Easter Anniversary Weekend

Hey, hey, everyone – I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

I tell you what, even though we’re not even a full week into April, this month is already kicking my butt! Between work, doctor’s appointments, family, holidays, anniversaries, and trying to find a moment of downtime, I feel like I haven’t stopped in a hot minute. That said, I don’t have a recipe to share with you today but wanted to pop in and say hi anyway!

When life gets crazy, sometimes the only thing to do is step back and submit for your sanity. Recognize that not everything on your to do list is going to get done, and that’s ok. The world is not going to come to a screeching halt because I didn’t get one last recipe test in! That said, this past Friday I said to heck with it and Lincoln and I met my Mom, brother, and Ben for happy hour at Louie’s Wine Dive, which is quickly becoming our favorite place in town. I love trying new wines, Lincoln seems to like it, and we just can’t get over their Lobster Poutine. We also tried their new calamari and pasta with clams on Friday – both delish!

(So is this smile – I just want to eat him up!)

My little brother was in town from Denver for just a couple days, picking up the last of his stuff from his three month stint back home last winter. Our time was short but sweet. I loved catching up, and we did lots of it in just two short days. He headed home at the crack of dawn on Easter and we were sad to see him go but we’ll be catching up in Denver later this summer. Can’t wait.

On Saturday the three of us ran around town picking out new patio furniture (finally filling up the back deck nearly two years after we bought the place!) and finally settled on a nice set which is being delivered on Wednesday. Can’t wait to show you – it’s exactly what we’ve been looking for the past couple of years.

Sunday was the big day – Easter (in case the big sparkly eggs didn’t give it away!)

After church Ben, Lincoln and I headed over to my parent’s house to hang out while we waited for my brother, sister in law, niece and nephew to arrive. Lincoln got some good snuggle time in with Grammy and Papa.

Plus a few practice rounds of egg hunting while Ben was hiding the loot in the backyard.

Whee!

After everyone arrived the kids set out tearing through the yard hunting for their eggs. This was my absolute favorite part of Easter when I was little. My Dad would yell, “You’re cold – freezing cold!” when we were out of range of our eggs, and “you’re hot – on fire!” when we were close. Such great traditions that I can’t wait to pass down to my kids!

Lincoln collected all the green eggs he could find, and plenty of pine cones, too. ;)

First official Easter egg hunt, in the books!

Lunch was next, and my Mom had a beautifully set table, complete with an Easter basket at everyone’s spot. Doesn’t matter how old I get, I’ll never turn down a basket full of candy and socks. Love me a practical Easter bunny. ;)

Our meal was on point. Juicy, salty Amana Ham, a sweet potato bake, Grandma’s Holiday Salad and 15 Minute Green Beans and Bacon totally hit the spot!

Yesterday was one of the most gorgeous days we’ve had yet so the family parked it outside for the rest of the day.

The boys played a little golf,

got some good grass stains,

And cocktails and Vitamin D were enjoyed by all.

Did I mention the cocktails? Just kidding, just Grammy doing what she does best – entertaining the grandkids!

Yesterday Ben and I also celebrated 7 years of marriage! The weather was actually really similar to our wedding weekend back in 2008. It snowed two days before the big day then the weather miraculously cleared up and we had a gorgeous wedding day.

Since we spent all day at my parents, Ben cooked up a little surprise for me at home by setting up Bistro Praiano for the season while I was putting Lincoln to bed.

Complete with some flowers, a cocktail, and a card – swoon!

I was treated to a nice charcuterie board while he finished up the main meal.

Butcher and the Boar sausages!! Because what says love more than smoked cheddarwurst? Bahahaha. Ben and I ate at Butcher and the Boar in Minneapolis a couple years ago and still talk about it all the time, so when we saw they ship their fresh, homemade, gluten-free sausages, we ordered pronto and were just waiting for a special day to enjoy them.

Seven years seems like a good enough reason for me!

This warm, wonderful weekend was just what I needed. I’m feeling refreshed and ready to take on the week. How about you?