Shooting range

Last year for Christmas, Jason bought our family the best kind of present there is: a relational group gift. A whole year later, we were finally able to find a time that worked for all of us to spend an afternoon at the shooting range. As terrified and out of place as I felt, we all had a wonderful time being novices together. Of course I had to bring a little competition into the mix somehow, so we all used our last two shots trying to kill a mutant rat poster. Annnnnd what do you know? Not to brag or anything, but apparently I'm a pretty darn good shot.

Dining with friends

We were blessed to be able to spend our Christmas 2013 in Arizona  with my family. As always, we hustled about, trying to see all our favorite people and eat at all our favorite places in one short week. Despite the odds, we accomplished both of these tasks fairly well. There is certainly never a shortage of amazing company and delicious food when we get to go home! 

Thanksgiving 2013

The Bernals were lifesavers this year by making the drive to Nashville for Thanksgiving [and a belated Christmas celebration]. With my crazy schedule, traveling has become nearly impossible so we were beyond grateful when they agreed to come here instead. We had an entirely vegan thanksgiving meal and I am 100% convinced that I like my new vegan mashed potatoes better than the creamy, buttery ones. The only downside is that certain vegan food is not as photogenic so you'll have to take my word or come taste test for yourself. We also had a house full of dogs so daily walks were a must. Thankfully, we happen to LOVE going on walks-- if you haven't noticed.

November company

In November, Grammy and Poppy came to Nashville for the first time and we could not have been more thrilled to have them. They graciously treated us to all our favorite places and made us feel like even the most mundane parts of our lives were important. I especially loved the quiet early mornings we spent together each day. My parents joined us after a few days and we all had way too much fun listening to live bluegrass and country music way past their bedtime each night. When Grammy and Poppy continued on their adventure elsewhere, we had the pleasure of a few extra double date nights with my parents. As usual the weather was undecided, but not even unexpected snow could have ruined such a special visit like this one.

Beach house

Since this was the first time in two years we didn't have an excuse to go to Florida for "business", we were thankful when our sweet friends invited us to their beach house in October. Wedged somewhere between Alys Beach and Seaside, we were impressed by the beachfront location of their house and the unique charm that each town had to offer. We soaked up every bit of warmth the sun's rays provided and caught up on some much needed r&r. I was content to stay on dry land for the most part until some friendly neighbors lent us their kayaks one evening and with it's safekeeping, I happily marveled at the ocean floor through the clear waters above.  We sipped on homemade pina coladas all day long and cooked up a fresh seafood meal caught by our very own manly men. Needless to say, we're hoping to be invited back again sometime soon!

Home

There is nothing like HOME-- I never feel more relaxed and at ease than when I am under my parent's roof. I was thankful to end our vacation doing just that: resting at home. Don't get me wrong, even when we keep things low-key at the Berg household, there is never a dull moment. We cooked meals together, played corn hole and board games, pampered ourselves with pedicures and happy hour margaritas, relaxed by the pool, made sure to eat at all our favorite restaurants, and enjoyed each other's company.

Sadly, the timing worked out so that we barely crossed paths with my dad and Jason, but I was so thrilled to be able to meet my brother's colleagues and hear just how wonderful they too think he is before we sent him off to his new job in California.

True Food Kitchen

Since I have become increasingly passionate about nutrition these days, I was excited to try this restaurant, which features dishes that follow the principles of Dr. Weil's anti-inflammatory diet. While Ryan and I have discovered how delicious healthy food can actually taste, it can be extremely challenging to find a place to dine out that adheres to the same concept [probably because healthy ingredients tend to cost a little more]. Grammy and Poppy graciously offered to treat us to this wonderful dining experience and I loved every bit of the atmosphere and the meal. I'm so blessed to have a family that is so willing to accommodate my high standards for the food we put into our bodies-- I sincerely believe we're all a little better off because of it!