Jennie and Eric's Adventures

Bri and Julie come to Texas-August 2011

My good friend Brian-who actually I met through my friends Marie and Joe, who I met in Italy studying abroad. Bri, Marie, Dan and Joe all went to Marist, which happens to be in the town where I grew up. It was a funny way to all meet, in Firenze, and we've remained friends since 2002. So, anyhow, I met Brian through them after we returned home.

Brian emailed me a few months prior asking if he and his then girlfriend, Julie (now fiance) could come to visit on their way back from Vegas. He also asked me not to tell her because it was a surprise. So, it came as no surprise to us when they arrived in Houston and Julie had a new piece of jewelry, an engagement ring!! So, we got to celebrate with the newly engaged couple on their 4 day trip to Houston. It was so wonderful to hang with them again. We had such a good time and are so grateful for their visit.

They arrived Thursday so we headed, of course, to Cross Fit for a workout. Eric and I recently started Cross Fitting and Jule and Bri are huge Cross Fitters, so naturally they wanted to try out our gym. We worked up a good sweat, came home to a protein shake, made my Bri, and then a delicious paleo-friendly meal that Bri and Julie made.

On Friday we headed to the zoo. Eric had to work so we checked out the attractions at the Houston zoo.

Oh yes, Julie and I are children.

That night we celebrating the engagement with a steak dinner at Pappa's Steakhouse.

I really liked my steak!!!

Bri and Jule got a kick out of this.

The next day we headed to the famed Saint Arnold's brewery for the indoor picnic. Last time we went, we arrived too late and had to sit on the floor. Bri kept telling me "this is the day" for us to get a seat..and he was right...we only had to leave our house at 9:30am for the 11 o'clock opening. But, we made it. We were right in the front of the line...yesss!

We got a great seat right in the middle at one of the tables. Oh yea!

Julie and her newly purchased Saint Arnold's pint glass....lawn mower, awesome.

I heart crossfit!

Eric's fave

Crowded much!?

Love Julie's shirt

We then got into a pretty serious game of Texas Hold'em. As you can see, I was pretty serious about it. Bri and Eric were sharing their chips with Julie as needed but me, no way! I was winning..and was not sharing! Sorry Jule!!

That night we went out for some Tex-Mex and then off to Liberty Station, one of our favorite bars in the area. They've got chimichanga (or corn hole, whatever you call it) and jenga...yes, gigantic jenga.

This bar is always a highlight on Washington where lots of beer "crawls" or rides start.

This is the pedal party. There is one person who steers and the rest pedal while partaking in some beverages.

Chimichanga

Group shot.

We had a great time with Brian and Julie visiting us in our new home. You are welcome back anytime!! Congratulations to you on your engagement!! We can't wait to celebrate at the wedding!!

Eric's Birthday Celebration

The night before we flew back to Houston, Eric's parents invited relatives and friends over for a little birthday celebration.

From left, Patti, Mom P, Lisa, Eric, Bouges, Lex, Mania, Jeff and his girlfriend

Mom P, Patti, David and Mom M

Mom and Dad M on the brink of their European vacation

Joel, Patti and Sheila (still recovering from the amazing wedding she hosted the weekend prior)

Linnea and Janet

The spread

Happy Birthday, Eric!!!

Eric and Bouges

Freddie and Eric

Carrot cake...yumm!

Until next year!

August 5, 2011

Eric's Birthday fell on a Friday when we were home. Eric had never visited growing up and we'd be talking about going forever, and the opportunity finally presented itself. So, Eric, Lexy and I headed up to Mohonk very early on his 28th birthday to celebrate the occasion. They have a great breakfast so we made reservations for breakfast first and then a hike through the labyrinth and then up the lemon squeeze. Having grown up in the area, as a kid and teenager, I went to Mohonk so often with family and friends. It was always a day-long, fun affair. I hadn't been there since college and it definitely was just as beautiful as always, but let me say, I don't remember the lemon squeeze being quite as scary :)

View from the entrance of the house, Eric and Lex.

View of the lake from the house...just breathtaking.

The grounds have over 2,200 acres filled with hiking trails, gardens, swimming, horse back riding, boating and more. The house was built in 1869 and is one of America's oldest family owned resort. Living far away from NY for a while, makes coming back home all that more special. The Hudson Valley truly is a majestic area and has so much natural beauty. We feel so fortunate to have grown up in the great state of NY.

Views of Lake Mohonk from the house.

Birthday hug! On our way to hike!

Some of the many trails.

I wish I'd taken more photos during the labyrinth but climbing through the rocks wasn't too conducive to having a camera around my neck. For those of you who have never been, the labyrinth is basically part of the Shawangunk "gunks" mountains --rocks that you literally climb over, under and around to get to the "Lemon Squeeze" which is basically two humungous boulders that are nearly touching and we climb between them. Luckily there is a handy ladder that you climb up to get to the top, but you need to be quite slender, because it's a tight fit!

3/4 of the way up

Taking a breather

Where we came from...

About to head up the Lemon Sqeeze..it gets very narrow at the top. I was quite impressed to hear Mom and Dad P did this a few weeks ago. Way to rock it!!