Happy 2010! Let the Countdown Begin!

Happy Holidays from Brandi & Brady!

We are pleased to say that we had the opportunity to see many of our blog readers over the last two weeks on our trips to New Jersey & Pittsburgh. Here are some highlights from our trips.

On December 23rd, Brandi participated in her annual holiday gift exchange with her best friends from high school. It's amazing that we are able to get everyone together considering we live in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Cleveland and Pittsburgh! Bridesmaid Dana wasn't able to make it home, so we used Skype to have her join the party.

Holiday gift exchange: Steve, Bridesmaid Amy, Bridesmaid Melissa, Brandi & Brady

Next it was off to New Jersey where we spent some quality time with the Smith Family. We enjoyed a candlelit Christmas Eve Service and opened up a number of wonderful gifts in the morning.

Smith Family: (bottom) Amanda, Norbert & Sugar; Top: Brady, Brandi, Deb, Mike, Ryan

While we all enjoyed playing Super Mario Brothers on Wii, Brady's cousin Joey dominated Brandi in Toy Story 3D (shown here).

Uncle Jim, Jenna, Brandi, Joey and Norbert

After numerous petitions to "Save the Pearl," a local New Jersey Bar, it appears that this hometown favorite may be closing its doors to make room for a highway. Brandi & Brady were able to enjoy one final "Zombie," a famous Pearl beverage, before it closes.

Brady, Andy & Ryan enjoying Zombies at The Pearl

After enjoying some cheesesteaks from the famous "White House," on Tuesday we departed New Jersey for Pittsburgh in Brandi's sister's car (or as Brady calls it, the "J Bo-Mo-bile"). We enjoyed dinner at the most amazing BYOB in Western Pennsylvania, Sausalido, with Bridesmaid Melissa, her husband Brian and the Bonkowski parents. If you are a PA reader, you MUST eat here. Tell the owner, and future wedding guest, Nick that Brandi sent you (we go way back - he is a high school friend)!

Brian, Bridesmaid Melissa, Brandi & Brady

After fantastic dinner with family and friends at another BYOB (where we enjoyed bottles of Sangria brought back from the Renault Winery in New Jersey!), we rang in the New Year at the Bonkowski house. The party included lots of champagne, dancing and a slew of delicious appetizers!

The Bonkowski Family - Jillian, Lew (J Bo's man friend), Joe, Sue, Brady and Brandi

We are very excited for 2010! Not only will we finally be husband and wife, but the upcoming events will provide us with a number of opportunities to see our family and friends again soon!