Sidebar 4th Anniversary Party

This weekend was a fun one for me as well. Friday night was the Sidebar 4th anniversary party so that was fun. There was lots of people, some rain, but it didn't get rained out which was good. It was never packed like sardines but it was full and that was great. I am still not drinking so my water intake was at it's highest! I made a little video of the night.

We had some people staying with us for the weekend. They were Mat's friends. They were at our wedding but I didn't know them very well. Saturday morning we had brunch at Jose/Pavans. I made a great breakfast casserole that everyone seemed to enjoy. Saturday afternoon was full of lazying around and nap time. Saturday night we had dinner at Macaroni Grill (yummy) and we went Bowling. They have this suped up bowling alley that is more like a club than a bowling alley. They have these large video projection screens that drop over the lanes and show videos while a DJ spins the tunes. They start with 70 music and move into the most popular music. I swear people go more for the music than bowling but it was a great time.

Sunday I had to work and then went shopping at Macy's. They were having a big sale this weekend and I had a 20% off coupon. I got some good deals so that was nice! 5 dresses for $100! Woohoo! New clothes rock!

LBI

Vacation with Mat family was vrey fun. We went to Long Beach Island for a long weekend. We just relaxed on the beach. Went fishing. I didn't have to touch any slimy fish but I did catch 2 bigs ones! It was my token fishing trip with Mat and now I don't have to go again. Woohoo! Once was enough. We also went to Atlantic City to eat good food, gamble and see Artie Lang (from the Howard Stern show) do his stand up. We just hung out with Mat's family and then his Grandmother. Did a tiny bit of shopping but nothing to write home about. But I can't wait till we get out H&M. It was nice to just get away.

Well this weekend was a good time. Thursday after work we headed to Gainesville. But not before a quick stop at Costco for...A GPS!!!! I played with it all the way down and all the way back. I have been carrying it in my purse and I love it! I am hoping to download some hiking trails soon.

So we went canoing on Friday down the Sante Fe river.
It was really REALLY hot but it was a nice leasurly stroll about 3 miles down and 3 miles back. There was some great wildlife, birds, lots of turtles, no gators. After dinner with Ceceilia, we met up with some of Mat's friends then headed home.

Saturday we were up bright and early for the Women's Gator Clinic. It was a great time but a bit bitter sweet. Amoung all of the OSU bashing, I did have a good time. We learned about football, did drills, got lots of freebies, it was just a fun time. However it was extrememly hot!

We were burning up doing drills out on the field. But it was really great.

Kern Vacation

So much has happened and I need to write it down before I forget!

Kari, Jarrod, Chloe and Courtney all came down for a visit on June 8. We had such a fabulous week. Kari and Jarrod hopefully got to relax and sleep in. Chloe was running around daily and was wore out by the end of the day. We went to the Children's Museum, the Aquairum, the park, Fernbank. Chloe learned to play baseball which was fun. We all got in on it too. It was so great to spend time with them all and get to meet and know Courtney.

The next weekend was Fathers Day. Big up's to my 2 dads nad Jarrod!

Girls Weekend

This weekend was a BLAST! Thursday night I went to Screen on the Green with my friends Katie and Pavan. We saw Casablanca out in the middle of the park. We had wine and cheese and it was fab.

Friday I ran around all day and picked Molly and Sonal up form the airport! I swear my side is still hurting because we laughed so hard all weekend! I picked them up and we just hung out at the house. I made a couple yummy pizza's and finally picked Renee up at like 10pm. We had a campfire and ate smores and drank lots of wine! It was great!

Saturday I made breakfast and we all went to get pedi's. We went to the Farmers Market and got all this yummy food for lunch on the grill. After that the "old ones" (those over 30) took a nap and me and molly played on the internet looking at high school people on myspace and facebook. Later we got all jazzed up and went to a fabulous dinner and then went out for drinks. Sunday we went to a great brunch when shopping in Little 5 points. Then everyone had to leave and I was all alone again. Boo!!

So that was my weekend! We had a great weekend of girls, memories, pictures, fun times!

