Planes, Family and a Wedding

I flew out to Omaha to FINALLY meet my new niece... well, and to see my other two nieces AND to see my big brother marry Katie. I wholeheartedly approve of her by all means! I am so happy I get to spend time with them and share their special day! It was hard to boil down the photos to just a handful, but here goes...

I got to Omaha after midnight on Thursday so, really just time for hugs and kisses and go to bed. Woke up Friday morning to get to do some great bonding with my new sister Katie and my nieces. Well, Claire and Rory already had me wrapped around their finger, but I get to know Sloane. Man, she is a GUILL through and through! Headstrong, independent, smart and SASSY! 

Friday was rehearsal dinner and just hanging out since the wedding was Saturday! We had a lovely dinner at the The Spaghetti Works. Tons of food and really nice people.

And the wedding... What a day! Katie and Michael picked a super cute place for the wedding and reception. The Vintage Ballroom was the cutest little place with the best feel. A few hours early so get hair and make-up in place. It was absolutely the BEST time getting ready for their wedding and just getting to be silly with family. I missed that!

After some relaxing we decided to head out and get a family tattoo on Monday. G for Guill. Well, Claire went off book and got a surprise tattoo on her arm to honor Mike. The best is that he actually drew it and the word and love heart in the tattoo was his writing. This kid! Ended Monday with some sushi to celebrate Claire's 20th Birthday and teaching Slaone about Aunt Shell selfies, or as Claire calls them.. Aunt Shellfies!

Before I went home Tuesday night, we spend some time at the Omaha Zoo. That place is HUGE!! Cant wait to spend more time with them soon!

 

 

Random Claire Visits

 I love a random visit from my niece Claire. Three days is still better than none! Of course, my brother, Claire's dad texted and said to NOT give her any alcohol unless she asked nicely... so this is the text pic we sent him after that....

Family Day at Hollins

Claire's college was hosting Family Day so Terry and I drove up and picked up her Dad (my brother Mike) on the way. She's a freshman at Hollins University and took us around campus and up to the Roanoke Star. We ended the weekend with a trip to Cracker Barrel!

Claire's First Tattoo

There's not a card for this, but when your niece asks you for advice on getting her first tattoo... you help her research, help her select the right artist and go with her. It doesn't hurt at all when you know someone (Olivia) who is an amazing artist who made an opening for her on the weekend that she was visiting!

Poetry is for Bears

Not only are we super similar, but apparently, we but the same pattern dress from Old Navy! Took Claire to an open mic night and let her read some original poetry. She is amazing!!

Beach is Not for Bears

College is for Bears

 Hollins University is definitely for bears! Took  few hours to drive Claire up to tour the campus and it was beautiful and amazing. I can definitely see her going here.

 

Ice Cream is for Bears

Took Claire to Norfolk and got some ice cream and then she bought the affection of her cat cousins with some treats. Rocket and Ollie are really into getting their love purchased!

Bays are for Bears

Took Claire out to Ally's to hang out at the dock for a bit. Enjoyed some sun and a few drinks, none for Claire and a little dinner. Nice evening!

Museums are for Bears

Scones are for Bears

My niece Claire came to visit for a bit and day one, we decided to make orange cranberry scones.

The Bear! AKA Claire

Hanging out with Claire... She's so pretty!

Nieces

Claire and Rory..

Terry went with me to Maryland for wrk this week... We stopped by my brothers for a visit and got some cuddles in with our nieces. Claire was busy doing homework and Rory got some quality time with Uncle Terry.  It was a great visit!

Sunday Funday

Sunday started with my niece Claire making everyone French Toast and then off to a riding lesson....

Mike and Rory hanging out at the Equestrian Center in Shepherdstown, Wha

 Claire on a pony-- doing an Amazing job!!

 Then we went over to the Sheperdstown, WV open market. It reminded me a little of living back in Italy. Such amazing bread we bought.

Saturday Fun

Saturday Morning came and we headed out to the Harpers Ferry National Fark to the C&O Canal Park (on the Maryland Side) and took a nice walk down the canal and over the Appalachain Trail that corsses the Potomac River.

We crossed over to the West Virginia side-- into old Harpers Ferry

After Harpers Ferry, We headed back to the family compound for a little backyard fun with the girls...