Brads Company Picnic on Saturday...

We had a GREAT time at the company picnic this Saturday which was located at ALBION HILLS CONSERVATION AREA:

Good to visit Friends!!!

Thanks jarred and Amanda for the GREAT visit on Friday night!!! It was so nice to sit down by the chiminea...RELAX...VISIT...Have a few beverages etc!!! You guys are awesome!!! We also must say thanks for the super-comfy bed we had to lay our heads on and the wonderful breakfast on Saturday morning!!! YAY!!! Thank you so much!!! See you guys soon :)

Where am I From???

All the time people ask me..."so, where are you from"? Hahah...my least favorite question...but a good one. Where am I from? Well I didn't live in the town I was born in all that long... and I haven't been there in YEARS...we also moved around quite a bit between the US and Canada ...No, my parents were/are not fugitives...Dad is in the mining industry... so i never say I am "from" those places...

Anyway, I came across these photo's earlier in the week. They are of a place my parents and I lived for MANY years (nearly half my life I guess)...

It is a small mining community mining located on the northern tip of Baffin Island called Nanisivik (Inuktatuuk for: the place where people find things).


This is a photo of the town-site (summer). You can also see apart of the mill. And Yes...that is what we liked to call our waterfront property...Lancaster sound/the arctic ocean...



This is a photo (again of the town-site). Clearly its winter...but my guess would be it's nearing spring...it looks awfully light out to be the dead of winter LOL



Living in the North is definitely a different lifestyle. The years I spent there were probably some of the best. I learned so many things, saw things your average Joe will never see in a lifetime and it seems I have met a lot of pretty amazing people who's path I crossed while there. I've always said if you ever get the opportunity to see the north...DO IT. It is a magnificent and beautiful place (in it's own way)...

It's funny actually. I'm sitting here looking at these photo thinking....how on earth did I end up to be such a "city girl".

Anyway - Just wanted to post these for fun...!!! Thanks for looking and everyone ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!

Totally HOT CHICKS!!!!

This Post is especially for my mama...who made a personal rescue to the poor little hens and chicks that you see below. Before their rescue, I sadly admit that they were on a dowhill road living inside with me. Their pots were too small and the light hardly adequate. The last time mama Light was in town she transplanted them into nicer, bigger pots and put them outside... They have since been thriving!!!

I am happy to report that ALL chicks have made it and we even have some new offspring since the transplant...YAY!!! Thanks mom...from me and from the totally hot chickadees!!! :)

Sunday Dinner Guest

Aunt Kathy and Uncle Earle had a very special dinner guest on Saturday!!!

What DID we do this weekend...!?!?!?

Friday Night

After work, I came home and turned into somewhat of a domestic diva!!! Ok...diva yes...domestic, that perhaps might be debatable...I attempted to make zucchini loaf (a yummy treat for my husband) AND also prepared a keish to put in the Fridge for our breakfast the next morning.

Things I learned:

-Yes, white flour and whole wheat flour do make a difference. Not sure what that diffence is exactly...but the loaf did not taste like my moms. Also , it's a possibility that the lack of raisins and cinnamon made a diffence??? I didn't have those ingredients so I just didn't put the in...
-I apparently only have 1 "loaf pan" and the recipe I used called for two...so now we have a zucchini loaf AND a few zucchini muffins. The muffins as of Sunday night were gone...so they must have been somewhat edible...
-Something (not sure what) wasn't quite right with the keish. It just did not taste the way my mama's does. Maybe it will get better with practice?!?!?
-A quick note of thanks to my fabulous husband who is such a TROOPER... he tries all my cooking and even tells me how yummy it is...

Of course after all this work in the kitchen we were way too tired to prepare a meal...and besides...it was a good night to go out on a date...So off we went to:

Agave Grill for dinner and drinks.

Had my favorite dinner item on the menu... Chicken Milanesa with Goat Cheese ... A lightly breaded chicken breast topped with goat cheese and cilantro cream sauce, served with rice and vegetables ...ummm SO GOOD!!!!

Also ran into a few friends which was really nice...ummm good food, good drink, good friends...

Saturday

The weather here was gorgeous all weekend!!! Blue skies and SUNSHINE!!! And hardly any humidity!!!

