Baby Cloud!

Our dear friends Rachel and Brandon Cloud had a baby! James Armagh Cloud was born just a few weeks ago on November 17th. We got to meet him the very next day, which officially makes him the newest baby I've ever seen (or held!). One of the craziest parts about growing up has got to be seeing your friends turn into parents. Aaron and I couldn't be happier for our friends, and I'm excited to have a baby to hold at get-togethers, and then graciously pass back to his parents when he cries ;)

Rachel is a MOM!

Many, Many Thanks.

Waking up on Thanksgiving Day is always such a treat, don't you think? I love coming downstairs to my mom "wrestling" the turkey. I love seeing the meal take shape with so many sides, and pies, and recipes involving butter. The house always seems extra cozy on Thanksgiving, it smells good and is warm. This year was extra sweet and cozy, as most things are these days. I woke up with a husband next to me! It's continually a novelty, especially on days like these. Celebrating the "firsts" of our life together is one of the many things I am thankful for. I love that these firsts will be moments we cherish and talk about for so many years. I know we will constantly be having firsts, but slowly they will turn into seconds and thirds and although they are sweet, the newness and excitement we feel now may not remain each time. It's important to be especially thankful for them in the midst of the newness, and I certainly am. With that said, I bring you our very first, married Thanksgiving!

Christmas Card Pictures.

Jess and Sam were kind enough to take some pictures of us, too! I love the way these came out, and I am so excited to send out our very first Christmas card. Just a few more days till Aaron lets me start decorating our house. I'm pretty sure it's going to be a comedy show trying to fit a tree in our tiny apartment. Regardless, I can't wait!

Weekend Plans.

Now that we're both well after a week of colds, we're gearing up for a fun weekend ahead!

Right now our plans include:

a sushi + movie date (we're seeing the Lincoln movie)
a Christmas card photo shoot with Jess and Sam
a sleepover with Aaron's little brother Craig
and probably a few naps and episodes of Friday Night Lights.

I'm excited.

A few highlights of the week included:

discovering Friday Night Lights
eating shrimp tacos and cheese covered corn at Pacifico Cantina
going on a chilly night walk with Aaron
using my Kitchenaid mixer for chocolate chip cookies

On a different note, I've been laughing at this picture all day.

I really can't wait for Christmas.

Cold. Cold. Cold.

It's been a little bit quiet over here as the past few days have been filled with sore throats, drowsy/watery eyes, and so many tissues. The SLEEP portion of "Eat Sleep Frolic" has been in full force as I've been battling a cold since Sunday. I'm usually not a wuss when it comes to sickness (except when it involves nausea), but this one has been pretty brutal. The hidden treasures of being sick have been extra time with my husband, and getting 5 episodes into an obsession with Friday Night Lights. I love it already. Thankfully, Aaron's been a wonderful caretaker (no surprise here), and I'm on the mend.

Saturday.

I watched a gorilla puke on Saturday. Then I watched the gorilla EAT IT'S PUKE on Saturday. Thankfully, that's not the only thing we did. We also saw lions play/fight, walked through beautiful DC neighborhoods, and ate at one of our favorite restaurants for lunch.

^This was right before it puked! Unbelievable, right?