even before the baby is born? Here is Baby Lofgren...so amazing and so surreal!

Sew Excited!

Drum roll please...I know its a bit dramatic but doesn't it make the story already seem more exciting because it has a drum roll?...here is some info on the duvet I made.

It all started when the comforter set I just bought a little over a year ago started to fall apart. Yup, that's right...$250 comforter set from none other than Linens-N-Things...falling apart. Literally, the fabric was just pulling away from itself, not at the seams, not that the cats had tore it, just falling apart. So, first I was beyond annoyed and then I was sad. Sad because I REALLY loved the set. It was a beautiful chocolate brown with the ice blue color. Beautiful embroidery, cool pillows and shams...and I really didn't want to get a new one.

So, I hit the internet running. I searched everywhere for something that was affordable and that I loved and thought Chad could handle...result...nothing of course. Then it hit me...why don't I just make my own duvet? Hmm...now there's an idea. FABULOUS I thought...I can make one that will meet my standards and it will be one of a kind.

Here is what I knew I wanted...my "old" comforter's kind of intricate styling, something that would be durable and easy to clean, something that was soft but not super girlie, something that would coordinate with all of the pillows, sheets, and towels that I already have...so what was I going to do? Well, you'll just have to see...ha ha...teaser I know! :o)

I knew in my mind what I wanted to do. Our old comforter had this band on embroidery. I wanted to make a white duvet, cut out the embroidered band and sew it on to the new white duvet. My problem was trying to figure out how I was going to make the duvet...where was I going to get fabric 108 inches wide...oh ya, did I forget to mention that our bed is a Cal King? I was practically making a circus tent! Lovely...I know. So, back to my problem, I didn't really want a seam down the middle so I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Then it hit me while I was in the shower...yes, that is where I do all of my great thinking...SHEETS!

Sheets, you may say...I thought she was making a duvet? That rhymes...I tell you I crack myself up sometimes! Yes, I did make a duvet. Here is what I did. I went to Target...my sanctuary...and bought two king flat sheets, and a down comforter...all for under $50...amazing I know! Then I sewed the two sheets together like a big giant pillowcase. Next, I cut the embroidery band from the old comforter and get this...I velcroed it to the white duvet. Why velcro? Well, here is why I wanted white...I wanted to be able to throw the duvet in the wash, bleach it and know that it was squeaky clean. How could I bleach something to squeaky cleandom if it had color embroidery on it...well, I couldn't. So, I decided to velcro it, so that when it needs to be washed, I can take off the band, wash the duvet and away we go. Not only that...but, if I get sick of the band...never...I can always switch it out with something else. FABULOUS! So, here are some pics...sorry I don't have step by step ones...I got so excited and carried away that I forgot to take some!

Here is what I started with...no, this is not my bedroom...I wish...just the picture from the website.

Here is my final result...I know, compared to the above photo not nearly as exciting but still...it is step one in a list of many!

Detailed view of the embroidery band that I fell in love with! Yup, good ol' velcro works everytime. So, does my new duvet meet all of my specifications?

1. "Old" comforter's intricate styling...check

2. Durable and easy to clean...check, check

3. Soft but not super girlie...check...come on its brown and blue...total boy colors!

4. Coordinate with my pillows, shams, sheets, and towels...check, check, check and check

5. Affordable...big check...total cost...right around $60!

6. Do I love it...LOVE IT!!!!

7. Can Chad handle it...he likes it as well...I think even better than the "old" one.

Now, was that worth a drum roll or what?

Sew Happy!

Okay, so I know that most of you know that I have only known how to sew for about 6 months...totally a rookie. And you probably also know that it has kind of taken over my life...I mean I don't need rehab or anything...well, maybe...is denial the first step to recovery? Hmm...anyway, all I know is that it is keeping me busy and the projects just keep flowing. So, this week I just finished up two major home projects...drapes and, oh yes, the rumors are true...a duvet! I know, aren't you so excited...I am SUPER excited about them!