We spent the morning doing our chores, the afternoon walking around the Byward Market...and the evening we had a lovely bbq at home, went for a drive down to the marina and down to our favorite local ice cream shop for a treat. Also rented MATADOR. ummm...it was an "ok" movie.

Sunday

Sunday was a very relaxing day for us.

Brad was up at the crack of dawn to play golf at Le Sorcier Golf Course with Al, Mike and Johny...From what I understand all golf cartes were returned in 1 piece...So they say...

For me, after a good sleep in, I did laundry...and pulled weeds in the garden...also did some (ok not enough) purging of the closet...Oh yes, and then sat outside and caught up on some of my reading (the weather was just too nice to be inside).
When the boys returned from golf we went over to the McC-Papineau residence for a short visit.
After a good supper and a bit of HGTV and football (depending who had the remote) it was an EARLY night for us!!!

Well that was life in a nutshell this weekend for the O'Neil's!!! Hope everyone has a great week!!

A Holiday Monday for us ... YAY!!!

I LOVE HOLIDAY MONDAYS!!! Especially when you get ready for bed on Sunday..thinking you have to get up for work the next morning then realizing that ...wooo hooo...it's a holiday tomorrow!!!

If you exclude our "Road Trip Honeymoon"...it has been a little while since Brad and I have managed to get out for one of our Sunday drives...

Well, I know it wasn't exactly Sunday...but we did have the day off...soooo, why not hop into the car...(Picnic basket and cooler loaded...Just incase)...

First Stop: Breakfast at Al's Diner - YUMMMMM

Next: Carleton Place...just for a short visit/coffee break to say hi to Mama Chris and Papa Jim..who were also off and taking advantage of the beautiful weather...

Then: passing through Perth...a quick visit with Jamie, Marilyn and Max! Max is getting so big!!! He was showing us how he can swim in his little pool. Also we notice he is starting to talk alot more and becoming a little less shy!!! woo hoo MAX!!!

And Then: Well...were in Perth...better stop in and say a quick hello to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Earl (and Abbie too cause she was home for alittle bit)...Lucky us...Just as we were heading out to continue on our journey we were invited back later that evening for supper!!! Well...why not...the weather is again beautiful...and the company would be pretty top notch as well..ahah...so sure we'll be back in a couple hours!!!

Next: Finally with a destination in mind for our little drive, we head off to Newboro to check out the store (Kilborn's) that we have heard everyone talking about. It was a pretty neat little store. Perhaps a bit out of our pricerange for some stuff...but fun to browse nonetheless. Who knows we could afterall win the 649 on Wednesday...Fingers crossed.

One more quick stop: In Westport to browse through the shops which are pretty cool if I do say so. Also stopped at a local bakery for a few cookies and to pick up a strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert!!!

And as previously mentioned...what better way to finish off the evening ...A visit and supper with Kathy and Earl and Abbie!!! Thank you guys sooo much for a great evening last night. Supper was yummy!!!

Well that is our weekend in a nutshell...!!! We hope everyone has a great week!!! Cheers,

Sunday...Another day of fun in the sun..this time with the McC-Papineau's..!

Sunday was great...after a few things checked off our to do list...we headed off to the McC-Papineau house to enjoy the beautiful weather...sit by the pool...visit...and well of course a wee little bbq in the evening!!!
It was nice to finally be able to sit outside without feeling like you were going to melt!!!
Corinne, Sheila, Al, Mama McCarth, Bernetta and Lucas - Thanks for a great time on sunday!!!
PS. Al - we hope you have recovered finally from that "flu bug" *cough cough*...?!

Cheers,

MORE from Saturday's BBQ/Swim day...WITH THANKS!!!

More Pics from Saturday:



...Thanks Aunt Carol, Uncle Mark and Maria for a wonderful get together on Saturday afternoon!!! Good company, good fun and good food!!! YAY!!!

PS. Aunt Patti Ann : We need that PIE RECIPE!!! :)

BBQ and a SWIM!!!

MADISON GETTING READY TO SWIM!!! YAY!!!

LOGAN TAKIN A LITTLE SNOOZE...WAY TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT FOR HIM TO HANDLE!!!

