Last weekend, my parents got to meet their first granddog.  I had told Jersey over and over that she needed to be on her best behavior while we were in Cincinnati so that she would be invited back.  She did great and my parents loved her (who wouldn’t?).  She didn’t do any damage to the house and was content to be outside in the backyard for much of the afternoon.  The trip was a great success!  Besides enjoying the dog, we had a great time with my parents.  We always look forward to visiting with them.

I recently got a new lens for my camera so of course I had to try it out on Jersey.    She’s not the best subject because she usually runs towards me and the camera as soon as I kneel down to snap a pic… but she sure is a cute subject when she behaves!

Her favorite past time:  chewing

My new favorite…

It is a mystery as to where she found this piece of plastic to chew on…

Clearly, I should be concerned about my plants and my future gardens… so much for that poor baby bush!

This past weekend my college roommate, Janelle, and her husband, Tyler, came to check out the new place, meet the new pup, and hang out.  It was great fun!  Saturday our other roommate, Leanne, and her husband, Chris, and their baby, Mark, also came from Cleveland to join in the festivities.  It was a joyous reunion!  All we needed was Jess and Steve… wish you lived closer!

While the boys went to play frisbee golf, the ladies took advantage of the break in the rain and went to Brady’s Run Park for a walk with our little ones.  Of course, for me, a walk in the woods translates into an opportunity for some great photos! 

The other day, Jersey and I decided to take a walk to photograph the color splashed throughout our neighborhood.  Since then, most of the trees have become bare so I am happy to have snapped a few photos.  I think every year I am amazed at how gorgeous autumn is.  I love it.  What a creative and glorious God we have!

So one of the neighbors behind us has these sweet plants that he calls “rope trees.”  I would love to know what they really are… they are so cool!  I might try and grow some next spring…

Couldn’t resist this one…

This amuses me now… when it turns into snow, I cry.

Brandon and I have been talking about getting a dog since we’ve been married.  We’ve never been in the position to be dog-owners… until now!  Last Sunday, we went to pick up our little 8-week old chocolate lab… She’s adorable!  Her name is Jersey and her first week with us has gone pretty well.  She’s the cutest thing.    I’m in love.

On Labor Day weekend, van-fulls of Dellicarpinis (Brandon’s mom’s side of the family) loaded up in Western PA and headed to New York City for a big, Italian wedding.  And I mean Italian.   From an Italian band and a bi-lingual reception to family flying in from Italy.  Both the bride and groom are Italian — hence the cultural event.  It was a blast!  Too bad I don’t have an ounce of Italian blood in me!  I had heard about these “New York weddings” and how fancy and sophisticated they are… so I finally got to experience it.  And it was awesome!  The ceremony was very nice and the reception location was like a castle.  The food was non-stop and the dancing was great.  And I could not get over how incredibly gorgeous the center pieces for the reception tables were.  Incredible!  Check it out:

And then of course some other pictures. 

Cousins

don't we look classy?

The newlyweds -- Joanna and Antonio

I just noticed that I haven’t updated the blog in over a month… which is frankly unacceptable.  I’m not even sure who frequents our blog and how often, but for those who do, I apologize.

A few quick updates from us:

I’ve been teaching first grade for just over a month now and am really enjoying it.  I’m filling in for a lady who had a baby and is not coming back until after Christmas.   It was a huge switch from 4th grade last year but my kiddos are just so cute!  We are learning to read which is super exciting… well basically everything is super exciting for them! 

Our house is great.  We love it.  Our latest project was digging up the weed-infested backyard and starting from scratch.  There was a hideous above-ground pool in the yard that we sold so we were left with a huge bare circle and a bunch of weeds in the backyard.  Last week Brandon dug everything up, smoothed the dirt out, and planted grass seed.  So we are anxiously waiting for that first sighting of green!    My parents came to visit last weekend and we put my dad to work right away!  Haha.  He and Brandon spent a good chunk of time installing a garage door opener while Mom and I shopped for curtains.  I think we got the better end of the bargain.  Before school started I was able to paint our bedroom.  It’s a sage color with a darker accent wall.  Very soothing.

Fall has definitely arrived in Western PA and I’m LOVING it!  Pumpkins are everywhere and the leaves are on the threshold of full blown color.  I even made mulled cider last night because I was feeling festive.  We went for a hike today and it felt so good to be in the woods.  While I am not looking forward to cold weather, I’ve decided that October is my favorite month… so I’m enjoying it while it’s here!

I don’t have any pics for this post since our computer has been out of commission the past 2 weeks.  (I’m blogging from my in-laws.)  We hope to be up and running again next week.  Then I have pics from the wedding in New York that we went to last month.  I’m also hoping to snap some good ones of the fall festivities.  Hooray for changing seasons!

Now usually signs aren’t my first choice of subject for photographing.  However, Brandon and I discovered that Florida has the best signs — from clever to “that said WHAT?”  So I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. 

one of the best signs EVER (note: I have a thing for frogs, so I loved this!)

very clever

a bit un-nerving

This sign caused one of those "That said WHAT?" moments... We have deer crossing signs, they have panther crossing. Who knew?

Meet Elizabeth Grace.  She’s beautiful.  She was born happy and healthy this morning at 5:39, 6 pounds 11 ounces.  Brandon and I just got back from the hospital and as of now, this is the only picture I have on the computer.  But never fear!  I had my first of many photo shoots with Elizabeth so more pictures will be coming soon. 

Michelle and Gene are doing great and the whole family is excited about welcoming this little one into the world!

So maybe I should work for National Geographic.   I had a blast snapping pics of all the various wildlife on our Florida trip.  The variety of birds was awesome and I got pretty excited about the lizards.  Enjoy the footage!

This seagull is actually normal-sized, which confirms my suspicions that Jersey seagulls are ridiculously oversized!

Ever wonder what is inside of a conch shell?  Kinda creepy!  And let’s just say, he was NOT happy to be pulled out of the water!

These guys make me think of the pelicans in “Finding Nemo.”  Can’t you hear them chatting with each other?