Well, I started the drapes a while back...and when I mean start, I mean I searched for fabric. As is typical with me, I saw what I wanted but just couldn't find it. After many days searching the good ol' world wide web I found it! Black Damask by Michael Miller...FABULOUS! So, then I ordered and yup, you guessed it...it sat in my "studio" that's what I call my sewing room...doesn't "studio" have a much better ring to it? Anyway, it sat in my "studio" for a few months. Finally, I had the rods, clips, fabric, etc...but was working on getting my hubby to put the rods up so that I could finish these bad boys up.

Here they are, finished and hanging in all of their fabulous glory! I made a total of four panels...I still need to do a cornice box for over the sliding door and then something for a window in our kitchen that is on the same wall as the dining area. Hmmm....

Here is the family room area...sorry it is kinda dark
And the dining area...


Close up of the family room and dining area

So, what do you think?

A Week Full of Whimsy!

Isn't it funny how things can be going along, kind of calm, and then all of a sudden it is crazy? Well, I can't say that things are totally crazy...trust me it could get so much worse...but this past week I have been quite busy with my "whimsy" venture. Strangers are actually buying my dresses...crazy, right? The Etsy orders keep on coming. Even though I love to make things for those I have never met, I really enjoy making something special for those I love and care about. So, when my sweet friend Erin asked me to make some gifts for her friends I was so excited. Here's what she designed and I created:Perfect for the future "Executive!"Gotta love anything personalized! And...the "piece de resistance"...say it out loud...it really adds to the story...I promise!Seriously, is this not precious! Erin, I love your ideas and thank you for letting me create this. Total side note...a word to anyone associated with JoAnn's...what is the deal with you not carrying every fabric I fall in love with? Yup, you heard it right...three times in the past couple of months I have purchased some fabric, fallen in love with it...and then, when I need more...it is no where to be found...ANNOYED!

Now, on a totally different note...check out my home project. I am in love with it! So, my long lost friend, Carrie...check out her blog All Things Llanos on the sidebar...is always doing amazing home projects. She also has some cool links to other blogs that she says she "stalks"...which I love...and I myself have found myself "stalking" her "stalked" blogs. So, one of my favorites, Thrifty Decor Chick, had a project she had done in her home with wooden squares and scrapbooking paper. Well, I took the idea, twisted it a bit, gave it my name...literally...and I love it. It is three artists canvases that I bought at Michaels. Then used Modge Podge and paint to"glue" damask printed scrapbook paper on top. After a few coats of paint and Modge Podge, a few dark brown accents to give it a bit of an aged feel, and some black paint, I have this really cool monogrammed wall decor to hang in my entry way. How cool is that? And the best part...it only cost about $15...yay for that!!!

Two Wineries, One Wedding and a Ton of Fun!

So, I am a bit behind on my blogging...what else is new! I have been debating about posting this blog or not, but it was such a fun a weekend that I couldn't help but share it with everyone. Chad and I had the honor and pleasure of spending 4th of July weekend...which by the way is our 7 year mark... on the coast with our closest friends as we celebrated the marriage of our dear friends Pat and Jen! We kicked off the weekend by stopping in Paso Robles for some wine tasting. So much fun!!!!Here's the group at my favorite winery...Malloy O'Neill...we only went to 2...but they were the best! Then we met up with some other friends and had dinner in Avila at The Custom House. Big thanks to Julie the Cruise Director for organizing that...he knows who he is! :o) Saturday we relaxed in Avila before the big wedding. Oh, did I mention the wedding? Ya...it was AMAZING!!! Pat and Jen are two of the sweetest, kindest people we know. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful...weather was perfect, setting amazing...oh ya, did I mention the candy bar. Yup, they had a candy bar with a whole assortment of candies you could bag up and take with you...those were a delicious snack for the drive home.Are they not the most beautiful couple?We all had a blast dancing the night away, sharing laughs, bringing back some "old school" dance moves and of course taking a TON of pictures. All in all, it was an amazing weekend! We are so excited to go on our next "group trip" in August when we celebrate our friend Frank's 40th birthday on a three day cruise to Mexico.

Viva Mexico!