Days 104-108: 5 Fun-Filled Days at Home

After Iceland, we went back to Boston for a few days to see family, friends and to celebrate a wedding.  We arrived from Iceland around 8pm and Chris’ brother, Tom and his girlfriend Jess, met us at the airport so we could all head out to Chris' parents house.

But first, we made a quick stop. Since we were going to a wedding that weekend, we'd left some dressier clothes with our friends Steve & Hanna.  We stopped by their place to say a quick hello and pick up our clothes. When Hanna opened her front door we were greeted by this smiling face: 

Lola!!!

Meet Lola, Hanna & Steve’s adorable English Bulldog puppy.  After playing with Lola and catching up with Hanna & Steve, Hanna gave me the stuff I had left at her house for the wedding and – no joke – I think I had left more clothing at her house than I had packed in my backpack.   After vowing to simplify my wardrobe after this trip, we said our goodbyes. Although it was a quick visit, it was so nice seeing Hanna, Steve and Lola. We are really looking forward to celebrating their wedding in March! 

Chez Barbier
Next, the four us went to one of our many “homes” to see Mom & Dad Barbier. Our jet lag was no match for our excitement to be home so we stayed up late catching up with everyone.  

The next day, Chris’ parents went all out, as they usually do. We lounged by the pool, enjoying the perfect weather and ate lots of tasty food!

Eggs, mushrooms & sausage on toast. Now this is how you start a morning right!

Stuffed clams!

Ready for dinner at home :)

Lamb shanks!

Overflowing quarts of Kimball's ice cream. YUM! If you ever find yourself near Lunenburg, MA stop for an ice cream at Kimballs (exit 35 off RT 2)

Everything was delicious and we went to bed with incredibly full stomachs. We had a wonderful and relaxing time home. Thank you Mom & Dad Barbier, Tom & Jess! 

Off to the Farm
The next day, I drove up to see my Grandma and Mom at my Grandma’s farm in upstate NY, near West Pawlet, VT (My Dad was away on business so I missed him this time around). Most people travel around this area in the winter for the skiing but it is just as beautiful and fun in the summer. There are lots of great hikes and lakes to enjoy nearby including Lake George and Lake St. Catherine. 

Perfect day at the Wallman farm!

Grandma's garden

The three of us cooked a big meal of steak, fresh corn from a local farm, green beans from Grandma’s garden and a salad.  Later that night, my friend Michelle came by and we had  nice time catching up. I even learned a little about chasing runaway cows! 

I was so happy and thankful that my Mom made the long drive up from CT so I could see both her and my grandma for the day :)

Grandma Wallman supporting the team!

Le Mariage!
On Friday we were back in Boston and ready to celebrate Kim & Brendon’s wedding. That weekend we stayed with our friends Lisa & Dong.  You might remember them from an earlier post about our most recent visit to Puerto Rico.  They have the most adorable son, Zachary, who is probably the happiest baby I know. 

Zachary :)

After spending a little quality time with baby Z, we were off to the rehearsal, followed by the rehearsal dinner.  After making a quick stop by Brasserie Jo to toast the occasion with the bride and groom-to-be, we all went to the Summer Shack where I had a delicious lobster while enjoying the company of Kim, Brendon and their wonderful family.

Lobster dinner at the Summer Shack!

After dinner we all went out to Kings for beer & billiards. Lisa & Dong and my brother DJ met up with us at Kings. DJ greeted us with a huge hug  and we all spent the evening catching up. Good times!

Dong, Kim & Lisa

With Lisa & the bride the night before the wedding!

Chris, Brendon (the groom) and Dong. It looks like Chris & Dong are Brendon's cronies. Don't mess with this groom!

DJ stopped by!

DJ and the cronies.

Typical

The next day - wedding day - began with a wonderful breakfast prepared by Lisa & Dong. Our friends Alicia and Ziad came in from Ohio so we all caught up for a while. DJ also stopped by for a bit to say goodbye since we would be leaving for Australia the next day. 

The wedding was absolutely perfect. It was unique, really fun and very Kim & Brendon.  It was a French bistro called Les Zygomates in the leather district of Boston. The venue had tons  of character and oozed urban romance - black and white tile floors, brick walls, and large windows that perfectly framed the soirée taking place inside.  I believe many a passerby was quiet envious that evening!  

The ceremony was short and sweet with lots of laughs.  

Such a fun ceremony!

Mr. & Mrs. Randall!

The food was amazing – raw oyster bar, steak tar tar appetizers, massive shrimp cocktail and amazing steak frites. Oh, and there was a nebuchadnezzar of Veuve!  The DJ was spectacular and I can’t remember dancing that much in a long time. Of course, the best part was spending time with our friends.

Reunited (by the apps, naturally)!

with the beautiful bride

Dancing the night away...

A new wedding tradition - Raking the donuts. Because who doesn't love donuts, especially in a bar at 1am?

We had such an amazing time and were really sad to leave on Sunday morning, especially after another delicious breakfast at Lisa & Dong’s house. Thank you Lisa & Dong for your unbelievable hospitality. And thank you Kim & Bren (and family) for an incredible party!

Our time home was too short, but it only makes us that much more excited to come home at the end of the year!

But for now, off to Australia…