An Occasion to Toast

Our friend Marc proposed to his lovely girlfriend (now fiance) a few weeks ago on a sunny Saturday at a local orchard. To no surprise Balem said yes, and we had the chance to host a little engagement party that evening. There was plenty of congrats and champagne to go around, and we are very excited for them. Congrats, friends!

Valentine's Day = Spa Day...

This year my wonderful sweet Valentine got together with 3 other guys in CRW and they all set up a spa day for us girls...it was great! A spa day is a rare treat, and even better when you get to go with a bunch of girlfriends. You did well, guys!

Here's the whole group: Becca, Alison, me, Sara, and Kristine.











This is my hot wax treatment...pretty strange yet awesome.














Sara and Kristine












Al and Sara

Won't you be my neighbor?

James and I are "deacons" for our building this year...which does not mean much more than we get a budget to throw a few parties throughout the year for our building to foster community. Not a bad deal, really. So in February we finally got a party set up for the folks in our building. During the spring, summer, and early fall months we have a weekly BBQ together, which is a great way to stay in touch with your neighbors. But during the winter months we all turn into hibernating bears, so this gathering was a fun chance to catch up.

Here are two of our youngest neighbors, Ryland and Josiah.

Lucas, James, and Bradley

Allie and Shannon

Tara (who has the 1 year old son) and Anthony (Allie's husband)

Lucy (whose husband and 2 kids couldn't make it), with Ryland and Josiah