Longwood Gardens

In case you were worried, we ARE still alive…just busy, busy, busy! Kate’s schedule this past quarter took some getting used to, with lots of very long days and late nights full of work…but it seems the hard work has paid off with another term of straight A’s. Over the next, and last, two quarters of the program, though coursework is relatively minimal, our internships take up the time of a full-time job and progress on our thesis becomes critical for graduating on time (in June). So, while the draining schedule isn’t looking to change very much, I’m hoping that the adjustment period is over and I won’t be spending as much time just being plain tired! Speaking of my thesis, one final piece of news is that I just found out that I will be speaking at the 2012 Annual Art Therapy Conference next July in Savannah, Georgia…talk about being excited and nervous at the same time!

Santa's newest reindeer

Brett has been equally swamped, putting in full days of work for his regular job, then just as many (if not more) hours in the evenings and weekends working on freelance projects. Between building a few mobile sites and working on some exciting startups, he’s been having fun learning new tools of his trade and always working on something different (though it’s usually not so fun at 2am).

Peace & Joy

Our holiday season has been in full swing for about a week now, as we left Philly on Friday the 16th to spend a weekend skiing in Killington, Vermont before coming here to Brett’s parents house, where we will stay until December 29th. We both have a bit of work to get done at some point during this break, but we’re definitely looking forward to the next few days of  simply spending time with family and enjoying one another’s company. For now, it’s time to spend the rest of the day baking cookies and playing games

Wishing everyone a very warm and blissful holiday season,
Brett and Kate (& Captain & Basil)

After finishing my comprehensive exam on Friday June 24th, Brett and I set off on Sunday the 26th for a nine-day stay with Brett’s parents in Lakeville, New York. The weather was fantastic, the food (& drinks) were plentiful, & the company was the best we could ask for! We did a lot, while also doing a lot of nothing, in 9 days, so rather than give you the play-by-play, here are the highlights:

• visited Brett’s dad’s hunting cabin in the Southern Tier  & planted 2 trees
• went to a wine tasting at Deer Run Winery
• toured Conesus Lake via pontoon boat (courtesy of neighbor John)
• helped the kids catch hundreds of fish (or the same fish hundreds of times?)
• hung out with Zack (who we both miss very much!)
• saw the best fireworks show EVER
• Not to forget the puppy – Basil lost his first puppy teeth & had his first swim!

  

  The girls :)

  

  Post boat ride

  

  So close!

  
  

  

  I got a fish!!

  

  All the cousins

  

  Enjoying the shade

  
  
  

   

We have much more travel coming up this summer, as well of lots of time we’ll be spending outdoors, so be sure to check back for more fun pictures!

Re-finding our adventurous roots,
Brett and Kate

Aren't they stunning? (courtesy of Aaron Morgenstein photography)

November 13th marked the very special occasion of my cousin Cheryl’s wedding to the most perfect guy for her (Ben) which means we got to spend a weekend in Chicago with all the amazing people we call friends…and some family of course The wedding was absolutely beautiful, held at the South Shore Cultural Center where decorations are hardly necessary against the architecture, and it was really neat to be part of a ceremony that was so unique and personal to the couple (I was fortunate enough to perform a reading). We got to see some Jewish wedding traditions for the first time, as well as some Cheryl & Ben twists (e.g. the unity chemical reaction). Following the wedding was a short cocktail hour, and then came the reception where we pretty much all danced ’til we dropped…and props to Grandma Mo who outlasted all of us younger folk! It was a total blast & we were so happy to be a part of it.

3 Generations

Beautiful Bride!

Brett and I

Also, a huge, gigantic, enormous thank you to all our friends who made it out to brunch on Sunday…and a special thanks to Mark for letting us crash at his pad. It was so lovely to see you all…we terribly miss your wonderful faces & were so happy to get to see them!

Wishing the newlyweds all the best,
Brett and Kate

Cousins, Spouses, & Kids!

Big brother and I

A few weekends ago, Brett and I were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel back to Indiana for a family gathering to celebrate my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary! We had the best time catching up with everyone and feel so lucky to share such a special time for my grandparents. It’s been a bit of an adjustment since moving to Philly, now that a visit with family requires so much planning (and money), so I’m trying to enjoy any time that I DO get to see anyone in my family and not take advantage of our time together.

Cutest kids ever

On a positive note, while we are a bit further from my family in Indiana, we are now closer to Brett’s family in New York and are getting to see them much more frequently than the previous 2 years…I guess it’s all a give and take, and Brett and I will definitely take any time with any family we can!

Sending our love to wherever you may be,
Brett and Kate