The Magic Gardens

Last Saturday Brad and I visited a Philly landmark that we've been meaning to see for the past 3 years...whoops! We went to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a totally unique mosaic museum — except calling it a museum doesn't even scratch the surface. It covers half a city block in mosaic! It was a beautiful afternoon!

It's essentially an intricate, multi-level maze of mosaic from floor to ceiling. And we're not just talking tiles thrown around and cemented. We're talking words, phrases, paintings, bottles, portraits, stairs, chairs, walls, and archways.

 

As the website describes, "The installation, primarily consisting of found objects and contributions from the community ... A walk through the labyrinth will reveal sculptures from Latin America and Asia, bicycle wheels from local South Street shop Via Bicycles, Zagar's hand-made tiles, and mirrors of every shape and size."

We took over a hundred pictures! I chose some of our favorites to post.

It's a must-see in Philly, and it's only $5/person to get in. So all in all it's pretty affordable compared to a lot of the city's attractions!

August birthdays

On my mom's side of the family, we've always had a birthday party in August to celebrate the many August birthdays. While the number of celebrants has sadly shrunk over time, I still feel so lucky to celebrate my birthday with my Grandma, Grandpa (I was born on his 50th birthday!), and Aunt Carol!

Love you guys — and happy birthday to us!

Parrot Heads

We attended our annual Jimmy Buffett concert in early August at Susquehanna Bank Center across the Delaware River in Camden. We had picture-perfect weather — especially for early August when it's more likely to be hazy, hot, and humid. Instead it was in the low 80s and sunny with no humidity!

Justin, Jer, Ashley, Jordan, and I have a rich tradition of concert-going, so we had to get a traditional "family" photo!

One of the more important parts of attending a Jimmy Buffett concert is the tailgate! People go all out (including bringing kiddie pools, sand to create beaches, and margarita makers; setting up displays, tents, tables for flip-cup and other games; and wearing Caribbean-themed outfits). Over the years, we've added to our load, and this year we arrived with two SUVs full of gear! (I also happened to make some killer jello shots — click to read more!)

Clockwise: Katie and Monica playing ladderball, a giant shark fin on top of someone's truck (with Philly in the background), Justin rocking his parrot hat and Hawaiian shirt koozie (thank you Dollar Store for both items!), and Alex, Rory, Brad, and me.

All in all a great time! Concert is generally as expected — after all, the man is in his 60s and made a living killing off of being the ultimate beach bum!

See you next year, Jimmy!

A hairy houseguest

My parents went to London recently, so we had Bubba in Philly for a little over a week.

Aside from doing a lot of shedding, he's a pretty great houseguest! Who wouldn't love a cheerful greeting at the end of a long day at work? Plus, he's pretty amusing — even when he's not trying to be.

Family fun in Kansas

We recently had a great long weekend in Wichita with Brad's family! You know you've arrived in Kansas when...

• You see lots of squares from the airplane window.
• The airport only has 12 gates.
• There are tornado shelters in the airport.
• There are signs at baggage claim about where to pick up any firearms that you may have checked.
• You have two very friendly faces to greet you! (Thanks Kathy and Dave!)

We saw most of Brad's family, which was great! His nieces, Ally and Kira, spent several day's at B's mom's house, and they are adorable little girls! How innocent do they look in this pic?

Did I mention how talented they are? Kira's headstand...

Ally's Hannah Montana rendition (complete with bubble wand for microphone)...

Three generations...

Grandma Kathy and Kira...

Brad's bro Aaron and his wife Shannon hosted a great BBQ for everyone to get together! Thanks guys!

Those girls love their Uncle B!

We had a great trip! And despite having a little trouble getting home (no thanks to AirTran), we made it eventually. Hello Philadelphia!

Phillies phans!

For some reason, it took me 5 summers of living in Philadelphia to make it to a Phillies game. I have no explanation for why, so don't bother asking! I just kind of forgot each We've been to a couple games this season now and have loved the views from the stadium!

When the Phils score a run or win the game, of course the Liberty Bell rings!

Exciting news!

I've been a very neglectful blogger lately! My apologies to my 3.5 readers!! :)

Want some excuses? First, I've had several freelance design jobs that have kept me busy during my "home computer time." Second, it's summer and we haven't been home/inside all that much. And finally drum roll please...Brad and I are engaged!

We were both ecstatic the night it happened and are still! We jumped head first into planning so we could decide on a date — May 29, 2011! We'll be getting married in Philadelphia, and we can't wait!

Here's a picture of us the night after at the Phillies game.