Lee turns 3, Halloween, and Graham's Baptism

I have been in Raleigh quite a bit lately.  Lee turned three and we had his Big Hero 6... Frozen... basketball themed birthday party on the most beautiful fall day.  Mom, Graham, and I keeping cozy. 

The boys decorating some pumpkins. A messy, but fun endeavor.

Rob, always dapper in his khakis, plays a game Carolina Cornhole.

It is funny how much kids grow in a year.  Before I was about to leave, Lee squeezed my neck and said, "Thank you for coming to my birthday party, Sammy.  Thanks for eating my cake with me." Not that Lee can't be sweet and polite, but this was such a genuine moment of gratitude.  He was really grateful that I had come.  Unprompted, unsolicited affection from a kid you love so much.... well, it certainly had me choked up.

Lee was so excited and happy that all of his friends and family attended.  He received an awesome pair of cowboy boots, which he has been wearing often.  He has a deep affection for horses, thanks to my father, and anything cowboy. 

These two, looking more and more alike each day.

Two weeks after Lee's birthday, I headed back to Raleigh for Halloween and Graham's baptism.  Jarrod, Emily, and their kids were coming up with our families.  Lee and Jake have such fun together and we thought they would enjoy Trick or Treating.  I  had been craving oysters for weeks and thought it would be nice to have some Halloween night. I stopped at Eagle Island Seafood and picked up a bushel of Stump Sound before hitting the road.

Bethany and I took the kids to story time at the library.  All the kids were dressed up for Halloween. It really was such an adorable scene. 

Jake and Lee ate some cookies, giving them lots of energy to collect candy. 

This sweet little giraffe was happy to see his godmother, Aunt Katie. 

The crew before Trick-or-Treating. 

After we returned, we started in on the oysters.

The next day we woke bright and early for the baptism.  

A really sweet moment I caught of Rob and Graham.

But, as should be expected, a baptism and party can tucker a little guy out. 

One Last Summer Hurrah

I headed to Raleigh last week to pack in some quality time with my family before summer ends.  Bethany is still on maternity leave and we filled our days with food, fun, and family.  

Our addiction to Jubala remains and we spent our first morning feasting on lattes and waffles. Bethany ordered the latte of the day, coconut cream.  I immediately regretted my skinny vanilla iced and returned twice more to correct the error. 

Bethany has a standing girl's night each week.  Having seen my copious cheese platters on Instagram, I was volunteered to put together a little spread for the girls.  I happily obliged. 

Bethany is a food truck connoisseur.  She knows the best ones in the triangle area and discovered that The Humble Pig would be close by one day.  We couldn't pass up such a convenient opportunity. Truthfully, I had been craving BBQ for over a week and this certainly satisfied that craving. 

She ordered the BBQ Fries and BBQ Tacos.  They were equally delicious.  I now know why this is a favorite of hers.

Please forgive the food pictures, but Bethany and I enjoy trying out new spots when we are together. We popped in Driftwood, a fairly new restaurant in Lafayette Village, one afternoon.  We had some killer guacamole, wings, and chocolate bourbon pecan pie. 

Saturday we went to Raleigh Racquet Club, where they are members, and let Lee swim for a few hours.  He hasn't really been since Graham was born and he had so much fun with his Dad. 

Saturday afternoon, Jack and I hung out on the back porch while Gidget poked, prodded, and begged Jack to play with her.  He was unconvinced.

I made bruschetta and kale chips to accompany the pork tenderloin we were having for dinner.

Sunday was spent at church, but first, a quick trip to Jubala.  

Bethany and I ended our week at North Hills watching Trainwreck.  Rob watched the kids so we could have a girl's afternoon.  The movie was hilarious and as always, I was sad to kiss these kids goodbye.  I am back in Wilmington, detoxing, dieting, and attempting some beach time before I return to school for my ninth year teaching.

Weekend Relaxation w/ The Sawyers

My aunt and uncle come to Wilmington at least twice a year.  You may remember the major kitchen renovation they helped me complete last summer.  While my uncle has another set of projects for the fall, we did something truly amazing this visit, nothing.  We visited with one another and relaxed for once. 

