Happiness is: When family & friends come to visit

I mentioned a few posts ago that this year we are going to attempt to push for people to visit us here in Pennsylvania versus me and Sean always traveling and being on the road. We’re off to a great start!

St. Patrick’s Day weekend Sean’s sister came to visit and it was actually the first time she visited us on her own; without Sean’s extended family. It was such a fun weekend and she is already asking for when she can come back. Veronica, you can come back anytime! Here are some pictures from that weekend.

The weekend after my little sister and her family came to visit and I had another wonderful weekend with family! I truly love family time and I always feel so fulfilled and happy spending time with them. We didn’t have big plans at all. Actually when I think of it we had no plans at all. Ben (my sister’s husband) just wanted to get philly cheese steaks from Mateys because he says they have THE best philly cheese steaks he has ever had. I have to agree! Although I took no pictures they really are amazing … even better than the ones I’ve had in Philadelphia! Before reaching my house Friday night they stopped at Mateys and picked up sandwiches for us to have dinner at my house.

Saturday morning, we had brunch at Sibris Restaurant and our food was so delicious. I got this incredible Belgium waffle that I can't wait to have again. After brunch we ended up going to the outlets. I picked up a new pair of Converse because the ones I have right now are a bit worn out. After the outlets we drove to get pretzels at Aunt Anne's because my sister was craving them something fierce. They don't have them where she lives so she has to travel a good distance to get them. When she found out that we live by one she was ecstatic. The little things :).

In the evening, my sister and I could not decide what to have for dinner but Ben knew what he wanted, haha! We ended up having Mateys again for dinner Saturday night. See? That good!

Saturday night, my nephew and I watched the Emoji movie and another movie that I can’t recall right now. It was awesome to have one on one time with my nephew and when he left he hugged me tight, with actual tears rolling down his face (no exaggerating) and told me that I’m the best auntie ever. Guys, I tell you. This meant the world to me. Of course, I told him that he has two other great aunties too but I won’t lie and say that it didn't felt real good. If you can recall (from my early, early blogging days) when he was a toddler I use to watch him a lot and use to say to him that I can’t wait for him to tell me that I’m his best aunt ever. I, of course, was joking so I couldn’t believe when it actually happened, haha. Here are a couple of pictures from that weekend.

And just two weekends ago, my girlfriend (Nawal) from college visited! If you can remember we visited her about two years ago in DC. She is the person who introduced me to Sean in college and was a bridesmaid in our wedding. We had such a relaxing weekend and I tell you, I appreciate it so, so much waking up in our home on the weekends!

Saturday afternoon, we took her around town to show her some of our favorite spots and then took her to Tapas of course. I mean, it is practically our favorite restaurant in town. She raved about the food and could not get over the spinach dip. I didn't take pictures but I'm sure on this blog you've seen that dish plenty of times.

After that we showed her around town some more and then Sean booked us to race cars. Ok, not exactly cars ... but to be honest, I'm not really sure what they are called, ha. We went to Lehigh Valley Grand Prix and I'm not going to lie I was super nervous. I always want to be careful about pretty much everything but I was reassured when I saw kids less than half my age partaking and enjoying themselves, haha. Although, I came in last (I knew I would) I had the absolute best time! It was so much fun and I would definitely do it again!

Afterward we went back to my house to just chill, talk and indulge in the delicious cupcakes Nawal brought from Georgetown Cupcake. They are delicious; my favorite was definitely the Oreo cupcake!

Then for dinner we took her to another one of our favorite restaurants in our town, Apollo Grill. And once again she raved about our meals. My goodness, I ordered garlic bread for our starter and it was sooo good. Honestly, everything we ordered was impeccable. I cannot wait to go back!

Anyway, I'm so glad that our goal of having people visit us versus us always traveling is off to a great start! Of course, we'll visit friends and family this year but this break from road trips has been so necessary and needed.

I hope you're all having a great week so far and Happy Thursday! ♥