Georgetown Cupcake

We've just returned home from a wonderful vacation visiting my parents in Virginia. Whenever we make the trip there, we take advantage of being able to visit some very dear friends of ours that live in the D.C. area. Liz has a passion for cooking and she certainly didn't disappoint us with the fabulous lunch she prepared for us. After lunch, we decided to make a trip into Georgetown for what else but cupcakes!!! Perhaps you have heard or seen the new show on TLC called "DC Cupcakes". This is where it all takes place...

We waited in line for about an hour which gave us plenty of time to decide what kind of cupcake we were going to have.

We even got to meet Sophie who was so kind, generous and every bit like what you see on the show.

Ben and I both chose the Chocolate2 cupcake because really, what other option is there?

Sam and my husband both went with the Lava Fudge Cupcake...

Thank you Liz and Ryan for a day filled with fun, delicious food, and great conversation. We can't wait to see you again!

Here are the recipes from Liz's menu...

Summer Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Barefoot Contessa Barbecue Sauce

Cannoli Dip with Strawberries

Vacation Part 2...

Our week continued with a trip to Manassas Battlefield. I know this is one battlefield that Sam has very much wanted to visit because it is where one of his favorite heros earned his name...

During the first battle of Bull Run General Thomas Jackson earned the name "Stonewall".

One of my favorite things that we did was to actually visit Stonewall Jackson's headquarters that is located in Winchester, Virginia. We were able to walk through the house, see artifacts and belongings of General Jackson and hear stories of the events that occurred there in the home. And for all of you history buffs out there, we even saw the prayer table and prayer book that belonged to Stonewall and was later used in the movie "Gods and Generals".

Our trip wasn't all history related for which Ben was very thankful. We have some very good friends that live in the D.C. area so we were able to meet up with them and spend the day in the city. Later that evening we went to their townhouse where Ben was able to meet up with some of his favorite friends. Please let me introduce you to Abby...

One day, the girls of the family headed off to the Virginia Farm Market...

I think my sister, Sarah and I had a lot more fun taking pictures than actually shopping. Although I did come home with a delicious blackberry pie... yum!

This was definitely a vacation packed full of memories. Mom and Dad, we had a wonderful time and we miss you so much already. We look forward to seeing you again real soon!

Summer Vacation...

Hello friends! What a long time it has been since my last post. Is it just me or does it seem that summer is flying by? It makes me kind of sad to think that before long the summer days are going to be coming to an end and all the back to school planning takes over once again. This summer has been one of the busiest summers our family has had. I'm sure that's one reason why the days seem to be slipping away so quickly. It's definitely been a summer packed full of memories and fun times for which I am thankful.

This last week was spent visiting my parents in their new home in Winchester, Virginia. Coming from Ohio where we are surrounded by farms and flat land, we so enjoyed the mountains and rolling hills. What a beautiful part of the country! Not only is it beautiful but there are so many historical places to see and visit. It was a great week spent with my parents as well as my sister, Sarah, her husband, and my niece, Anna Claire.

The first day trip we planned was visiting Harper's Ferry. This is where during the Civil War, General Lee moved troops in to capture the town. It was a strategic location because of the railroad that both sides frequently used through the town at the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley.

Sam, Ben, and Anna Claire...

The town is now maintained as a National Historical Park and how neat it was to walk the streets and go into some of the old buildings.

Overlooking the Potamac River...

Another day trip included me riding along with my husband, my Dad, and Sam to Antietam Battlefield. What made Sam the happiest about my parents recent relocation was the fact that they are so close to one of his favorite places to visit... Civil War Battlefields.

Papa and Sam overlooking the battlefield from the 60-foot tower.

I loved being here with Sam because I know how much he enjoys it. Through him, I have learned so much about this particular time in history. He can tell story after story about the events that took place. As we walked this part of the battlefield known as "Bloody Lane", I asked him what it is that he enjoys so much about coming to the battlefields. He replied, "It's just being here." After all the books he has read, pictures he has seen, and watching "Gods and Generals" and "Gettysburg" countless times, I know in his mind he was putting himself in the shoes of a soldier.

Next stop... Manassas, Washington D.C. and a few other highlights!