National Cheesecake Day!

Today is National Cheesecake Day and to celebrate, the Cheesecake Factory is offering all is cheesecake for half off!!! So go and enjoy a slice!

Loving a (pretty ugly) pirate!

He is no Johnny Depp!!!

Brent's visit to Boston

This past week, my friend and one of my sister's best friends, Brent came and visited me in Boston. It was action packed to say the least. The night he got in, I took him all over Harvard. We walked the entire Freedom Trail, from start to finish. This meant we actually made it to the Bunker Hill momument, where we proceeded to walk up 294 steps to get to the top. We went shopping, ate good food and walked along the Charles River. The day before he left, we went to Concord and then Salem. We ended our trip by enjoying Boston Cream Pie from the Omni Parker House hotel. They invented it. Here are some picture highlights:

There are a few cemeteries on the Freedom Trail and they contain graves of many famous people, like Paul Revere and John Hancock. Above is the grave of John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts. He is buried in the King's Chapel cemetery.

At the Old State House, we could not resist dressing up as Revolutionary War soldiers.

This is the Bunker Hill monument. Though the day started off sunny, it ended with rain. And yes, we walked to the top. Brent dared me to walk again in these new high heel shoes I bought.

Brent and I at the top of Bunker Hill.

The Beautiful Charles River. We were checking out hot, shirtless joggers.

Brent and I chilling. He is probably thinking that I cannot believe Janae convinced me to walk all over Boston.

The Alcott House, as in the Louisa May Alcott family home. She wrote Little Women here. It is located in Concord, Massachusetts.

In Salem, Brent was connecting with his inner-witchness. Also, this trip to Salem reminded me of a true witch I have to unfortunately be related too.

Though known for the witch trials, Salem has a beautiful harbor.

Also, located in Salem is Nathaniel Hawthorne's House of Seven Gables, which his novel is based on.

Brent and I at the end of our long day, which began in Concord and ended in Salem. We ended the trip by eating Indian food. I love Chicken Mango though my mouth was on fire.

Sand Sculptures!!!

This past Saturday, I went with my friend from school to the Revere Beach sand sculpture craving contest. It was awesome. These people are truly amazing in what they can create. Here are some highlights:

This was my favorite because it reminded me of my cousin Aubree who loves dragons!

Renee's Bridal Shower!

This past Thursday night, Christy Ellers (Renee's best friend) and I threw Renee her bridal shower. As co-matrons of honor we planned and throw it together. It was awesome. I had so much fun. We invited many family members and friends. We served Renee's favorite foods. The highlight of the night was when my three year old nephew Eli decided to go swimming fully clothed in the spa. My dad said he just decided to go in. Later, when I looked out I saw that Eli decided to move unto the pool. He had his swim vest on and was having a blast. Later, we were all entertained by Eli as he bounced a balloon around and got his little brother, West laughing. Overall, the shower was a success. Renee and Lewis got many great gifts. Thank you all!!!

The cake. It was chocolate with chocolate buttercream filling with vanilla buttercream frosting.

The roses and food. The food served was Renee's favorites, which included Sal's pizza, shortbread cookies, peach rings, etc.

Yes, we made Renee decorate for her own shower. Actually, she felt inspired and decided to help out.

My co-matron of honor, Christy and her little girl Maisy. Christy and I had much fun planning and putting everything together. She is awesome.

Lewis dressed up in left over crepe power.

Renee and Aubree. Christy and I thought the bridal veil was awesome and Renee was a good sport and wore it all night.

The guests enjoying their food. We ran out of chairs.

Shelley Moore and Donna O'Neill creating Renee's ribbon bouquet.

Renee opening one of her many gifts. Brent, one of her best friends, served as her own personal trash picker-upper.

Renee and her ribbon bouquet that was put together by Donna O'Neill, a wonderful family friend. She only broke six ribbons, which means Renee is having six kids.

The Bride and Groom to be

Lewis missing Renee's lips!

Renee and Mom

4th of July, Lakey Style

This past weekend, my family, plus my sister's finance Lewis, her best friend Christy, her husband Dan, and their little girl Maisy gathered together at my parents' house to swim and bbq. It was a fun 4th of July. We swam for awhile and took turns going off the slide though we could never convince Eli to go down the slide, but he dug swimming around the pool with only the assistance of his swim vest. Good-bye water wings. Here are some highlights:

Dad making his world famous peach ice cream. It was good.
Hanging out prior to swimming. That is Nathan, Laurel, West, my mom, and Aunt Julee.

The pool.

Julee and West. I love West's smile.

Dan, Christy, Renee, and Lewis.

Christy's 4th of July lemon cupcakes. They were good.

Eli swimming on his own. He loves the pool

Me, preswim.

Renee and Lewis slathering up

Christy and her little girl Maisy

Eli swimming from Grandpa to Dad! He swam well in his new lifevest.

West, just chilling and eating his toes. He is so cute!

Dad, firing up the grill. He did good with chicken, steaks, and hot dogs.

Chlling after an afternoon of swimming!

After his swim, Eli decided jumping on the couch would be fun! He just had endless energy.

The cutest little guys!

A perk of coming home is spending time with my family, especially my nephews. Above, my nephew Eli is enjoying ice cream with Grandpa. He originally wanted my dad's bowl, so we got him some of his own. As you can tell, at the end he decided his finger was a better choice to feed himself than a spoon.

My little, adorable nephew West. He got a tour of the Getty Villa in his stroller. He is the smiliest little baby. I love playing peek-a-boo with him.
He is trying to tell dad to leave him be. Just kidding!

California Love!

After living through a rainy June in Boston (it was very depressing), I took off for sunnier pastures in California. I am home for about two weeks and it was sunny and warm. I have missed the warmth and the sunshine. After constand rain and overcast weather, you become depressed. I feel better that I am out of it and home for awhile. I am excited to hang with my family, see my nephews and just do nothing.