Antique Treasures

Now maybe this is my inner 80 year old speaking but I love a good antique barn.

Knowing this and the fact that it was going to rain most of Friday, Papa Dukes was kind enough to plot an antiquing route around the lake for us to explore (he's a good one that dad of mine). He happily drove us around and wandered through at least eight shops with us. We got some history lessons from adorable shop owners and I snagged a couple little things - a jewelry dish, candle plate, and flower print.

There were so many dishes and bowls and glassware pieces that I was dying to have but unfortunately don't have the space for right now so I put them on my wishlist for when I hopefully have my own place that I can decorate from scratch one day.

On our drive back we made our obligatory stop at The Old Country Store. We've been going there since as far back as I can remember when we'd come up to stay at our grandparents time share. This place has been in business since 1781 and is chock full of pickles, giant wheels of cheese, penny candy, and copious amount of knick knacks.

Happy last day of vacation family!

Lake Living

 
My parents have rented a lake house for the past several years and generously invite us all up to hang out with them. And who am I to say no to a week of lake living?

I joined everyone up here yesterday and only interrupted my lazing around on the deck with a brief venture into town to wander through a craft fair and scope out some of the shops. Today has been much of the same as we're off to a rainy start but you can't be mad when you get to spend a Monday with a late breakfast on the porch.

One of our cousins came up to hang out with us for a couple of days too which is a lot of fun as he and my youngest brother will be off to college in the fall and we won't be seeing as much of them despite my attempts at inviting myself to their dorms. We're hoping to get some jet skiing, kayaking, fishing, and other lake activities in this week but the forecast is a little ominous. Cross your fingers those 30% chances of rain slip to zero!

Happy 18th Birthday Baby Brother!

Last night we celebrated Andrew's 18th birthday in traditional Gauthier family fashion! The big day was actually on Monday but baby brother was busy traveling back from the New Balance Nationals Outdoor track meet. He's one fast kid and will continue his track career in college! (proud big sister moment)

Mumsy baked a cake and Papa Dukes grilled out and we sat around the kitchen chatting all night. It was like we were pregaming the giant party my parents are hosting this weekend to celebrate Andrew's graduation...let the good times keep on coming!

Keep the Grad Parties Coming!

It's a big month of graduation celebrations in my family!

My brother is having his enormous party this Saturday and my cousin had his party last Saturday. This means lots of BBQ fun times and lots of family time for this girl. I don't think I've got to spend this much time together with my extended family since probably Christmas and it's been a lot of fun.

Here are some snapshots with the whole family (minus my baby brother who was in North Carolina for track nationals...that kid is pretty dang fast!) at my cousins grad party beautifully decorated by my aunt. That woman is an incredible decorator, I felt like I was living inside pinterest the whole time I was there! (which is my dream come true)

Congratulations Patrick!!

If One Thanksgiving's Good, Two Must Be Better!

Happy Monday after Thanksgiving break all!

After a glorious 5 day weekend full of food, naps, football, family, and friends my body's still in recovery mode. We ate until it hurt and spent lots of time just hanging out in the kitchen. It was holiday perfection.

My family even has the ingenious tradition of "Second Thanksgiving" where more people come over my parent's house the Friday after Turkey Day and we have a giant lasagna dinner with even more desserts. Heavenly!

I highly recommend adopting this second dinner party. A second day to eat till you burst and more leftovers...need I say more?

This weekend was then full of lazy movie marathons interrupted only by the creation of many turkey sammies, the reheating of lasagna, and quick winter-y walks to get hot chocolates and coffees.

I hope you all had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving also! Let the countdown to Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/New Years begin!

• Dining room ready and waiting • Papa Dukes carving up our Tom • Grammy helping herself • My ambitious plate (round 1) • A sampling of treats • Second Thanksgiving Lasagna #2 • Second Thanksgiving Lasagna #1 Post Massacre • Lemon Meringue Pie (no need to share, I'll take care of this one guys) •

*Note: My family's super resistant to letting me photograph them, especially while eating...ergo more food pictures! It's something I'm gonna have to work on or just get better at sneaking pictures...