Grandpa Jim and Logan!!! ZZZzzzZZZzzzzzz

BABIES EVERYWHERE!!!

Brad and Papa Jim!!!

Some Pool fun!!!

AND...More Pool Fun!!!

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1...2...3...Madison JUMPS IN THE POOL!!!! YAY!!!

Saturday

Well...I finally got to go and see the CHANGING OF THE GUARD CEREMONY here in Ottawa!!! Shocking since I work downtown, eh?!?!?!
Thank you to my wonderful husband who totally rocks for taking me downtown to see this on Saturday morning!!!


...ONLY AFTER DOING OUR CHORES...can we go out and have some FUN!!!!



(Stacy makes a yummy new salad for the BBQ at Aunt Carol's on Saturday!!!)



(Brad makes sure that the vehicles are in fine form...!!!)

Friday Night Entertainment...

...After our fabulous supper and a drive out for some ice cream...why not a short trip out to Bait Island to feed the ducks!!! Sadly, this was extremely entertaining...


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...and to finish up the evening...a trip to blockbuster...
We rented Match Point, however at this time I have no reveiw as I still have to finish watching the movie...If it is worth finishing someone please let me know, otherwise I imagine it will end up back at blockbuster...unwatched :(

Le Chef!!! Friday night cuisine!!! ummmm

(This is a man VERY serious about our hamburgers!!!)

(...ummm and our poutine!!!!)

Wedding Slideshow

Created by our friend and photographer, Derrick Rice!!!

THE WEDDING SLIDESHOW - YAY!!!

Thanks Derrick!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA LIGHT!!!

Papa Light!!! We wish we could be together with you on your birthday today!!! We hope you have a wonderful day today and hope that the next 9 days at camp fly by for you!!!


WE LOVE YOU PAPA LIGHT!!! xoxo

JUST FOR FUN!!!

This was my view of Nantucket Island, MS from the back of our scooter back on July 21st!!! Brad of course is driving...LOL


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Babies on board!!!

Well, I realize and apologize for the fact that the blog is in need of serious updating...
But between having SO MUCH to do (mostly at work) and being SO TOTALLY UNMOTIVATED (coming down off wedding/vacation high)...I just haven't been on the ball.

That said, although VERY LATE on both counts, today I will announce on the blog two new arrivals (please forgive the very vague details....I will edit once I have them in hand and know they are correct):

Born on July 14th, 2006...We congratulated Kim and Jason on their first baby!!! YAY!!! I think it was a long haul for mom, but mom and baby are both fine. We would like to welcome our new NEPHEW (yay, I HAVE A NEPHEW) LOGAN into the world!!!

Born on July 26th, 2006...We congratulate Andrea Brad (very dear friends) on their second addition to the family. Andrea and Brad gave little Zac a baby brother!!! YAY!!! Everyone is doing well!!! We welcome little LUKAS BRADLEY DAVID into the world!!!

OUR HONEYMOON SLIDESHOW!!!

THIS PAGE, which is full of Brad and Stacy photos is dedicated to UNCLE EARL!!! Just incase you were missing all those "Brad Photo's" terribly while we were away last week!!! hahaha :) !!!

Everyone have a wonderful week!!!

SOME OF OUR WEDDING PHOTO's

...Hi all!!! We have alot of work to do on the blog...wedding review...honeymoon review...Pics ets....and we'll do it as soon as possible...But for now we leave you with the following link that contains just a few snap shots:

Stacy and Brad's Wedding, July 15, 2006

Cheers,

WE'RE MARRIED!!! ( 07.15.06 )

...Just a little teaser until we return from our honeymoon and we get a chance to update the blog!!! We head out in the morning!!! Yay!!!

Everone have a great week!!!

Love, Stacy & Brad xoxo

Less than a WEEK NOW!!! Yay!!!

Well here we are. Less than one week until the wedding!!! We are so excited!!! We know that before we know it the day is going to come and go...so hopefully we can just sit back now and enjoy...