Up, up and away

Road trip to Chattanooga and Alabama for the Hot Air Balloon show. We left on Friday night and arrived late into Chattanooga. We still got a yummy dinner and ice cream. Saturday we got up and drove to the Unclaimed Baggage Center. I found a Tiffany's necklace for $12! I am pretty sure it was an oversight and I got a great deal. Yeah me! We arrived early at the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic 2007. I read the scheuld wrong but it was a nice relaxing afternoon of sitting around watching the Alabama folk. The Balloons tooke off for a fun ride first. Then many stayed to take people up and down (tethered). Amanda and I got to go up in a balloon! Definitely a highlight!

Some of the pictures turned out great and it was lots of fun. Other than that I have been working all weekend. Sonal, Molly and Renee are flying in this weekend for a girls weekend. I have a nice weekend planned for them so I am super excited for them to get here. Mat is going to Costa Rica on Wednesday for almost a week. I'll be missin him!


Balloon Glow

Luau Weekend

This weekend was quite a busy one! It started off with my favorite thing to do, workout with Mat. It was awesome and hilarious all at the same time. We spent a ridiculous amount of money at Costco and got everything needed for the luau. We did lots and lots around house get her ready. We wrapped Shelby the Shed which turned out really well. Went to dinner, picked up the foose ball table, Lowes (3 times), pick up table/chairs and finally fell asleep on Mat.

Luau day we ran to the farmers market and people started arriving. It was a glorious day and the temperature was perfect. We probably had 30 or so people there and it seemed that everyone had a good time. Lots of neighbors stopped by and that was so sweet of them. Maura, who designed out house, stopped by with some friends. We probably had 4 couples and a gentleman were all neighbors who stopped by. It was great to meet them. Some even stayed for our wedding video! It was a great time and I think everony had fun. I dinally had to leave our guests and go to bed at 1:30am

Sunday I to work at 7am. Short turn around I know. After work we went to the pool for a bit then headed home for some dinner. After dinner I fell right alseep for what was supposed to be a cat nap but Mat let me sleep and other than a trip upstair, I slept all night. It was great.

Race for the Cure 2007

Friday I slept in a bit and went to my new favorite workout class Body Pump. Then did a couple errands. I totally forgot I made an appointment to get some blood work done at 3pm. Now I am embarrassed to call and resechule. Friday night was "Turner night at 6 Flags". They have this every year. They clear the park and it is open to all turner employees and their friends/family. We got there and went straight for the Superman ride and they had closed it due to "inclement weather". So we went to a non-loopy loop ride and got up there next to jump in and they close it due to "inclement weather". so then we ran to the bumper cars that were still going. waited and waited. got up there ready to go next and they closed due to "inclement weather". however by this time it was totally down pouring. and when i mean downpour, it was lighting, thunder, noah's ark rain.
We waited there for like a hour. Then one person in our 10 person group went and bought ponchos for us all. We ran to a restaurant and grabbed something to eat. After 2 hours or longer the rain stopped for the most part and we headed to the front like we were going to leave. Everyone was deciding should we stay, should we leave? will they open up all the rides? etc etc. I had been looking forward to this day for awhile so we thought we would stay. So me, Mat and Hutch stayed and Elizabeth and her boyfriend Bryan were in the park (not with our group) and they stayed too. So we all met up and watched the fireworks at 9:30pm and started to hear people yelling! By 10pm all the rides were open and we were sooooo pumped! I am not joking that we were like the only 5 on a single ride at one point! We road all the big rides back to back to back and sometimes twice! There were no lines and we waited for no less than 5 mins per ride! The boys were seriously starting to get sick cause we kept riding ride after ride after ride. IT was great! We rode rides right up until 12minght. They best part was that we only had to drive 10 miles home! Now 6 flags is not like cedar point or kings island but it was certainly a good fix! I had a great time despite the rain.

Saturday I did the Race for the Cure with Elizabeth, Jess, Jess's mom and our friend Kathy. It was a nice 5k. I would have rather run it but there was tons of people there and we weren't in the front of the pack. I got home and was just chillin and got a call from my friend Amanda who had gotten in a car accident. See below for the pictures. It was nasty! But she is fine and made it out alive (i don't know how but she did). So I took the night helping her out. Feeding her ibuprofen and fixing her dinner. Mat had his friends over so we did a little cookout and then all of a sudden there was 10 people at my house eating! I didn't even have enough seats! But they brought their Wiii unit and it we played that and it was super fun. What's up with all the impromptu cookout??!?!?!!?

