serious and silly

I came across these photos from my brother's wedding the other day and it made me laugh. Our mom hates it when we make silly faces in pictures. We make her very proud. : )

(photos taken by Kate Connolly)

Thanksgiving continued...

I know it's December today but I still wanted to share the photos from Thanksgiving last week. This Thanksgiving was extra special for so many reasons. It was my sister-in-law's first time hosting, it was the first one my boyfriend was spending with my family, it's one of the few that I spend with my brother, and we had planned a very special surprise for him.

My brother and his wife did an amazing job hosting. Dinner was absolutely wonderful and the table set-up was so beautifully done.

Before dinner, we went around saying what we were thankful for. It was my first time doing this at dinner and made it so much more special. It was so incredibly touching to hear what everyone was personally thankful for and made me that much more appreciative of everything we have in our lives. 

Next was time for my surprise. Since I could not attend my big brother's Bronze Star ceremony the following week, we decided to throw him a ceremony of our own. Just as he was about to take a bite of his dinner, I had the sound of trumpets blaring from an app on my phone as a cue that the ceremony was starting. It was so hilarious to see my brother look at me as if he was going to kill me for having my phone go off during dinner. (He was holding the carving knife as well). 

The look on his face was absolutely priceless when my boyfriend came in to present his award as President Obama, donning the mask and all. That made the silliness of it all so worth it.

 My boyfriend downloaded an app where you can record your message and have it play back in Obama's voice. I'm still laughing just thinking about it.

He presented him with our homemade versions of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medal and a bottle of Thai whiskey. (I'm sure this is customary). 

God, I love this guy so much and I'm so grateful to have him as my big brother. I am so proud of his strength and valor.

I also stitched him a little Purple Heart pillow and pinned his medals to it. My brother told me that the Purple Heart started as a quilt that people would stitch to comfort the families of the injured soldier, so it was actually sorta fitting that I made him the pillow.

He always has been and always will be my hero.

Happy Birthday, Brother!

Just wanted to wish my big brother a very happy birthday. He's an incredible person who I continue to look up to and love, regardless of his smelly butt. 

He's back!

One of the best parts of February was my brother's return from Afghanistan. I had missed him so and couldn't believe how fit he is. He's like an Asian Hulk.

I'm SO proud of him and so happy to have him back. My hero.

early christmas

I got the best Christmas gift ever from my brother today. He is seriously the most thoughtful and generous person I know.



I just love that it's engraved too. I am gonna love it forever and ever. Well, until the newer model comes out at least. : )



I was about as excited as this kid was and ran around my apartment holding the box over my head yelling, "I GOT AN IPAD!!! OH MY GOD!!!"



I still have no idea how to use it though and I'm just banging on the screen like a caveman.

Happy Birthday, Rich!

Today is my big brother's birthday and I'm sad I can't be there to celebrate with him. I am so proud of the man he's grown up to be. I followed him around as a kid and if we lived closer I would probably still. He is still my biggest hero.

I love you and miss you!

Happy (day late) Father's Day!

I was out of town yesterday but I just wanted to wish a late Happy Father's Day to my big brother and all the other fathers out there who make a difference in their children's lives.

And now it's the first day of summer and what a beautiful day to kick it off. I'm looking forward to a fantastic summer in the city.

Garden State

I haven't really been able to post because I haven't had a minute to myself this past week. My big brother is in town and we've been cramming everyday with fun filled activities. Last weekend he got me a hotel room in our old home town in Jersey so that we could meet up with some friends there. It was such a lovely hotel room, it was a shame I couldn't share the luxury with someone. I got my best friend drunk the next night and made her come have a slumber party with me. (I love slumber parties!) I couldn't sleep the first night and stayed up and watched the sunrise over the river from my window. It was beautiful.





I couldn't get over how many pillows were on my bed. Like 10 pillows for little ol me.

We took a little trip down memory lane and spent the afternoon driving around.








It's been such a wonderful week and I've still got him for 2 more days. I don't want this mini holiday to end.