valentines day.

to celebrate, my mom and i made these gems this weekend. i learned that i really can't bake and that i have some serious catching up to do if i ever want to live up to the family cooking talent. did you see these? i don't know how she does it.

mock thanksgiving.

i promised sister that i would post some pictures from our annual family mock thanksgiving. i had been looking forward to this for a couple weeks and was more than happy to drive home to see my family and eat delicious food. once again, my mom pulled off an amazing presentation and it's a major plus that basically everyone in my family knows how to cook (except for me of course... someday.) we missed you kelsey and robby! can't wait for actual thanksgiving we get to spend it with you in the city (!!!!!!!)

and of course these cuties were there... the best part for me!

the looks of home.

herb gardens which will turn into yummy pesto, fresh tomatoes, flower planters, warm temperatures, porch sitting, green grass... i love how my parents make the house look in the summer. and to think... this is what it looked like 6 months ago on christmas eve... i'll take july over december any day.