So Sunday morning I had to work 7-3pm. After work I did some more errands. I am on a search for Hawaiian decorations for our Luau next weekend. Big lots was all out. Went to the store and got stuff to make for this week. Then came home and ate dinner. Downloaded some songs for the party and went to bed. So that was my weekend! Pretty fun!

This weekend we have 2 couples (one with a baby) come for the Luau. Should be a really good time. There is about 34 people who have responded so we are expecting a good crowd. We are getting a keg, grilling some meats, people are bringing side dishes and dessert. Later I am hoping to have a fire and do smores. Should be fun!

Mandi's wreck

Thank goodness Amanda is okay!! She is bumped, bruised and needs some percazet but is is doing well. She and the 4 others involved are all lucky to be alive. Goodbye purple, non air conditioning Saturn!

02:03:04:05:06:07

At 02:03:04 on May 06, 2007 was 02:03:04:05:06:07. A Sunday Morning interested tid bit.

HOW CUTE IS THIS PICTURE! I love how my niece is growing and getting these cute fatty cheeks! Chloe looks more and more like a little girl. They are planning a trip down to visit and it will certainly be the highlight of my summer for sure!

Nothing new to report. Friday was my only day off this past weekend. I had a physical in the morning and just hung out all afternoon. We did quarto-de-mayo at a "new-to-us" Mexican restaurant with Katie, Mike, Suto and Angel. That was fun and the food was yummy! Saturday I had to work all day and then we went to Katie's sister-in-law mansion to a cinco-de-mayo celebration of a bunch of homemade Mexican food. We called it early cause I had a work at 7am on Sunday. Sunday work was kinda boring and then we had another impromptu cookout for 8 last night. It was really nice and I made some yummy side dishes.

Last night had to be the funniest workout in a long time. Mat decided to join me in my advanced step class that I talk about all the time. It took everything I had to not die laughing but he did really well! I am trying to get him to come with me again Thursday. Tonight I (and maybe Mat) are babysitting for a co-worker. It's my Thursday and I can't wait for Friday!! This weekend is going to be super fun so I will have lots of report.

Whatchu Going To Do About?

Here is what I am going to do...
Set our programmable thermostat to 68 degrees in Winter and 78 degrees in Summer.
Install 2 low-flow showerheads
Change out current hose nozzle for a low-flow nozzle
I changed most light bulbs but I still have about 20 light bulbs to go!
Get a Hot Water Blanket for my Hot Water Heater
Make reminders to change furnace filters every 3 months
To opt out of annoying junk mail and credit card offers, go to this Federal Trade Commissions (FTC) website

Week in review

Thank goodness this week is over. The massacre at Virginia Tech was a terrible thing and it was even worse that I had to watch it unfold at work. And then couldn't get away from it for a week. How did this guy fall through the cracks? It really hit home in all sorts of ways. Did you tell your parents that you loved them today? Did you tell your sister that you think she is the best parent ever? Did you tell her how proud you are of her? Did you tell or have you shown your friends how important they are to you? Take the time. My frustration came out more as anger. Just anger that all these people had to die. But everything happens for a reason I suppose. It may take awhile but maybe someone will clamp down on gun control. Or someone else might be saved from this tradegy.

In other news I am really working on trying to be in better health. I am struggling between 2 gyms and thinking, I should just crate my own gym. I would make the perfect gym. Pool. Classes every hour. Good fitness instructors. DVD machines on every fitness equiptment. But I am working on finding the best one for me.

And finally earth day. Oprah had a great green episode on today. I ordered shopping bags from Eco Bags so I can stop using the crappy ones at the store. They should be here soon. I am going to get a better water bottle this weekend, possible this one. One that is a 2, 4 or a 5. I am also going home tonight and change all the ligh bulbs. I know Mat wants me to wait until our current ones go out but I just can't stand it! I am going to change as many as I can...tonight! Do what you can to save the earth.

My Dad is the Best!

