Mass at the Basillica of the National Shrine

It really is an amazing church, and we enjoyed being there, but I prefer Mass at a smaller church!

And then we went shopping for waders. 

New Years Eve in DC

There were lots of options, we chose Oyamel. So far, oysters and cocktails are providing return on investment! And a pregame nap was needed so Sandy can stay awake.

Solution to urban potluck dinner parties

We have bread pudding and whisky sauce, wine, beer, and bacon wrapped asparagus packed to travel the to Kim's house, which is about a 10 min walk from us. 

Tacky Christmas Lights Tour

Thanks to a coworkers forward, we went on a tour of houses in northern VA with really over the top Christmas light displays. Unfortunately I took pictures with my now defunct AT&T phone. Until I manage to get those emailed, maybe a picture from this less tacky display on Pennsylvania Ave will be a good placeholder.

Local Weekend

After a fast paced NYC weekend, we were happy to stay around town this weekend. We did brunch at Founding Farmers (thanks Jen & Robert!!) 

I had a Pimms cup and carrot cake pancakes...(mouth waters) and Barrett had steak and eggs.

On Sunday, after Mass, we had a shopping excursion south of DC. Bernadette's reward for her patience was a visit to the Shirlington Dog Park. She loved it! She was like a kid on the first day of school: really excited but a little scared, too. 

And I scored these elf-ish Nordic houseshoes from Ikea! 

All in all, a great weekend was had by all.

Birthday Blessings

Cake for breakfast!

Treats sent from Vicksburg! 

I was definitely feeling the birthday love. Thanks everyone.

Katz's Deli

As seen on "When Harry Met Sally" and one of the things I wanted to do while on NYC. It did not disappoint.

Pickles: full sour, half sour

Barretts slow cooked brisket sandwich 

Bob & K split a Reuben 

And I had the pastrami! Pa-stra-ME!!