Lee Turns 1

This little guy turned one last Friday.  I cannot believe it has been a year.  It seems like yesterday that he was born.  In the short time he has been with us, he has brought so much joy to our lives.  He is smart, handsome, and hilarious! He is stubborn and full of personality.  He hates to sleep and take naps, but loves to laugh! 

We all headed to Raleigh this past weekend for a fun-filled birthday weekend!  I was in charge of decorations and helping Bethany cook.  There weren't a lot of kids coming, so we turned Lee's table into their play station.  The red chairs were courtesy of my mother via Pottery Barn.  I know Lee will get great use out of these in the years to come.  He is obsessed with balloons, so we tied one to each chair.  We made little gift boxes for the other two kids (filled with bubbles and a ball).  Heidi, Rob's mom, painted the kids' names on little pumpkins for them to take home.

Bethany and the birthday boy! Decked out in his Polo gear.

Gift opening time was a bit overwhelming for such a little guy.  He looked at amazement at all the toys, but at the end of the day, was still enamored with the Ba Ba; the balloon.

The Hukill's mantle

We kept the food delicious, but easy.  Bethany made spinach and artichoke dip, chili con queso, and goat cheese and sun dried tomato dip. 

Bethany whipped up this Black Bean and Cumin Soup. Which paired well with the cornbread muffins.

I made Ina Garten's Chicken Chili.

Lee had a homemade, smash cupcake.  The adults ate almond cake courtesy of Edible Art. 

He loves to share when he is eating..... I wasn't as interested in taking a bite this time. :) 

I am so proud to call this little man my nephew and can't wait to watch him grown up.

10 yr Reuinion

Last weekend was my 10 yr reunion. I headed back to Belmont and caught up with some old friends. 

Class of 2003 

Weekend Fun

Randy and Julie were back down this weekend.  They got in late Friday night.  I had some appetizers and snacks waiting on them; including this cheese platter. 

Julie and I ran the "run for the tatas" race on Saturday morning.  This was my first 5k and I was determined to run the entire thing.  Mission accomplished.  I am so thankful that Julie was able to do this race with me.  She had been begging me to do a race for some time and I think without her motivation I would have never made it. This photograph was post race. 

We went to Towne for lunch and did some beer/wine shopping at World Market that afternoon. We spent the remainder of the day on my front porch, enjoying these- 

Today, we went to Jesters Java for brunch.  This was my first time there and this place, located on Castle street, is a hidden gem.  Julie and I had the eggs benedict, which sat on black bean patties, topped with chipotle hollandaise sauce.  They were delicious.