Chicken the Cat

Drew is always insisting that I don't give Chicken equal photo time compared to Gia, which is completely true. So, here is a picture of Chicken, sitting on Drew's lap, taken well over a year ago. We'll post a more recent picture soon. In case you don't know the story, Chicken is the cat that came with our house. We rescued her from outdoors two years ago and made her our indoor pet. She is old (10 years at least) but very lovable although Gia sometimes gets on her nerves by trying to chase her. Her favorite activity is sitting on our laps. I am also posting a picture of our house taken almost two years ago. I'd like to say a lot has changed but probably not! Although Drew does have a new truck...enjoy.

Amanda

Wedding Weekend Take 1

Fall is the new spring when it comes to weddings and this past weekend marked the beginning of our wedding season 2008. Drew and I had the honor of attending the wedding of his coworker Craig and new wife Kristina in Waterville, NY on Saturday. The weekend started with our new Jeep's first official road trip, Drew driving, and Juliana, Kristina, Gia and I riding, to Aunt Cathy and Uncle Chuck's house in Scranton, PA. We arrived after midnight but that didn't stop Gia and Harold (Aunt Cathy's pug) from playing for a good hour or so before we all crashed for the night. They were thrilled to see each other after spending three weeks together while we were in Italy

A highlight of the trip and wonderful surprise happened Saturday morning when Drew and I stopped by Grandma's house and were treated to her homemade ravioli's and sauce. After three bowls of some of the most amazing and authentic pasta imaginable, Drew and I had to leave for the wedding. Drew commented on the way to New York that he felt honored to be able to share in such a wonderful tradition of our family's, and I agree, you can't get much better than grandma's cooking!

After driving through some quaint towns, Drew and I reached Waterville, which itself is adorable, right in time for the wedding with not a minute to spare (in our usual fashion). It was a beautiful ceremony with a 4 string quartet and lots of love in the room for such a wonderful couple. The reception was equally special, held at a nearby country club where we ate, drank and danced. Craig and Kristina were one of the happiest couples we have ever seen and it truly was our honor to be there.

Sunday we were able to spend a little time with the family before heading back to mom and dad's in DC. Gia and Harold had to say goodbye for the time being but will be reunited over Thanksgiving when we return to Scranton. The trip home was pretty uneventful until we almost ran out of gas in the middle of the country but thankfully when a Jeep says it's on empty, it's really lying- you have a good 50 miles left. Thanks goodness!

We also have to mention that this past weekend was a tough weekend for our family, as it marked the one year anniversary of the death of my grandfather, Armond I. Mascelli, but it was also a weekend to celebrate his life. Although Drew and I were sadly unable to attend, my Aunt Donna and Uncle Michael hosted a private mass at their house in celebration of my grandfathers life. Mom, dad and Kris were able to attend along with my grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins. Everyone said it was very special and meaningful. My grandfather's legacy lives on in his amazing wife, my grandmother, and his five children, my father, Uncle Chuck, Uncle Mick, Aunt Donna and Aunt Mary Anne.

This coming weekend is the wedding we've been waiting for- my bestfriend Mary and Matt are getting hitched! Wedding festivities start this Thursday and last until Sunday. We'll be well documenting the weekend and will post lots of pics and details. We can't wait! Oh, one last thing, Drew and I are babysitting Craig and Kristina's dog Ryce while they are on their honeymoon in Jamaica. He arrived this morning and will be here until next Tuesday. I'll be sure to post pics of Gia and Ryce playing.

Here are a few pics from Scranton and the wedding-

Italia

It has been almost two months since we had an amazing two week vacation in Italy. It was so much fun eating our way through the country. Here are some pics-

Fall is Almost Here

Drew and I were discussing over dinner last night how much we love autumn in Virginia. Why? Because it means Virginia Tech football, the end of intolerable heat and humidity, the beautiful changing colors all across the state, wedding season, oyster festival, thanksgiving, and lots of time to spend with friends and family.

We are so excited about heading down to Blacksburg for the Ohio game this coming weekend and some much needed quality time with the Findley's and Moore's and the rest of the AGR brothers. We were unable to make it to any games last year because of the wedding and Drew in particular is really happy to get back on campus. It will be a bittersweet visit though in some aspects because it will be the first time we visit since the April 16 shootings that look the lives of so many smart, promising and innocent people, including Drew's professor Liviu Librescu, who taught Engineering Science and Mechanics and was also a Holocust survivor. We will walk around campus and pass by Norris Hall where the shootings took place and Drew attended under grad classes, to reflect on the tragedy, and to hopefully get a better sense of how the community is healing after such a horrible ordeal.

On a happier note, this past weekend Drew traveled to DC with a group of coworkers to celebrate his colleague Craig's bachelor party. They had a nice dinner and then spent the rest of the night at bars in Dupont Circle. They managed to have a great time.

Gia and I traveled to Fredericksburg to grab dinner and drinks with Craig's fiance Kristina, and a few other friends. We had a fun time too and Gia was able to play with Craig and Kristina's dog Ryce who we will be babysitting while they are on their honeymoon.

That's about all for now. We caught most of the VMA's last night and watched Britney's train wreck preformance. However, Drew was happy to see Chris Brown preform, who is also from the Northern Neck.

Below I am posting a picture of Gia since she has yet to make an appearance on this blog and quite frankly it's always all about her in our house.

Amanda

Almost 1 Year

In one month to the day, we will be celebrating our one year anniversary.

Lador Day Recap

Labor Day weekend was a great time for everyone. I went to Vegas for my bestfriend Mary's mini bachlorette party along with my roommate of all four years in college Carrington, and Mary's sorority sister and soon to be sister in law Cindy (Cindy is married to Matt's youngest brother Jim).

We were only in Vegas from Friday- Sunday but that was the perfect amount of time for us. Highlights of our trip include- a suite in theHotel at Mandalay Bay which included a plasma screen television in the bathroom, a private cabana at the beach at Mandalay Bay all day Friday - a gift from Mary- which even included our own waiter who kept the mojitos flowing, the amazing Beatles LOVE show at the Mirage, sushi at Japonais, another full day at the beach, lots of gambling and even some winning (i now love blackjack), in and out burger, dancing at club Tryst at the beautiful Wynn and a very late night dinner at the Wynn. It was a perfect labor day weekend.

Drew and Gia also had a great weekend at his parent's house in the Northern Neck, hanging out on the beach, fishing, lots of great eating, and lots of quality time with the family. Gia was well taken care of by Drew and her Grandma Christopher. She can't wait to go back for her next visit.

I will be adding pics of Vegas- hope you enjoy. This weekend Drew is helping to host a bachelor party in DC. Gia and I are relaxing at home after all of our travels. We have a busy next few weeks coming up so we need to rest up.