First off, I need to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of my longest friends....HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM!!! I did try to call, but left a message for you!!! I hope you had a wonderful birthday on Friday!!! xoxox

This past weekend was a busy one for us. Although...Friday night was pretty relaxing for me. I did laundry and yacked on the phone for several hours (catching up with some old friends). Brad went out with the boys on Friday night... a bachelor party of sorts...although seeing that he was home at a fairly decent hour, I suspect it was a relatively tame night. Fun, nonetheless, I am sure...

Saturday we spent the morning trying to get the yard and house tidied up. In the afternoon we went out to Kingston to meet up with my parents who just drove up from Missouri. Friends of my family had a garden party that day which was to celebrate papa Ed's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN Papa Ed!!!

Saturday I got my wedding dress as well...wooohooo!!! Hope it still fits...I have been less than diligent in the keeping fit department...

Sunday - Another house day as we awaited the arrival of mama and papa Light!!! They are now here...safe and sound...ready to be put to work for last minute stuff...Brad (as usual had a very lovely supper made for us)...So a big meal and several bottles of wine later (my mom is a bad influence on me) it was into bed for an early night!

My family begins arriving this week!!! Wednesday, I think....I am so excited (if I haven't mentioned that 100 times already)!!!

Anyway that is about it...Everyone have a great week!!! And, We look forward to sharing our day with you all this weekend!!!!

Proof of what GREAT friends we have!

Background Info: I am so not nervous about the actual wedding part of this BIG DAY that is quickly approaching...Because really...When it's right, you just know (it's so true)...

What I do find myself worrying about is that our party is gonna suck and nobody will have fun... :( (even though I don't REALLY think that)...Oh and I worry about the weather too (but we can't control that right)....

Anyway, in this mornings daily morning email to Corinne, Sheila and Wanda...I expressed this fear of a sucky party...

Here follows the reponse I received from my wonderful friend WANDA (thanks Wan for your words of encouragement...lol):

From: Wanda Capstick
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 9:27 AMTo: Corinne McCarthy; McCarthy, Sheila; Light, StacySubject:
RE: Thursday

Hi guys! Okay Stac it appears you have the exact same fear I had with my wedding== that nobody would dance or have fun----- don't worry---- we will take care of that--- we will make sure people get down and boogey---- Sheshe has volunteered to strip at 9:30 and Dave at 11:00--- Corinne is starting a Conga line at 10 and I am doing a solo Angel of the Morning at 10:30 for the lovevbirds to dance--- Papsy is doing a breakdancing demonstration at 11:30 so nothing to worry about! We arrive Friday afternoon in WEstport at the B&B! Wooohoooo! Don't worry be married now! It will be awesome Chiquita Banana!

-Wanda Anne Capstick nee Kellock

Is it just us or...?

Last night we were talking...

...And ... Where the heck is the time going? It's nearly the middle of July already?!?!?! Which is great because this is a really exciting time for us with the wedding in only 9 days...BUT...Where has our summer gone??? It's already half over...??? BOO. :(

What we don't understand is how on earth is it, that when we were kids our summer vacation seemed to last forever? And THAT was only 8 weeks long.

Someone once told me that the older you get the faster time goes by. How unfair is that. And how true. Somedays feel like a movie scene, you know...When your life is flashing in full color right before your eyes...So fast you can barely make out the images. How do we slow that down over the next oh say 60 years....? There's no doubt we will indeed enjoy these next many many years, especially together... But how do we make our summer vacations (and fall, winter and spring vacations for that matter) last forever...Like when we were kids?

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!

...For our American friends and family, we hope everyone is enjoying the independence day festivities that will be going on in your city today!!!

Cheers,

CANADA DAY WEEKEND!!!

Weekend Highlights

THURSDAY

...ahhh the start to a lovely long weekend (3 days for Brad and 4 days for me)...Nothing too too exciting Thursday night. A nice summer supper out on the deck and a trip to blockbuster for movie night. I won't bother with my movie review for Firewall starring Harrison Ford. As Brad put it..."Another typical Harrison Ford movie". That pretty much sums 'er up!!!

FRIDAY

Sadly...I can't really remember what we did Friday in the day ... Although I can tell you that we finally got the chance to meet Miss Mya in person!!! WHAT A TOTAL CUTIE...It!!!! Ok Ok she was sleeping the whole time....But she is sooo tiny and sooo cute!!!!

