Weekend - That's A Wrap

Hello friends! Happy Happy Tuesday! It is moving week!!! This coming weekend we officially move into our new home…..so let me say in advance I have hopes and plans to continue to make my appearance on Le Blog…..but in case I don’t - thanks for understanding!

Last week we moved to my in-laws to house and dog sit while they are on a cruise. It was a great way to practice being back on our own, but also added a bit of wrinkle with a mini-move in while we prepare for the big one! Luckily the week’s schedules slowed down a bit as we had a few delayed openings and a full snow day. As Friday arrived work was full trying to cram in the must dos for the week that had been weather delayed, while coming up with the perfect plan for birthday celebrating and moving prep! So by the time Friday evening rolled in - we were pretty beat and happy to call it a pasta night with some DVR, wine and Shiba!

Saturday morning we were up and at em with some time for me to work and blog - from under some blankets with a furry sidekick of course! A little later on a enjoyed breakfast with my mom, cousin, Katy, and Godmother - Aunt Shelia. Danny always teases me about how many meals we can fit in under the “birthday celebration” headline during the month of March - and today I was able to add a last minute breakfast to the list. Shelia’s youngest, Karly, was joining Bridget and her dance team for a dance clinic so her sister, Katy, Shelia, and my mom were just down the road from us, and all of us close to one of my favorite breakfast spots- The Virginian.

This quaint little restaurant is a favorite in Vienna and Danny has been going there his whole life, while I have added it to my fav Vienna stomping grounds by now too. Being right outside DC it can be hard to find that little community feel and this place is smaller, family run,very familiar and it is often a spot to see neighbors - a perfect small town setting in our busy city. This morning the restaurant did not have anyone I know but my family…..which worked out pretty well since I was celebrating this meal in my workout clothes and sans shower- o well, its my birthday and I will be a slob if I want to

After breakfast I headed home to finish up some work and blogging - AND get in a long awaited run! We had seen SO MUCH SNOW on Thursday (4-8 inches!!!) and yet today it was in the 40s with sun! ALLELUIA! I had to celebrate with a long run outside. The air was crisp but much warmer, the snow melting, and the sun shining bright - not sending warming rays….perfect for a run and it felt fantastic!

After my run and a late lunch Danny and I headed out to my parents house for a few hours of packing….and some small birthday celebrations with my family! They were so sweet to set up a few surprises for us while we packed including some sweet treats - even one that looked like Quinlan (Ok - maybe it is an Easter bunny) but they did a great job!)!

We ended the day feeling good about our moving prep, having celebrated the birthday, and generally exhausted! So Chinese and movie it was……we did have Spring Forward daylight savings this evening - and a big Sunday……so it was quiet night! Hey folks, I am 30 now…..gotta take it slow!

Sunday morning came and it was official….I was 30! Danny (with the help of a few favorite girlfriends) planned a brunch in Old Town Alexandria with some of my closest friends. We all laughed as life has changed. For many years a brunch was always welcomed….but getting together after a Saturday evening - it could be dicey. This season of life though - when folks are a little older, Saturday nights are a little calmer, and some of the largest attendance obstacles are babysitters - we had a full house!

My excitement, joy, general volume - were all off the charts! To see all these favorite people of mine, in one place and celebrating not just my birthday but a new chapter - I was over the moon! Danny and I have had an unexpected and challenging 28 and 29…..to be at 30 with so much moving in a positive direction, lessons learned, growth to come and adventures ahead - we feel elated and to have folks who want to be with us to celebrate means so much more than I could ever express. We are unbelievably blessed….and I am so touched by the love of these people in my world.

After brunch Danny and I drove around Old Town scoping some of our favorite spots and first home together. Sunday was even more incredibly beautiful than Saturday and a chance to have the windows down and our memories floating by - a most perfect birthday celebration! Making it home with just a little time to spare before mass we took a glorious nap, enjoyed a fantastic homily at mass, and a sweet end to the day with my birthday Starbucks!!

The weekend was just wonderful. An ideal Jackie blend of productive and fun - with a sunny backdrop and the promise of spring right around the corner. I am so grateful for such a beautiful celebration of life with many different folks that I love! Life is fast an furious, but I have been blessed with many incredible moments to savor…..with all signs pointing to more to come!

Hope your week brings you some moments to enjoy and signs of spring!!

Hello friends! Happy Happy Tuesday! It is moving week!!! This coming weekend we officially move into our new home…..so let me say in advance I have hopes and plans to continue to make my appearance on Le Blog…..but in case I don’t - thanks for understanding!

Hope your week brings you some moments to enjoy and signs of spring!