So Much Fun...

This last weekend we surprised my dad with a 60th birthday party. He was really surprised and truly touched by our effort and the fact that we had so many people attend. Close to 40 friends and family members made it out for the evening. Here are just a few pictures that my Uncle Marvin took.

My dad getting surprised. See that drink in my mom's hand? She earned it!!!


My dad with his cake on the table that kept losing screws. "Screws fall out all the time..."


Our family, minus the little monster...he got sent home early.


This is the group that hung in to the end...around 11 pm. This includes two of my dad's three living siblings and a few cousins.

Wedding Fun...

We went to Renee' and Alan's wedding yesterday evening, and it was really lovely! I thought that the officiant did an amazing job of making the ceremony not just about the bride and the groom, but about the families. The words that he used did an amazing job of conveying the importance of the children when it comes to blending families.

Renee' was amazingly beautiful, and they could not have chosen a more breathtaking setting. They used the Garden House and Garden Pergola at Lake Shawnee in Topeka. The gardens were beautiful with charming little pathways to wander, and the lake was just lovely! It was a beautiful evening with just the right amount of breeze coming off the water.

I wouldn't change anything about my wedding. I thought it was simply perfect for Mike and I, but I just adored the outdoor venue! Look for some of my Weekly Winners next Sunday to come out of the gardens.

Bachelorette Fun...

To say that I had fun at Renee' bachelorette party on Saturday would be a major understatement. I have never seen a nearly-empty bar come alive like it did when we rolled into Slow Ride.

Armed with a booklet of "tasks" for the girl to do, we were not shy about engaging the help of the leather-clad patrons. I have to give a shout out to Jason, Justin (hottest guy in the place), Bob the Builder (just long enough), and "The Crack Man" (I hope he found that quarter) for their enthusiastic participation. My only thumbs down goes to whoever bought the Dirty Pit Bull on Crack (or what ever it was) for poor Cristy. At least Renee' was smart enough not to drink it. I'm also happy to say that there was no vomitage...at least not out in public.

Overall, I think I learned one thing Saturday night...it is not smart to use a night out with the girls as a way to break in new heals. Nothing good will come of that.

Camping and Fall Weather...

I'm so glad that this weather held out until after Labor Day.

Just as last year, Mike, Bella, and I embarked on a four-day camping experience over Labor Day weekend. It was wonderful! I love how you can pack up, go away for a few days, and come home completely refreshed! Just as last year, we met some amazing new people and also got to see some old friends. Bella even socialized a little bit! I thought it was hot out at camp, but when sleeping in the wide open, I would much rather be warm than freeze my ass off!

I'm thoroughly enjoying the fall weather we've had this week. I would enjoy it much better if I couldn't see my breath in my office, but that's another story. The cool brings me thoughts of sweaters, falling leaves, pumpkins, and soup. I love it!!!