Meet Ryan

He's cute, he's tiny, he's cuddly, and I love him.

The day after Thanksgiving, Dad and I made the trek down to VA so I could meet my nephew. At 5 days old and just about 6 lbs, I think he was the tiniest person I've ever held; fit in one of my arms like a little football and in the less than 24 hours that we were there I think I saw Ryan's eyes for maybe 8 minutes total, the boy sleeps like a champ (...during the day. He still thinks he's nocturnal).

The trip was too short, but work calls. By Saturday night, in an effort to dodge Sunday traffic, we were back home. Until Christmas...

Thanksgiving with the Pops

This Thanksgiving found the Denholm family all scattered around. Brother and wife in North Carolina; brother and wife with family in Richmond; sister, husband, new baby and grandma (my mom) in Northern Virginia; which leaves me and Pops in PA to fend for ourselves.


Which actually worked out perfect. You see, this year I was planning a completely Vegan Thanksgiving and if anyone knows my Dad, he'll try just about any food (seriously). So not only did I get to spend some quality time with the Pops, I had someone to try and most-likely enjoy my animal-free meal. :)

Cheers!

The meal; you can't see everything, but we had Tofurkey and vegetables, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Stuffing, Gravy, Corn, Squash, Cranberry Sauce and Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie for dessert (all vegan! I couldn't believe it either)

My plate before...

...and after :)

I'm thankful for you, Dad, you and you're daring tastebuds.

Ryan Michael Emerick

Born on November 22, 2009 at 3:00am

to Kelly (my sister) and her husband Scott

6lbs. 13oz. and perfect.

Loving this whole Aunt thing...

Dinner Parties

They're my favorite. Absolutely love them. What better way to share community than with good food, great conversation and wonderful people?

The evolution of this dinner group is a story for the memory books. A little lengthy and possibly confusing, but stay with me here, it'll pull together.

Rewind to January 2009. I know no one in this new city I had just moved to, but ventured out with my roommate at the time, Joe, to a little hole-in-the-wall bar known as Flat Rock. Thursday night, live music, hipsters; felt like I was in Austin :). It's here that I randomly meet Todd (next to me in group picture), a mutual friend of Joe's. Todd and I realize we both love poker, start going to the weekly poker club, and become good freinds.

Through Todd I meet Matt (other boy in picture). He's great, plays live music and is about to move to New York...we're gonna miss him :(

Jump ahead 6 months to July-ish. Random Sunday night after an encouraging chat with the bff, I google churches. I look into 3 that come up and decide on one to try the following Sunday, Grace Bible Church.

Three days later, on Wednesday, I go to a running store to get fitted for shoes after my stress fractures. The store is closed because of a 'Running Club' they have on tuesdays and wednesdays. I was already in my running gear so despite my nervousness and lowsy running level, I decide to go. It's here that I meet Rachel (pictured in the white shirt.) She just started going to this new church the previous Sunday, 'it's wonderful,' she tells me...it's called Grace Bible Church.

I wept on my way home, happy tears. That God was moving in my life and he didn't have to, but he let me see it. And he didn't stop here.

I then meet Kara (not me, there's another!...only girl left in picture not named), Rachel's roommate who also goes to Grace, but it's not until September when Rachel and Kara were talking about going to see their friend 'Matt' play in Manayunk (where I live) that we realized we had these mutual friends.

It was decided a story like this calls for a dinner group...and the rest is history :)

(crazy eyes!)

This was only our second dinner (hosted at yours truly's house!), but the pot-luck style menu was that of a pro:

Split-Pea Curry Soup

Homemade Honey-Wheat Bread

Brisket

Mashed Potatoes

Grilled Brussel Sprouts

Honeyed Carrots

Thai Green Beans

Insane Chocolate Peanut Butter Reese's Cake