Sunday, August 9, 2009

Our night away


It must be 11 pm. I feel the urge to blog!!

Jon arranged for us to get away this past Sat for our anniversary (7 years on the 10th!!). This is a BIG treat for us as we do not live near any family so I really don't feel comfortable asking friends to watch Anna over night (I hate to ask for favors, even though I have wonderful friends that would probably do it). Jon took it on himself to call Jill and ask her to watch Anna. What a wonderful surprise!! Anna went to Jill's house and we went to Asheville for all day Sat, Sat night and most of the day Sunday.

I love Asheville. It is such a beautiful, relaxing city to visit. I love the vibe that is given off as you walk downtown or even as you drive through the streets.

My biggest find this weekend was a place called French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Yes, I said Chocolate Lounge. We stumbled across this quaint little establishment after we had dinner, followed by coffee, and were on the way to The Thirsty Monk (guess whose idea that last one was?). This place had a line about 10 people deep (at least) when we arrived but I was won over by the decadent chocolate cake I saw gliding past me.

The Chocolate Lounge had chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. You could get sipping chocolate, shakes, truffle torte, chocolate cakes, truffles galore, and much more. Ah yes, you could also order wine and beer. Jon ended up getting a beer float and I got a piece of truffle torte w/ local blackberry sauce drizzled on the side. All I can say is MMMmmmm....

We did end up going to The Thirsty Monk but it was not as exciting as the Chocolate Lounge. I firmly believe Knoxville needs a Chocolate Lounge!

The trip was great! It was nice and relaxing to wander around most of the day, eat at our leisure, and stay out until almost midnight. I think we will have to do this again. ;)

Side note: We ended up at the same hotel that messed up our room service tab and told us that the pool was open when it wasn't (hotwire.com). The room was nice but again customer service was not so great. We didn't have a hotel info or room service menu in the room. The coffee maker did not have cream and sugar w/ it, so when I called down in the am to request some brought up to me, I was told "Let me see if we have any.... (me waiting patiently). You'll have to come down to get it." Grrr. As if I want to come down in my pjs just for some sugar. I should have requested another towel and Oh, by the way, could I get some cream and sugar for the coffee you left in my room for me to make? I did notice as we left, the housekeeper's cart had PLENTY of cream and sugar.

That is strike two West Asheville Holiday Inn.


Monday, August 3, 2009

Back to School


Today I spent my first official day back at school. I must say, I will miss hanging out with Jon and Anna. This has been the best summer ever! We have gotten to spend so much time together, doing things like swimming or going to the library, but mostly just chilling and enjoying each other.

I know we will miss hanging out with our friends. Once the school year starts up, we really don't get to see them that often.

Our friend Tess

Playing Ring-Around-the-Rosie w/ Tess and Gabe


Fruit picking w/ Mimi

Poor Anna, she has become such a mama's girl. When I came home today, I spent a few minutes cleaning out the car before I came in the house. Eventually Jon came out and asked what I was doing. Anna had seen me pull up and was calling for me since then. I felt so loved to see her smiling face.


Anna wearing her baby-doll. What can I say? She's got style!

Ah, but back to the daily grind - can't play the whole year. Maybe someday I'll win the lottery!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Let's Put Anna on the Cover of a Magazine!

Hello Family and Friends,

Help support The American Cancer Society (and help Anna win the cover of Knoxmoms magazine) by donating. Each dollar you donate equals a vote.

Click on the link below and then click on Anna's name. Somehow, they have her middle name wrong but everything else is correct. :)


Thanks for supporting us and a wonderful organization! Please forward this to all your friends!