Father's Day in Holyoke, MA

The day after the wedding, we were able to spend Father's Day in Holyoke, a special day for Emmet, the father to be. We had a delicious brunch with Emmet's Grandma and Grandpa Ferriter, his Aunt Mary and his Mom, who was up in MA for the week. Later that day, we stopped by Emmet's Uncle Paul's in Long Meadow for a Sam Adams and a visit with his Mom's side, the Mengels. God Bless Emmet's Nana, who turned 94 this week. I wish I had a photo from the afternoon, but I completely forgot to take one on our way out to the airport.

Rosalie, Mary, Grandpa, Grandma, and Emmet (who is holding Boston Red Sox booties that Mary sneakily bought for our child to wear :) Naturally, it was the Red Sox fans side of the family who started the rivaling baby clothes marathon that will inevitably ensue...

With Gram and Grandpa, great grandparents to be!

Happy Father's Day Dad, Tom, Grandpa Fitz and Grandpa Ferriter! 

(We even got to wish my Dad Happy Father's Day in person Friday night in West Hartford on my Mom and Dad's way home from Lake George! )

Erik and Kristin's Wedding

For 16 months in Dominica, we received wedding invitations and family event emails with disappointment, knowing we physically could not get there from our tiny island home. So when we got our invitation to Emmet's buddy Erik's wedding this summer for June 18th and realized we could actually fly to it from the US, we were beyond excited. The reunion with Emmet's core group of hometown friends and their significant others, was, as always, an unforgettable time.

Simsbury boys back together again at Avon Old Farms Hotel bar Friday night

The ladies

Before the wedding at the Safino's house in W. Hartford, who we LOVE staying with!

Emmet with his "John Daly" pre wedding cocktail

 Father and bride

Bride and groom on veranda at Avon Country Club

Hitched!

Lauren, Meg and Emily

Schneider and Barb

 Dance off

 Emmet and Dan Phelan

Looking over the porch to the golf course- 6 months pregnant with my date

Meeting up with the girls in New England

As always on our weekend trips in the Northeast, we managed to squeeze in a lot of visiting. My first stop the morning after we arrived was my best friend Danielle's house in Westfield, MA, who gave birth 3 weeks ago. I zipped up in our rental car through the scenic roads of northern CT and ended up with Danielle and Nolan by 11 a.m. He was quite the angel, sleeping the entire time on my shoulder. It was so much fun to see my Danielle as a Mommy, and to catch up on all we've missed since the holidays. I know Nolan and our little girl will be little friends someday.

 Hanging out with Nolan Michael Walsh, while his Mom eats her lunch

So sleepy :)

On Saturday, Emmet and the boys had a "gentleman's brunch" at the Iron Frog in Simsbury with Eggs Benedict and Bloody Mary's for all before the wedding. I took the free morning as an opportunity to meet up with my college friend, Meg, in West Hartford. Little did I know who had driven down from Boston but my old roommate Becca! A few egg sandwiches and cups of ice coffee later, we had almost caught up on everything.

My favorite Holy Cross girls in West Hartford Center in front of Harry's Pizza

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

We got a chance to go with the med student crew to Dolphin Stadium for a Florida Marlins baseball game. Although half of the fans did not show up until the 5th inning, we Northeastern die hard sporting goers were there two hours early to tailgate in the parking lot, of course. Great last memory in Miami with Sam, Brandon and Parker, who made it through his first baseball game like a champ!

Showered in Miami!

On Saturday morning while Brianne was here, I thought I was going over to Sam's house for a "Good-bye Brunch" and I open the door to Lauren, Sam, Steph and Analeah yelling "Surprise!!" I was stunned and instantly teary eyed. The girls went above and beyond with decorations and delicious food, not to mention the countless adorable presents and outfits they gave me for our little girl. I couldn't be more grateful and touched! I stole some of Sam's pictures collages for my own memories on the blog.

I know one thing: I am one crazy lucky Mama with one spoiled little fetus :) Thank you girls!!

Bri in Miami!

Bri was our first visitor to our new home in Miami this past weekend. The timing couldn't have been better as Emmet, Kyle and Kyle all found out on Saturday morning that they passed the Comp, a triumph only Ross medical students can truly understand. Needless to say, the gang was ready to party and show my little sister a good time. Here are some snapshots of the past few days.

 Emmet, Bri and me poolside at our apartment, Valencia

 Taylor and Kyle come down to drink some beers and claim the shady canopy downstairs

 Bri and Meg at Sunset Tavern

 The gang in Little Havana at El Rey de las Fritas. Not the best picture but had to post it.

 Success- best fritas and cuban sandwiches in Miami

 One more beer at El Pub on Calle 8- why not with a designated driver on hand :)

 Bill Bagg's State Park on Sunday- check out our new tent from R.E.I! 

 Last time I was at this lighthouse on this beach was two years ago for our engagement shoot...crazy to think we're back here and I'm prego <3

 Catch with Emmet's 10 year old Nerf "Whistler" football which has somehow made it to Florida along with all of his Koozie collection hmmm

 The girls joining me for some shade

Hanging out after a game of "Left, Right, Center"- we love you Brisy!!