Monday, March 12, 2012

Charlie. Omar. Sandy. OH MY!

Wow, I feel like I am living in a zoo!

Charlie is starting to turn into a bit of a terror. He's not coming as quickly when we call him, he's running further than our property outside, and he wont stop getting into things! He has this knack for finding every little odd and ends stuff! He will NOT stay out of the toilet paper, bathroom trash, or away from Sandy! Omar is smart enough to stay clear and run for her life. Sandy on the other hand gets tackled by Charlie at least 10 times a day. We never know if we should pull Charlie off or let them battle it out. Thoughts?

We put in a post and chain for Charlie to start being on while outside. It will be interesting to see how this works out. He's used to roaming around, so we'll have to see if we can make it work. I've figured out that on days that Charlie can get our and go for a walk or run, he does much better. Last week we made it 4 miles together! We did have to stop and walk at a few places but overall he did phenomenal for a 3 1/2 month old puppy! Hopefully, he'll start to learn his place around the house and continue to settle right in.

Viva Las Vegas!

Its been far too long since my last post... I'll try to recap as much as possible!

We went on a trip to Las Vegas with some amazing friends. We planned the trip last minute and were able to get some great deals along the way. Brittany and I were on the lookout for groupons and were able to get a reasonably priced bus trip to Hoover Dam and tickets to see the Bodies Exhibit at the Luxour. We ate at some amazing restaurants, tried all types of foods, and met up with a friend who now lives in Vegas.

The weather was 65 and sunny, warm enough to wear flip flops and enjoy it! We did a lot of walking and explored the entire strip. We bought a bus pass that took us back and forth on the strip, we sure saw some interesting sights! My favorite evening included dinner at one of the largest buffets in Vegas at Treasure Island. I ate more than I should have and barely left room for dessert! After dinner we went to Cirqu du Soliel! It was AMAZING!!! We saw the performance called Mystere. It was better than I could have imagined. A full 1 1/2 hours of amazing routines and performances. I could have watched it over and over again!

Another highlight of the trip was to spend so much time with my friend Brittany. We lived together in college and currently live in different states. It was great to spend quality tome together and explore an unfamiliar territory with her.

I'm sure I have more stories about the trip, but what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...right!?

 
Zack, Kaitlyn, Matt & Brittany dressed up for Cirque du Soleil! 

 
Brittany & I exploring Hoover Dam

 
We loved the M&M's store! Four floors of goodness!!!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Chicago!

I spent a long weekend in Chicago with some amazing friends. It happened to be the girls I lived with my junior year in college. We each took our own mode of transportation: bus, train, & car. We met up and had a wonderful time. We tried new foods, ate incredibly well, shopped, walked Navy Pier, played cards, and most of all were able to spend quality time with one another! Here's few pictures from the weekend.  







Not Just Valentines...

February 14. To us, its not just a hallmark made holiday, its our anniversary. Zack asked me to be his girl friend on 2.14.07. Making this valentines our 5 year anniversary- CRAZY!

Its so weird to think that 5 years ago we had our first date. Who would have thought it would have turned into all this!?!? I am so blessed to have Zack in my life.

We always try to do something cute for each other, even with out talking about it. I made Zack a card with a saying from out favorite show. Here's a picture, its from How I Met Your Mother. We've watched every episode together.


To go along with his card, I got him his favorite candy and what I thought was a storm trooper. (Apparently, I bought a legend trooper. I didn't know there was a difference. Oops :) ) 


Zack's gift to me was amazing. I woke up to a dozen roses, m&m's, and a sweet card. 

 
 After work & class we were able to do a late dinner out at Olive Garden. Which so happens to be the same place we had our first date. We may be a tad cheesy but I love it. Happy Valentines Day!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Charlie 3 Months!





Thanks to my sister Heather for letting us borrow her camera and to Robert & Haleigh for taking a few great pictures of Charlie.

Oreo Cupcake Delight!

I've made this recipe a couple times and its always a big hit, so I wanted to share it!

This recipe was originally found on Justapinch.com posed by Debbie110772. (THANKS)

Here's the ingredients

- 1 pkg oreo's
-1 pkg mini oreo's for decoration
-1 pkg chocolate cake mix and mix according to box directions
-8oz cream cheese needed at room temperature
-8tbsp butter needed at room temperature
- 3 3/4 cup powdered sugar
-1tsp vanilla extract
-cupcake liners

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350. Mix packaged cake according to directions.
2. Line cupcake tins with liner, place a regular size oreo cookie in the bottom of each one
3. Take 1/2 of remaining oreo's and chop coarsely and add to cake mix. (Be sure to leave out enough oreo's if you are making a second batch) Fill the cupcake tins, Bake for 15 min. Start on frosting.
4. Cream together butter & cream cheese. Add Vanilla, then add powdered sugar slowly until blended well.
5. Chop remaining oreo's until very fine. Add to frosting.
6. After cupcakes are cool put frosting on and decorate with a few mini oreo's on top.

Extra info- I prefer to make the cupcakes the day before. It allows the frosting time to soaking in the powdered sugar and it tastes more like oreo cream on top on day 2. Also, I do not always by the mini oreo's. Its based on personal preference.

Enjoy!!

Monday, February 6, 2012

OCD

Its been another fun week at the zoo :) When in reality I mean out home. Having three pets roaming the house can be a bit much at times! But it makes for some great stories to share!

The other morning I woke up and headed for the bathroom. I found Zack's tooth bush in the hallway and was really confused. I then went to the bathroom and realized that all the toothbrushes in the holder had fallen out into the sink. (Why we have four tooth brushes when two people live here, I'm not quite sure) I picked up my tooth brush added tooth paste. After closer examination I realize that a certain cat or two had decided to chow down on our tooth brushes. Of course I had already brushed my teeth with my chewed up tooth brush before I realized it. Look closely, you can see the gnaw marks!

Our cats are usually very enjoyable to be around. Here's a picture of Omar and Sandy cuddling. They don't often have a chance to sleep on the ground these days, unless Charlie is in his kennel. Aren't they cute?! 
We took Charlie for a ride to visit Zack's parents. He did very well in the car. I was pleasantly surprised. Even at the in-laws he behaved well, not even an accident in the house. His potty training has been improving. I think he's starting to understand the process. The chewing on the other hand has started to get worse. He hasn't ruined anything quite yet- just leaving really distinct marks on the items he gets a hold of.