Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Our Weekend in Maryland

This winter has been a tough one. Although, for the most part, our weather has been unseasonably warm and we haven't really had much snow. However, we have had one sickness after the other and have been cooped up a lot! This past weekend, we finally got to get away and recharge a little.

A few months back, I got a message from my cousins who were planning a surprise anniversary for my aunt and uncle. They were celebrating their 50th anniversary! Their anniversary fell on the weekend of their annual trip to Maryland to watch my cousin, Erik, participate in the Deep Creek Dunk. It's a polar plunge to raise money for the Maryland Special Olympics. The plan was to rent a house for the weekend and hopefully surprise the couple!


Surprise!


When we arrived Friday the weather was beautiful! With sunshine and temps in the 70s, it was perfect!


There is just nothing better than having a house full of aunts, uncles, and cousins! Because we don't all live close to one another, getting us all together is the best. We did miss a few that were not able to make it. :(   

Friday night, we enjoyed this gorgeous view and the last of the warm weather.


Saturday was dunk day! We awoke to a cold rain and lots of wind. Still, warm by dunk standards because usually the lake is frozen over this time of year.


During the dunk, we stood in the cold wind and pouring rain. Immediately after, the rain stopped and the sun came out again. It was crazy!

Saturday evening was a surprise vow renewal ceremony officiated by my cousin, Courtney. It was beautiful!


This was truly the best weekend we have had in a long time! I was honored to be part of my Uncle Rod and Aunt Pam's special day and being surrounded by family is always a good time. Can't wait to do it again soon!


Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Ranch Oyster Crackers

These classic crackers are perfect for snacking and so addictive! I.Can't.Stop.

{Ingredients}
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 (1oz.)package of Ranch dressing mix
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
6 cups oyster crackers

{Directions}
1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F
2. Combine oil, dressing mix, dill, garlic powder, and lemon pepper. Pour over the crackers and stir to coat. Spread crackers on a baking sheet evenly.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring gently after 10 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Seriously, so addicting! Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Loving

Well, hello there February! January was not the most fun month for the Adams family. We spent most of it fighting off one sickness after another and generally feeling pretty crappy. Needless to say, I was so happy to flip the calendar to a new month and start fresh. Plus, I love February! It's a nice short month and one step closer to spring. Also, Valentine's Day is pretty cool! Since today is the first day of the "love" month, I thought I would share a few things I'm loving about today.

Pizza for dinner! While I really do love to cook, sometimes having someone else do it is just what I need. The coolest thing about this, back in December, Stella(6) won a free pizza a week for an entire year. Thank you very much, Stella!

Mini Valentine's cupcakes for dessert! Yum!

The Notebook! Getting cozy on the couch and watching a movie while snacking on mini cupcakes is the perfect way to spend the evening.
These are just a few things that I am loving about today. I'm also loving that we are all feeling so much better!
I hope you all are loving this first day of February too! Good night!