Last night was great! We all went to eat Mexican in celebration for Elizabeth's Birthday. It was a great night of chips, salsa, balloon hats, bad service, and yummy margaritas. Hopefully a funny picture or two will post soon.

Then I got home and had some wonderful news from the family. My dad is the bomb! Although you can't see it very well it is says "Assistant Coach of the Year". See below! WAY TO GO DAD! He is the most deserving EVER!!
For those who don't know, my dad is a assistant basketball coach for THE Lancaster Golden Gales. He helps out with JV and Varsity shaping the young athletes to be the best they can be. He loves it and we love that he loves it. To see a fabulous article that my Dad wrote on the Gales, go here. He is also a teacher and does about 1000 things for the school. I think he could possible bleed Gold/Blue.

Trader Joe Venture

So the Trader Joe's opened up near me. Mat and I went perusing through the aisles and picked up some fun stuff. It seems like a really cool store. Mat made a yummy pizza last night and we used Ivan's pizza stone. We know it's Terry's favorite store so I have to get some tips from her. She will tell us all the good stuff to get.

To see my honey and his "moves" check out the video clip below.

And it's ELIZABETH SWERN'S birthday today. Just giving her a shout out! And although dinner is cancelled for tonight, I think we can all sing this song to wish Elizabeth a very happy birthday. Yes, it's the New Kids On The Block sing 'Happy Birthday' from their AWESOME Step by Step album. But it's not your typical 'Happy Birthday'!!! Here are the lyrics so you we can all sing along. And since I can't find NKOTB singing it online, I found this guy to sing it to her. Hopefully she enjoyed it.


Happy Birthday Elizabeth!

Israeli Love night

I am trying to figure out how add another section on here so I can post my favorite recipes. OKAY, I figured it out! I have so many yummy ones that I would love to share. Click here or just stop by yummyyummytummy.blogspot.com every now and then. Enjoy!

Last night we watched "The Holiday" and I LOVED it! It's a must rent in my book. Mat thought otherwise but I thought it was so cute. For dinner we made a good standby if you can't think of anything to make for dinner. Go to my new blog if you want the recipe!

What's up with Elizabeth's Birthday week?

I know it doesn't have anything to do with our fabulous friend but her birthday day/week has been deadly for years! We talk about it all the time but after yesterday, crazy! We will still give you birthday love E!

April 16
2007 Yesterday's Virginia Tech Massacre

April 19 (E's b-day)
1993 Waco cult siege ends with inferno
At least 70 people are feared to have died in a fire at the besieged headquarters of the Branch Davidian sect near Waco, Texas.
1995 Oklahoma City Bombing
A huge car bomb has exploded at a government building in Oklahoma City killing at least 80 people including 17 children at a nursery.

April 20
1999 Columbine Massacre
A shooting spree by two American high school students is feared to have left up to 25 people dead and injured at least 15 others.

April 22
2000 The Elian Gonzalez mess
US federal agents have seized six-year-old Cuban shipwreck survivor Elian Gonzalez in an early morning raid on the home of his relatives in Miami.

my first clothing swap

I put together a 1st ever clothing swap for my friends & I this weekend and it was a great success! I invited my female friends and co-workers over and had them bring any clothes they wanted to get rid of. We separated the clothing by size and people picked through, tried on, put back, tried more on, etc. Many walked away with big bags of new clothes, shoes and purses. Friends even donated if the couldn't attend. Since it was such a great success, I am going do another swap at the end of the summer season. It's a great idea that I wanted to share!

I wasn't sure where to donate the remaining clothes but a coworker suggested I donate to the Buckhead Christian Ministry here in Atlanta. They have a boutique-style thrift store that is open to the community.

The only thing I am thinking about adding to my next clothing swap is a garment rack. Just a cheapy one from Walmart. And grabbing some wire hangers from my dry cleaners store. That way people can hang things up. I think that would have helped when look through shirts and dresses.

Easter Bunnies

Today we went to the Braves game for the 4th Annual Braves Easter Bunnies outting thingy. I had to work so I got there a little late. But there were lots of bunnies, drunk, handing out candy and providing lots of entertainment for all those near them. We were on the Jumbotron alot and really had a great time. I was happy to have my girly bunnies our there supporting the females of the group. A highlight of the day was when the boys decided to go find Urban Meyer (UF Head Coach) and get thier picture with him in thier costumes. I couldn't believe it but they managed to find him, basically accost him and I was the lucky photographer. He was such a good sport about it but I think he quickly left sometime after that. It was great fun. Click here to see more pictures.

