Times they are a changing...

Just over a week ago Brent and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. We had decided last year that we wanted to start a tradition of getting away for the special occasion, and this year we decided to go back to the place where we said "I do"- Niagara-on-the-Lake!

We enjoyed a beautifully sunny morning leisurely walking in and out of shops and enjoying delicious coffee and lemonade. Around noon we decided it was time to visit wedding/engagement destination #1 (I should also mention we got engaged in NOTL in 2008, so this picturesque town is doubly significant to us). The night we got engaged we went to the Prince of Wales Hotel for a drink in their uber cool lounge, and the August sun and humidity had us ready for a cold bevy!

We finished our drinks and headed over to the Queen's Landing Hotel for lunch. We had a great server who was absolutely charmed by the fact that we had gotten married there exactly two years ago that day. He took extra time to chat with us about the great moments from our wedding day at the property, and returned at the end of our meal with a very special surprise for us:

Thank you Queen's Landing for making our anniversary lunch so special!

After lunch we drove over to the rose garden at the Pillar and Post (ceremony location), but unfortunately didn't take any photos, so I'll use a pic from the garden two years ago:

Later on we checked in to the B&B and got ready for dinner. And what a dinner we had! Brent took care of reserving us a table at the Charles Inn, (the place we had dinner the night he proposed). We had such a relaxing evening enjoying every morsel and relishing our delicious after dinner coffee:

The night Brent proposed, we took a walk by the lake in Queen's Royal Park and he popped the question in the beautiful white gazebo. If you read my post from our first anniversary, you'll know we started an anniversary photo tradition last year and thought the gazebo would be a great backdrop for year two.

This year's photo is especially significant for us, as we decided it was a great opportunity to showcase an incredibly special addition to our family...

Most of you reading this already know, but for the rest of you our little bean/beanette will be making an appearance the first week of February! Brent's hoping for a Superbowl Sunday baby :)

Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake...

...or three. My sister Joanna is coming up for a much needed girls weekend, and we're going to do all sorts of girly things, like watch movies, read magazines, drink margaritas and bake (we are both addicted to all things culinary). My nephew, Bentley is turning one tomorrow and I offered to make some cupcakes for the party on Sunday. My sister Hayley happily accepted, and I have been trying to decide what flavours to make for the past week! I have it narrowed down to three.

Listed in order of priority:
1. Chocolate Graham Cracker Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Frosting
2. Vanilla Cupcakes with Lemon Filling and Meringue Frosting
3. Espresso Fudge Cupcakes with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing

I'd like to make at least two varieties to bring to the party, but if one turns out better than the other I might just bring all of the good variety (cupcakes to be scored by professional judge, Mr. Brent Carpenter).

I'll be back with photos and the verdict from the cupcake "challenge" on Monday!

All Dogs Go To Heaven...

...and last night our family dog Daisy got to go too.

I woke up this morning to the news that my mom and step dad had put Daisy down last night. On Sunday my step dad brought her to the emergency animal hospital, not sure of what was wrong but knew there was definitely a problem, as she wasn't her usual tail-wagging, face-kissing, crooning-at-the-squirrels self. Turns out her little puppy kidneys were failing and the outlook wasn't good. I'll spare you any details, but after a night of treatments she wasn't doing any better. Last night my sister, mom and step dad went to hold her giant bear-sized paws and say goodbye.

Just a couple of my favourite photos of the pup:


At my bridal shower, summer 2009.


Christmas 2008.

You were a good dog, Daisy. I'm going to miss walking up to the house and seeing you waiting for us in the window. I hope you're having a blast in doggy heaven!