They arrived Friday afternoon.  I had made a pitcher of southsides that we enjoyed before dinner. My aunt is a lover of gin and I knew she would particularly enjoy my new favorite cocktail.  For dinner, we started with bruschetta.  I also picked up a bottle of Butter.  If you haven't tried Butter, grab a bottle next time you come across one.  It is a delicious chardonnay and under $20. 

I had gone to Mott's Seafood earlier in the day and picked up three halibut filets.  I used this Ina Garten recipe. and served it alongside my favorite summer succotash.  

Having imbibed a little too much wine the night before, we set off for a mid-morning brunch at The Basics.  To be honest, I was disappointed with my food.  I have been a few other times and have had fonder memories.  My potatoes lacked flavor and the crabcake benedict was a little too fishy. However, the atmosphere is fun and I am sure I will give it another go at some point.

After running some errands, including a trip to my favorite local wine shop, Red Bank Wines, we set off for home.  We had found some figs at The Fresh Market and Glenn whipped up some tasty snacks. 

Rosé has made quite the comeback the last few years.  I started drinking rosé, with consistency, last summer.  It is the perfect summer wine. Astounishingly, in America, it has flown under the radar until now.  The main mis-conception of rosés is that they are sweet.  This isn't the case at all.  Just like any wines, some can be, but the majority of rosés are not. I  have tried many this summer and the ones I love the most seem to come from Provence.  If you haven't tried rosé yet, grab a bottle before the summer is over.  

After having properly filled ourselves with snacks and wine, we took to the porch to wait for Andrea's arrival. 

Saturday evening we went to Glenn's favorite restaurant, Indochine.  I have blogged about the greatness of Indochine and each time I go I am always impressed.  This photograph was taken in the garden, not the worst place to relax while waiting on a table. 

Sunday morning we woke up and feasted on succotash frittata, cheddar biscuits, and mimosas. 

We headed to Southport for the afternoon.  It was great visiting, as always. 

Jubala

This is the most perfect little spot.  However, based on the constant crowd at the oddest of hours, I would say the secret is officially out.  Bethany and I have been twice in the last few months and are still dreaming about the peach waffle we had this week.  The lattes are delicious and gorgeous. Going to Jubala is a special treat, when you actually have time to savor your coffee and linger over your food.  Otherwise, stick to the drive-thru at Starbucks.  But, for a truly pleasant morning, head to Lafayette Village in North Raleigh.  

Skinny Lattes w/ Cinnamon

Waffles topped with fresh, local peaches and a homemade biscuit with blueberry compote.

Graham Morris Hukill

I have had quite the exciting summer. From traveling to D.C. with students, to a family vacation in Hilton Head, to waiting on this nugget's arrival, it has been one whirlwind of a summer.  On July the 4th, at 6:33 pm, this beautiful boy, five days past due, entered the world.  After a day full of excitement, our little firecracker arrived.  Graham Morris Hukill weighed in at 9lb 8oz.  Lee was the most ecstatic big brother, as evidenced by the picture below.  I am sure he has a lifetime of exciting birthdays ahead of him, ones always filled with fireworks and parties.

Bethany and Graham at our grandfather's house this past weekend.  He has added such joy to our family already.  

My 30th Birthday

I turned 30 on Sunday and celebrated Saturday night with some of my nearest and dearest friends. We had dinner at RX, one of my favorite farm to table restaurants downtown.  It really was such a special night and made me feel incredibly blessed to have acquired such amazing people in my life.

I started off the birthday weekend at Dockside.  I met Danielle and Ava for some late afternoon cocktails.  

We spent Saturday on Brett and Danielle's boat.  Bethany bought me a new Boat & Tote bag from L.L. Bean.  I love it! 

Sweet Ava Lou was such a trooper.  She loves the boat and water.

Before heading to dinner, we popped some champagne at my house and started celebrating.  

Mandy, who also celebrated a birthday this weekend, joined us at RX.

Danielle and I enjoying our dinner! 

After dinner we all went to Satellite for a bit.