Happy 27th!

Monday was Steve's birthday and we celebrated from morning till night! I had him come over bright and early for his favorite breakfast (biscuits and gravy). Then while he was at work the boys left him a balloon on his car. I am sure he did not tell the guys at work two little dogs left it for him.

After work he came over where he found a oreo cheesecake I had baked. My first cheesecake and it turned out pretty good! There was also the first clue to his scavenger hunt waiting for him. He had to get through the many clues I left to find all his gifts around the apartment. Afterward I made his favorite Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo also from scratch! It was so yummy...but it will make you sick knowing what is in it (very unhealthy).

ALSO, I got The Red Plate for us to use for special occasions. He made fun of me but when along with it. He swears we will bring it to restaurants when we go out for special occasions...we will see!

Easter

This Easter was very fun and food filled. The boys woke up to a family Easter basket. The Easter Bunny brought them each a stuffed toy and brought me chocolate (to share with Steve of course). They loved their toys so much! The fluff and squeakers were ripped out of them in less than 24 hours. RECORD BREAKING.

After church I started cooking up a storm for dinner. This year was the first year I did an entire Easter dinner by myself. I had fun though! While I was cooking Steve went to Baltimore to get his Grandma and three youngest brothers to bring them over for dinner. We had a great time and ate way too much. After 2.5 hours of cooking and 2.5 hours of eating I crashed and went to bed for the night. Steve even did all of the dishes for me! He is a FABULOUS guy.

Greek Easter Bread

When I was younger my family had many traditions and I enjoyed them. I absolutely loved the progressive dinner we did at Christmas, the family reunions at Thanksgiving, and the Easter egg hunt and breakfast at Grandma's house. As I grew up we did these traditions less and less and now that I live on the other side of the country I am unable to attend the things we still do. It during these times that I really miss my family and wonder why am I living on the East Coast?! (something Sabra asks me on a weekly basis).

HOWEVER, I have adopted families on this coast and I do have a few traditions with them. One in particular is Kirsten's family. They have taken me in and made me feel like one of their own and for that I am grateful. It is nice to have a mom on this side of the country for help and answers to questions when I need them. But most of all I love feeling like part of the family on holidays. Today I received my Easter Bread in the mail from Butty (Kirsten's mother Karen). It is the one edible thing I look forward too during this holiday (and Reese's peanut butter eggs of course). I have been enjoying this Greek tradition for 6 years now and one day I will learn to make my own. But until then I will enjoy my Easter package from my East Coast mom!!

Cirque du Soleil Totem

This week Steve and I were fortunate to get a great deal on tickets to Totem through a friend at church. We sat in the 3rd row for under $150 (both tickets)!! I brought my camera to take pictures but as soon as I turned it on it immediately shut down...dead battery! I need to learn my lesson and make sure it is always charged and ready (my mom would be ashamed at my lack of photography preparedness). I did however take a few quick shots with my little phone.

The show was absolutely AMAZING! I loved every minute of it. I read some reviews that said it wasn't the best Cirque du Soleil and that the story didn't flow well and I suppose I can see that HOWEVER the talent of the performers and the stunts and tricks they can do makes it a moot point. I was in awe over their physical strength and near perfect physiques.

Here is a link to their website where you can see a small video of the performance (no camera were allowed in the tent).

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/default.aspx

Just A Little Off The Top

My little Walter was in much need of a haircut and because I was lucky enough to snag a set of clippers off of Freecycle (and the weather was beautiful) he was able to get one from me this weekend. Steve's little brother Brett was a great helper and photographer. We were able to get Walter shaved in no time (and with only minor bald spots). Hims is so handsome all fresh and clean!

Wizards Game

Steve took his brothers and I (and one of Kevin's friends) to the Wizards game when they played the Hawks. Apparently the Wizards are a horrible team but the Hawks aren't. Surprisingly the Wizards won. I like to think it was because of me. It was a great game and we enjoyed delicious Chipotle after. I had a blast!

I have now been to professional football, basketball, baseball, and hockey games. Am I missing anything else?!

Surprise Bridal Shower

This past weekend we had a surprise bridal shower for Tracey. Her sister was the mastermind behind this extravaganza and it came together beautifully. There were good friends, good food, and tons of fun! I am so blessed that I have such FABULOUS and FUN friends here. I can't wait for the bachelorette party.