Full House

No DJ and Stephanie Tanner style but Tainow style...We had a full house this week. Merwyn and Cindy Bowdish were here on their first venture to Atlanta. Mom and Dad brought Chloe and a uhaul full of stuff. We went to Ikea and quickly filled that up! We went to the Aquarium, the Atlanta Braves Home Opener, a Hawks game to watch Mat dance, and went to the Final Four! In the midst of that we bought patio furniture from Ikea, made two Adirondack chairs and built a shed in which I call Shelby. To see pictures of all that and more, click here. We just had a blast all week. I learned to plant and the art of watering every day. Chloe is learning quickly and was a great helper. I love spending time with her and was greatful to Kari/Jarrod that they let her come and visit. I can't thank Mom and Dad enough for all that they did over the week. I seriously don't know what we would do without them! Greatest people on earth.

A child is born

After eating Mac & Cheese with Hot Dogs everyday, I am ready to be home and get things ready for this weekend. I need to workout for like 100 days to work off all the crap that we ingested this weekend! Things when well in Ohio. It was so waaaaaarm. Like 80 everyday which was really nice! My new little niece is really cute and looks alot like Chloe did when she was a baby. But with darker hair. But it's lightening up quite a bit. Kari is feeling good and it getting around. She still can't drive for 2 more weeks which stinks. But little Courtney is healthy and sleeps about 99% of the time! But we got some pictures when she decided to open her eyes. Chloe likes playing with her and enjoys giving her kisses and whatnot. But otherwise she just wanted to "play with Aunt Kenzi" which was fun. I think I have rug burn on my knees from all the playing we did. Good times. Don't get any ideas about that prego shot. I was just playing the old balloon-under-the-shirt trick for Chloe. She thought it was a hoot and that's all that matters. Click here to see her pictures.

She's heeeeeeeeere!

Grandma Karen just called and the baby is healthy and doing well! Mommy Kari is still in recovery and hasn't actually seen little Miss Courtney Elizabeth Kern. Chloe called me and said "Hey Kenzi, Courtney came out". How cute!


Here are the details from my mom...
Dark hair that's about 1/2 inch long
She's a "full" baby
pink in color
no bloody stuff, just the white gunky stuff
she's wiggling around in the nursery
Kari had her around 8:10am
She's 7lbs. 6oz. (which is bigger baby Kenzi, Chloe or Kari)
Jarrod couldn't be in delivery room for some reason (details are still sketchy)
Kari's spinal tap didn't work so they had to sedate her which is kind of a bummer. But she will be awake and happy every soon!

Mat and I leave tomorrow to meet her in person!

It's been a long time!

I haven't posted in FOREVER and I plan on posting more often. Things are going well in my life which is a good thing. We are settling into our place and I am enjoying fixing up the house, having company over to visit, planting flowers, washing windows, etc. I love coming home to our house every night. I think it screams love from Mat and I. Next up is the birth of a new niece Courtney Elizabeth Kern. I can't wait to see her and meet her. It's been a long pregnancy and we are hoping for the best. I can't wait to be an Aunt again. If being an aunt is anything like being a mother, I can't wait.

Honeymoon Pictures.

Three Islands, Two weeks, One fabulous Honeymoon!!!

December 31, 2006

Enjoy some of our wedding pictures!!! Our special day was December 31, 2006.

Kenzi and Mat Tainow's Wedding Video

Video made by Dave Davis for Kenzi and Mat Tainow's wedding

All dressed up for Christmas...

He is our cute house that is all dressed up for Christmas. I love the candles! They look even cuter in person!

Atlanta Shower

Our host Dona and Mat's mother Terry! The fabulous Dona McConnell threw me an amazing shower over the Dec 2 weekend. Everyone showed up and we had lots of girl talk, ate some fabulous food and each got to pick our own dessert! It was so nice to be surrounded by so many wonderful women. Mat's mom Terry was in town so she got to come as well and I think that was perfect. My girls were there in full support. I have some amazing girlfriends!

