a new birthday tradition

Justin and I started a tradition this year of baking birthday cakes for each other. Personally, I think the one he made was better.

The cake I made had two layers, but since it had to travel from VA to NC in a hot car, it was kinda dried out by the time we ate it. That definitely cost me a few points.

Crappy photo by me. Cake recipe from Smitten Kitchen, icing from the back of the Hershey's cocoa box.

Just ignore the lumpy sides above. SOMEHOW my cake [and picture] just didn't turn out as beautiful as Deb's little work of art did:

Smitten Kitchen in all it's glory

Hopefully our cakes will improve with practice, but for now I'm just happy we got to celebrate both of our birthdays together this year!

Annapolis wedding - the rehearsal

Two of my best friends were married to each other on Saturday. Kalyn and I were roommates for three years in college, and both of our guys went through a lot of their military schooling together. The four of us have so many memories together, and it was awesome to see them through such a special time in their lives. Since the boy and I were lucky enough to be in the bridal party, we spent all weekend with Kay and Pat.

Here they are! Practicing the aisle walk...

A table full of crabs !! YUM.

The beach-side ceremony rehearsal was followed by a ridiculous buffet. We ate every kind of seafood and drank ice cold beers. If you're ever in downtown Annapolis, make sure to stop at Buddy's Crabs and Ribs for an amazing feast.

Jack Links

I'm weird about meat. I don't eat a whole lot of it and sometimes it kinda grosses me out. That being saaaaaid, I'm not a vegetarian. A couple of weeks ago, when the boy and I went hiking.... I chose to bring along some trail mix (with M&Ms, duh) and his snack of choice was beef jerky. ew.


ew.....? SO I THOUGHT. As it turns out, beef jerky has like... hardly any fat. And.. um.. it sorta tastes good. I'm not sure I'll be snappin' into any slim jims* tomorrow at work, but I'll be honest - I liked it.


*are slim jims beef jerky????