Also the blog would be incomplete if I did not mention my first time lunch eats at the Gourmet in CP. Ummm Poutine...!!!

Friday evening we went out for supper (Hot Date) ...Thought we'd have a go at one of downtowns "new" pubs (which for the sake of my job, will remain nameless in this blog). Sidenote: Said pub is owned by one of my firms lawyers and the only reason we were so keen on going was because I won a 50 dollar gift certificate at the summer party last week. Anyway, said pub could use a tiny bit of improving before we eat there again.

SATURDAY

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!! Yippee!!! What a beautiful day in the city!!! A beautiful day for lounging poolside, drinking nice cold bevies, eating some great food in the sunshine and surrounded by GREAT company!!!

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to the McC-Papineau residence for hosting a wonderful Canada Day Celebration!!! As usual you guys put on a wonderful spread!!!

SUNDAY

...Was a house day for us!!!
Yard work (Brads domain) ...!
The garage clean up is well underway...And we actually did accomplish alot as far as the garage...! We may actually be able to parke the car in there oneday!
A little bit of inside work (Stacy's domain) was accomplished as well...
It's amazing how much combined 'stuff' we have accumulated since the merge...LOL but really, who doesn't need three irons in there house???

MONDAY

Unfortunately, Brad was back to work winning bread for us. I was off (my Stat). So... I had a "me day".

I went to Bayshore for a makeup trial (I'm looking for a new foundation that doesn't make me look pasty and will hold up to the heat without melting off or looking shiny)...For those of you who know me well....you can stop laughing your behinds off now. Anyway, let me tell you that this was not a happy experience for me at all. I am not too sure what part of "a natural look" the girl at the makeup place didn't get...But seriously. ...Foundation that was too dark for me...Orange sparkly eyeshadow, blush and matching lipstick!!! No joke. It was all very sad. When she was done, she asks me: "you like...It looks very pretty, eh?" I wanted to die right there. Pretty? No you moron I look like a pumpkin. Sheeesh.

Next stop...Ikea to pick up last minute items for the wedding. And yes, I went there looking like a pumkin, which was painful enough in itself. Now, whatever possessed me to go to Ikea on a holiday is beyond me. I think every person in Ottawa and area was at Ikea on Monday. I am not kidding. Anyway, I accomplished my goal and was out of there in no time...

Back to home for me. After this somewhat traumatic morning I decided it would be best for me to stay at home and enjoy the sunshine in the comfort of my own backyard. Which is exactly what I did.

Oh and ...Like a good little wife I managed to have supper ready for Brad to bbq when he got home.!!! YAY!!!

Anyway, it was a very good weekend all in all. Some much needed relaxation time as I suspect the next 11 days leading up to the wedding will be very busy but very exciting...I CAN'T WAIT!!! :)

We welcome Mya Grace Alexandra to the world...

On Saturday, Brad's cousin Melinda delivered another beautiful baby girl who has been named Mya!!!

Her big sister Madison was nice enough to share her picture album with us on Sunday afternoon and Mya is a beautiful baby!!!

Congratulations Melinda Marty and Madison on the new addition to your family.

Side Note: Miss Mya was born on her Great Uncle Bobs birthday...Happy Birthday Uncle Bob!!!

Brad and I hope to be able to meet Miss Mya sometime this week/end.

THANK YOU

I want to first, thank everyone for coming to my bridal shower on Sunday!!! Brad and I received some really great things which we totally appreciate!!!

A great big SPECIAL THANK YOU to Aunt Carol and Aunt Kathy who organized and hosted this lovely event on Sunday afternoon. It was very thoughtful and so nice of you to do this for me.

An infinity of THANK YOU's to my mama, who had to travel VERY FAR and just for the weekend, so that she would not miss this party. Thanks mom...YOU are the bestest in the whole wide world.

A ginormous THANK YOU to mama Chris. I'm the luckiest bride in the whole wide world to be getting such an AWESOME mother-in-law...!!!

Also, I need to thank Alison, who took my camera and made sure I had pics of the afternoon...Abbie who assisted me in keeping track of what was from who (it made writing my thank you notes SO much easier)...and of course may I not forget to give a big thank you to MISS MADISON who was a such big help in opening all the wonderful gifts!!!