Taking over Charleston!

Well this weekend was my fabulous bachelorette party. And although there were some injuries, everyone come out of Charleston alive!!

Friday morning we left bright and early for a fabulous car ride down to Charleston. The ride was very pretty and lots of fun listening to music and just having some girl talk. We got there safe & sound and did a little walking around. We met up with Kathy, Kara, Mom, Kari and Cindy and went to dinner at the Noisy Oyster. I was all dressed up and looking ridiculous. They whipped out the bachelorette cards and we immediately started doing the dares! It was great fun! Amy, Kelly and Val arrived late and we headed over to the roof top bar on top of Market Street Hotel. We met up with a group of guys who were intown for thier 10th year reuinon from the Citidel. They were lots of fun! We headed over to one more bar before heading home.

Saturday we got up early again and 9 of us went on a horse drawn carridge ride around Charleston. We had lunch and just did some shopping around the city. We had a nice shower/party out by the hotel pool. I got many fun sexy outfits and lots of toys which was a blast! They dressed me up again and we headed to dinner. We had an amazing dinner with a fun waitress and great wine. After dinner we headed to a bar for our ghost tour. It was so much fun although a couple people were a little tipsy! But Mike was a great tour guide and a good sport. After the tour we headed to a dance club and danced our bippies off! Some injuries from head thrashing and pole dancing but hopefully we will recover!

Sunday we all had a great lunch and headed home. I am very very blessed to have some great girlfriends who took time and money out to be with me and make my weekend so specials.

Happy Halloween!

Shower, Flooring and Wedding, oh my!

I am so happy this weekend is over but it was soooooo wonderful! I hate being the center of attention but my first wedding shower was just wonderful. As you know it was in Ohio and hosted by my sister Kari and my mom Karen. Mat's family came in from all over and we had such a great time. My mom and sister planned a different kind of shower at my mom's school. Some of you know this already so sorry if it's a repeat! Mat's family provided the greenware dishes that Mat and I had chosen. My family provided the 6 glazes that Mat and I had chosen (2 blues, 2 greens and an orange). All the ladies that attended the shower glazed (painted) a complete table setting of dishes for us! My mom fired the dishes last night and I can't wait to see them! My parents are going to bring them down with the rest of the shower gift in a couple weeks. These dishes will be our "everyday dishes" which will make for quite a colorful dinner table. It was so great to see Mat's family. Some I haven't seen for over a year since I was gone in London. Mat and I got lots of wedding stuff accomplished and I am already working on all my thank you notes. I can't believe this is all happening!! It's so great to spend so much time with family and friends.

Moving on, we got back to Atlanta late last night and Mat's condo (aka Tiny House) has new wood flooring and tile!!! I can't believe how good it looks. It was kind of a surprise but then he was so excited that he let it slip! Anyway, we are going to rent it as soon as we move out of there. We are supposed to close on out house next week (Halloween) and we are moving in the next day (Nov. 1). The following day (Nov. 2) Mat leaves for his all important bachelor party in Vegas!! So an exciting couple weeks coming up.

Lasik, House, Florida, Wedding

Lasik is going really well. I had to have PRK which is different than Lasik. Most people do it one eye at a time but I chose to just get them both done and over with. Same cost but more pain and longer recovery time. The pain the first couple days was really really bad but then by the 3rd day it wasn't so bad. Within a week I was driving and today is my first day with makeup. But I am about 95% at this point and they said almost one month from the day that you got the surgery, you should be able to see 100%. I am really glad that I got it done. And both eyes done at the same time. Yeah, it was more time off work but in the end, I think it was the better solution.

This past weekend was a big weekend for me and Quickie. We are currently under contact for our first house (together)! The offer is in and they accepted. We are set to close on November 1. Yes, now we have 3 properties but I will probably be selling my soon, maybe. Who knows! It's a 3 bedroom/2 bath so plenty of room for visitors. It has a nice big backyard with a deck. No renovations, just move right in. I am super super nervous but keeping my fingers crossed that it all goes through!!

