Flowers we bought at Eastern Market for Natalie.

Little Popsicle stick house Anna and I made.

Last night, as Jason and I were in bed, talking about future planes and a PCS, I heard yelling outside.

We live only a street over from a main road in the small city we live in, so it is normal to hear firetrucks and ambulances. However, last night, after hearing the yelling, I heard sirens much louder than normal.

We ran downstairs and stood on our lawn to try to see what was going on, only to see the street parallel to ours was lined with firetrucks and cop cars. On our side of the street, there are only 3 to 4 houses, including ours, so we could clearly see the commotion. Jason and I walked down to the corner lot on our street and watched firefighters in and out of a house on the opposite street.

We found out later that a neighbor's house had caught fire and that the lady who lived there couldn't locate her young daughter to get her out. Sadly, when the little girl was found, she was no longer alive.

If you would, just say a prayer for this family. Thank you.

We went down to Eastern Market this morning, before heading to Joe and Natalie's for a cook-out. Most of today was spent with friends, just relaxing and it was wonderful. :)

xoxo,
Heather

This gorgeous Spring day was spent touring Virginia Wineries.

Our adventure actually started last night, when our plumbing was acting up and we were forced to stay in a hotel, so we could get showers. So, we found a hotel close to the first winery we wanted to visit and got a good night's rest. :)

We tasted and toured about 6 wineries and bought a few bottles of wine and just enjoyed the gorgeous day.

We visited our first Wegman's and bought lunch at their deli area that has all kinds of already made foods. I chose an Indian fare, Chris had a salad and fresh fruits and veggies and Jason had a little of everything. :)

At our last winery of the day, we bought a bottle of wine and enjoyed it, along with a fruit and cheese tray outside on their patio overlooking the beautiful Virginia countryside.

I hope your day was just as pleasant. :)

xoxo,
Heather

This morning Tori went back to Texas. :( I was sad to see my friend go, but our fun times couldn't last forever.

Chris and I relaxed and recovered for most of the morning. After lunchtime, we decided we felt good enough to head over to the Pentagon City Mall. We shopped around for a while. I got a very me infinity scarf from The Limited. It is bright yellow, pink, orange and white. AND, soft! I also got a 2 3/4 sweaters and a hot pink tank at XXI.

Chris also had a surprise for me. Her birthday gift to me was the Kate Spade iPhone case I had been wanting, but the Apple store in Annapolis was always out of. Yay!

After having lunch at Johnny Rockets', we headed home.

We were surprised that Jason beat us home! He was prepping dinner and had big plans in store for the evening. He grilled some steak and veggies on the grill, I made mint sweet tea and we enjoyed our delicious dinner outside. Dessert? Grilled peaches and sorbet. Yum!

Life is good.

xoxo,
Heather

Today, we took a little trip downtown. We hung out and took pictures in front of the Capitol, then walked down to the Washington Monument. Our next stop? The Lincoln.

After our lovely, short day downtown, we went to the house to unwind and relax before heading down to Murphy's Irish Pub to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. A few hours and a few too many drinks later (for myself, at least) we left. And, I spent a very unpleasant night remembering how much I drank. I'll just say, my friends are the best. ;)

xoxo,
Heather

My 24th Year.

Today, I am 24.

We woke up this morning and had breakfast at Blue Moon Diner in Baltimore for my birthday breakfast of their famous Captain Crunch french toast. I am not sure I have had a better breakfast, EVER. Except for the breakfasts my Dad used to make. :)

After breakfast, Tori, Jason and I drove over to the airport to pick up Chris! Jason took a nap in the little lounge area, while Tori and I sat in rocking chairs in the sun to be warm and watch the planes fly in and out. It was nice to relax for a little while.

We met Chris at baggage claim and came back home to relax until my birthday tea party at Joe and Natalie's.

We got all dolled up for the tea party and headed to Joe and Natalie's. My words can't describe how special and wonderful it was to have friends do so much for me on my day. I am so blessed and loved.

xoxo,
Heather

Yesterday was exhausting, so today was spent mostly chatting on the couch in our pjs. It turned out for the best, because we were able to see the president land and stand out on the flight line where the media stands.

After that excitement (and very windy, COLD weather), we took a little trip over to Marshall's and enjoyed a coffee from Starbucks as we browsed. I ended up finding my swimsuit for this summer! It is adorable. Unfortunately, I cannot find a picture that exhibits its cuteness. I will explain as well as I can. It is a one piece, halter swimsuit with a teeny little ruffle-skirt thing above the leg. It is a zebra print, but not a bold one, more like a smaller stripe type with brown and white stripes. And, the top's halter portion is accented by orange stitching. Okay, so it doesn't sound cute at all. I will have to take a photo and post it later. :)

The swimsuit.

Tori cooked a jalapeno tilapia over pasta for us. WONDERFUL. I must get her recipe. :)

xoxo,
Heather

Today, we enjoyed a wonderful message at church.

We dined on chili dogs and half smokes with chili cheese fries at Ben's Chili Bowl.

We walked around Eastern Market and got crepes from crepe man, one of the musts for Tori's visit, in my opinion. :)

And, if that weren't enough...we spent the rest of our day downtown at the Museum of Natural History. We saw gems, rocks, minerals, learned about mammals and bones and other interesting things, before coming back to the house to relax after our very fun, but very exhausting day.

xoxo,
Heather