Spring Tulips

Last fall I planted A LOT of tulip bulbs in hopes that maybe a few would grow this spring. I love how tulips look when they are in masses. So with the help of Alex, I planted them in the flower bed along our garage.

I realized I was taking a huge risk. If any of the tulips did appear, they may fall victim to our neighborhood bunnies and squirrels. I was growing a "buffet" of tulips for them.

As luck would have it, the tulips did grow. Most if not all of them. And they have survived the bunnies and squirrels. They are AMAZING! I love walking out the door and seeing them in the morning opened and coming home and seeing them closed.

I love Spring!

Hippity Hop it's Peter Cottontail

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and was able to enjoy the day with their families. The weather was absolutely beautiful here in the Twin Cities. Since it was so warm, the Easter Bunny made a quick stop by our house for Alex this year.

Before we headed to Mass, I made breakfast for Alex and I. We went to Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Aside from the fact that the service was amazing as always (I love all of the pomp and circumstance at Easter), the Basilica is absolutely beautiful. I am always in awe of all of the architectural details.

Last year was a pretty boring Easter. We had no idea that the city pretty much shuts down for the Holiday. Which it should and probably does in Ohio too, however, since we had no family to visit or places to be, we were very aware of the lack of activities to do.

So this year, I planned Easter egg coloring. Alex was a very good sport. He got into decorating his eggs and was very secretive with what he was doing.

Like many things that I try to do as an adult that I did as a child, I always remember it being so much more fun than it turns out to be. Some things are just meant for kids. We rounded out the day with a very big ham and potato dinner. I even made a key lime pie from scratch. It was very good if I say so myself. Another successful Easter in Minneapolis!

Don't be late for a very important date!

It's Showering Kitchen Gifts

This past March my cousin and Maid of Honor, Ann, hosted my Bridal Shower for my family. It was a whirlwind weekend, but a fabulous one. It may come as a surprise to many that I do not enjoy being the center of attention. Boy was I the center. You could hear crickets as everyone's eyes were on me as they anxiously awaited me to open my presents. It was a little nerve wracking.

My favorite part–besides opening the presents that we spent hours registering for–was seeing my family. Especially the LaRoches(my mom's side). It has been such a long time since we have all gotten together.

We (Aunt Sally, my cousin Heidi, my Mom and I) started the weekend of festivities by shopping for my Mom's dress on Friday. I was a little nervous how it would go. After trying on only 3 dresses and visiting 3 more stores, we ended up back where we started and made the final decision. We celebrated with a delicious meal at Grand Finale in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Of course, we had to have dessert. Yes, that is a chocolate mousse the size of my head. (I was off my wedding "diet" for the weekend.)

My cousin Ann (MoH) joined us that evening and we started getting ready for the big Part-Tay. Ann shipped all of the Bridal Shower essentials in a box from South Carolina. That's right . . . it was a Bridal Shower in a box!

The two of us made a great team making the Mint Chocolate Brownies. Yummy!

My cousin Heidi (aka Martha Stewart) did a fabulous job setting up the table of desserts. As well as a million other odds and ends to help get ready. She really should get into the business of party planning.

I was very fortunate to have all of my LaRoche Aunts at the party. (L-R: Aunt Jean, Aunt Becky, Me, my Mom, and Aunt Sally)

The Ohio Hallinans were also in attendance. (L-R: Me, Aunt Mary, Aunt Linda and my cousin Maggie)

My mom was very gracious to host the entire shower at her home in Dayton. I couldn't think of a better place to celebrate with my family.

I am very honored to have my cousin Ann stand up for me at our wedding. She has been like a sister to me and a great friend. She is the best MoH ever! She also threw one heck of a Bridal Shower. THANK YOU Annie!

Anyone out there?

I am not sure if anyone still thinks to check my little blog anymore. I wouldn't blame them, because it has been forever since I have been able to take the time to update my blog. It seems like 2010 is moving fast. I can't complain. That means the wedding will be here before we know it. However, there is a lot still to do.

Accomplishments;

1. Date 2. Location 3. DJ 4. Photographer 5. Florist 6. Dress 7. Registry 8. Save the Dates 9. Bridal Shower

In Progress;

1. Rehearsal Dinner 2. Transportation 3. Videographer (up in the air) 4. HONEYMOON

To Do;

1. Cake 2. Reception 3. Tux 4. Ceremony Music 5. Invitations

Am I forgetting anything?