Jose, Pavan, Quickie and I went to Gainesville this weekend for the game. The weekend was good. The Gators won and it was an amazing game. I ran in the Gator Gallup which is a run that kicks off the Homecoming Parade. So fun!

We got home and went straight to the shops and finally finished registering. I know alot of you have been asking so we are registered at Crate & Barrel, Bed Bath & Beyond and we have towels at Macy's cause we love them so much! Mat was in "scan gun heaven" and now he doesn't want to look at another kitchen utensil for the rest of his life! But we had a good time.

We finished our invitations which was also a relief. Last week I had a little invitation party and the girls came over and we pumped out as many as we could. Addressing, tying, folding, taping, etc, etc. I was just glad a couple of my friends have nice handwriting cause mine sucks! Anyway, Mat and I worked on them Sunday night and last night and have them all finished! Mat was taping and stuffing, licking and sealing. He did a good job and I was happy that he helped. They went out in the mail today!! Yours still had your Charleston address so I changed that and yours will go out tomorrow. Can't wait for you to see our creation.

Home Sweet Home

Take a look at the house we just put an offer on!! We are scheduled to close on Halloween....SPOOKY!!

Weekend Twenty-eight / Switzerland

Our Switzerland trip started off with a bad start. I lost my Ipod on the plane ride to Geneva. We tried to go back to look for it but it was long gone. But from there, it only looked up. The trip was an amazing success due to my fabulous planning skills! And Mat’s comprehension of the Swiss travel system. Thank goodness he figured it out!! We fly into Geneva and took a train around Lake Geneva to Montreux. We had lunch here and that was about it. Oh yeah, we did have time to hit the Casino Montreux and Mat won a nice bit of Swiss Franks! We took the Golden Pass which is a panoramic train to Interlaken. It had huge windows and upper windows that let in lots of light and scenery. We checked into our hotel and hung out until dinner. The next day we got up bright and early to go canyonning. Definition of canyoning: Canyoning (also known as canyoneering) is traveling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and/or swimming. Scariest, freakiest thing I have ever done.
Tried and hungry, we rented a scooter and rode around town plus we took a trip to Grindelwald. We took a hike up to see the lowest accessible glacier; yes we had to climb 980 steps! After the glacier we took a gondola over to those luging track and raced around that which was pretty funny.

That night we watched the cow’s parade through the town center heading to the William tell show. We had yet another fabulous dinner and crashed. Sore but excited we booked our paragliding trip. It was a short ride in a VW bus and we were at the top looking down. It was a great ride and probably the closest we will be to flying. Mat took some fabulous pictures of me “flying”.

After paragliding we headed into the mountains. For the next three days we stayed in Gimmelwald. The population of Gimmelwald is 130 and no cars. The only way to get to the city is by going up and down in a gondola. Literally took us 10 mins to walk from one end to the other. We dropped out stuff off at the Pension where we were staying and headed back down the mountain. Trummelbach Falls is unique, in that seven of its 10 cascades are inside a mountain. A lift takes you up inside the mountain, and you start climbing up to the cascades. The tunnels and stairs that lead to the cascades are dimly lit and damp, with water dripping everywhere. I can't tell you 20,000 liters per second sounds like but it was LOUD!!!

The next day we headed up to the Schilthorn. At 2,970 meters high summit there is a 360 degree moving restaurant at the top. The James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Service"- was filmed here on the Schilthorn. We stopped off in Birg for some photo opportunities or the three big mountains in this region. Jungfrau, Munch, Eiger. Heading down we stopped in Murren for a hike. Another town that took us about 15 mins to walk from one end to the other. It's more of a ski resort town. On the hike I did a little “the hills are alive with the sound of music”. Mat did a little serenading of the cows. We saw a great waterfall and ate some local cheese.


We had dinner in Murren which was yet another great meal (Thanks Rick Steves!!). The next day we headed up to the big one, Jungfraujoch. At an elevation of 3,454 meters is the highest railway station in Europe. The Jungfraujoch is often called the "Top of Europe". We went sled riding and went into an ice palace. It was pretty hard to breath at that elevation but you just had to take it easy. That pretty much took all day but after another short hike we were home. On our last night we stopped for a walking tour of Bern which was a really nice city. Very clean with lots of little interested tid bits.