Again Thank you for the lovely day and everyone who came to share this with me!!!

A Dinner Party With 5 VERY SPECIAL GUESTS!!!

...Saturday was a very beautiful day in the National Capital. Low humidity and Sunshine!!! YAY!!!
Brad had to work Saturday morning...but not to worry...Mama Light and I did manage to stay out of trouble!!!
Saturday night we had some very special guests come over to join Brad, Mama light and myself for a little bbq party on the deck!!! Thanks Mama Chris, Papa Jim, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Earl for the great company!!!

Mama arrived Late Friday night Safe and Sound!!!

...Mama Light DID arrive on Friday night....SAFE and SOUND!!! We were actually a little bit late picking her up at the airport...ooops...I blame it on the LOUD music at the summer party...I clearly could not hear my cell ringing...hehehe...but nonetheless...she did abide by the airport rules and we found her waiting for us with zero problems!!!

Friday Night GLH Summer Party

Friday night was my firm summer party which was held this year at the Congress Center...Brad and I had...Lotsa food, lotsa drinks ... there was good music, prizes...And imagine "I" even won a prize!!! YAY!!! $50.00 in gift certificates to one of the pubs down on Elgin St.

My mom comes TOMORROW!!! YAY!!!

Hi MOM!!! I can't wait for you to get here!!! Remember the airport rules please!!! You stand in one spot (no bathroom stops...no smoke stops...etc) until we arrive to fetch you!!! Ahahahaha!

Have a good flight and safe travels.

See you soon!!!!

Another project finished!!! Well....almost...

Finally... The Rec room is painted and furniture is in!!! For those who haven't heard me complain about it (yet)...the painting of the rec room felt like a total disaster!!! It really is too painful to talk about at this time...while the wounds are still fresh...but know that...YES, there is finally paint on the walls....we like the color...AND there is furniture in there!!! YAY for us!!! Just have to put the proper light fixtures up and we can call it good!!!

They are not great photos, but I'll post anyway as proof of the completed project!!!

I wannnt Naaaaannnnyyyy!!!!!!

Fathers Day BBQ

Marty & Melinda & Baby (almost)...

Maddison & Brad

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HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

Happy Fathers Day Papa Light and Papa McCready!!!

I WANT TO DRIVE!!!

Brad took me on a hot date Wednesday night...to the Capital City Speedway!!! It was really cool actually (or I'm getting pretty easy to impress)...

The whole night, all I could think is...I WANT TO DRIVE!!! I think I could totally do it!!! If I think about it later, I'll post a short video clip... :)

Anyway, I had alot of fun!!! Maybe I have a new addiction...

Everyone have a GREAT WEEKEND!!!

Thank you!!!

A great big THANK YOU to The Duvall Sisters (Shawnette, Krista and Shannon) who hosted a wonderful Bachelorette Party for myself and Corinne this past weekend!!! I am sure that I speak for us both when I say, we appreciated all the hard work, organizing, games and gifts that went into our weekend!!! YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

Also a huge thanks to ALL MY GIRLS for being such great friends!!! xoxo

The GIRLS!!!

The GIRLS at the Jackson Triggs Winery...(This time pic featuring Mrs. Andrea Taylor)...LOL

Girls Weekend In Niagara Falls!!!

L to R: Shawnette, Jane, Krista, Stacy, Corinne, Sheila, Kim and Shannon.

RSVPs - Less than two weeks!!!

Please...Please...Please...Accept or decline your invitation and drop your reply card back in the mail very soon!!! We need to have our final number count by June 15th!!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

SAY IT ISN'T SO...!!!

http://www.weather.ca/weather/cities/can/pages/CAON0512.htm?CAON0512

RAIN!!! ALL WEEKEND!!! That is SO unfair!!! We had big plans for deck staining and flower planting!!! Boo. :(

On the brightside, maybe we will be inspired to finish the painting that needs to be done in the rec room and downstairs bedroom...!!!

EVERYONE HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND !!!

Check in on Monday - Hopefully we will have some more new photos to post!!!