9.11.10

So let me get this straight. Just like that, summer is over?? These flip flop tan lines are basically a thing of the past...even though I just got them about 2 weeks ago when I was lounging on the beach in my swim suit sweating my butt off? Is this correct?

This blows.

Oh, and I just saw a commercial for the Trans Siberian Orchestra.

9.6.10

Labor day afternoon/evening was spent at our pals' house for a bbq. There was bags and bocce ball and a dip contest. We made our own rules for bocce and had to throw it different in each round. I'm sure El will love this angle. And the dip contest? Well, everyone was instructed to bring a dip and we all sampled and picked a winner. Our artichoke dip tied for second place. First place went to Lindsey's pretzel mustard dip...which I didn't even try because mustard makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit.

9.5.10

We headed to Devils Lake on Sunday to do some hiking. Before we made our way up the bluffs, we sat down to eat a picnic lunch (Subway). It was rather crowded, so we sat in a spot close to a parking lot. We were enjoying our lunch when all of a sudden we noticed a little boy getting horribly scolded. Reason: because he had just taken a large rock and scratched the entire length of the family's Lexus SUV. ummm, yeah. Mom was not happy and made it clear to him that Dad would have words with him when he got home. I'm guessing that kind of put a damper on the afternoon outing to Devils Lake for them.

9.4.10

We headed out for our now annual Labor Day weekend tradition of going to the Taste of Madison and seeing Too White Crew. This year we met up with my cousin and his wife (my cousin-in-law perhaps?) and some friends. We sampled less than we have in years past...instead sticking to what we know and like. Namely, the Old Fashioned's cheese curds. TWC were a little late getting on the stage, but like normal, did not disappoint!

8.28.10

Lisa's sunglasses broke on day 2.

8.27.10

Our annual yurting weekend. I am keeping the incriminating pictures for my personal collection. This year was especially fun, I think. We were encouraged to bring a crazy hat this year, but Jon and I didn't really think about it or put any effort into going out and buying one until the night before. We had this one laying around. My sister in law, on the other hand, busted out this light up fuzzy pink leopard gem.

8.21.10

money shot.

8.20.10

Here I was teaching Jon some things about composition and was modeling for him. Yes, this face and pose has model written all over it, doesnt it??

8.18.10

I had to work in Milwaukee during the week, so I went to Tosa Tonight with Nancy, Tyler, Diz and Charlie. I went earlier in the summer to this event and it wasn't too crowded so I told Diz we wouldnt need a meeting spot and that we would just see each other. Except when we got there, it was packed and there was hardly any grass open...and my phone was dead. Luckily Diz is smart and stayed near the thoroughfare and we found each other with no problem. It took us all back to 1999 when no one really had phones and had to rely on making plans though. We spent much of the night smiling and making faces at this little chica. She was so good all night (!)...and stayed up way past her bedtime.

8.15.10

Obligatory cream puff shot from the fair. Jon and I ate our way through and added a new favorite menu item to our annual stops: Brad and Harry's Cheese Curds. Woowee. Top 5 best cheese curd I have ever had for sure. (thanks to diz for the recommendation)

8.14.10

Gina, Todd, Coop, Fish, Mom, Jon and I went to Bayshore mall where they have an outdoor fountain/splash pad to let Cooper run around. He obviously had a blast. My favorite part was when we were packing up to go and Gina told him that we needed to get going...he ran up to her and said, "1 more". I guess she has been saying that to him a lot lately in different circumstances and he has started to turn it back around on her. ha! He did this "1 more" bit about 5 times. Here he is in action with his "1 more" business.

Later that night, Jon and I played babysitter while the rest of the adults were out having their own fun. It started off a little rough with the mother of all meltdowns on Coop's end (Gina and Todd would probably disagree with that claim though), but we were all friends again by the end of the night.

8.12.10

My parents had to deliver the headboard a couple days after we made it since it was made at their house and my car is not big enough for it. We made it pretty tall, but I enjoy the statement it makes in our room. Finished picture to come...

8.11.10

My dad and I made one of those upholstered headboards that are all over the internet. In a nutshell, it was super easy and now that we have made one, all subsequent headboards should be able to be put together rather quickly. I took detailed pictures of all of the steps. I'll be posting a comprehensive recap of it soon. (but let's get serious, with my track record it will be another 3 months.)

8.10.10

I was at my parents' and spotted this street down the road with leaves turning color. This was a shockingly unpleasant sight in the beginning of August.

8.9.10

August 9th was our actual anniversary - even though we did our celebrating the night before. 2 years! We have made a tradition of wearing our wedding shoes on our anniversary. Or in this year's case, the night before our anniversary. (I had us put them on again for this shot) I'm liking this tradition a lot. I have to convince my husband this is an awesome tradition every year though. He struggles with it big time because he doesn't want to risk the chance of ruining them. I have to remind him that if there is any time he should wear them, it is this day. I think he begrudgingly agrees...and then probably buffs out the scuffs when we get home. just kidding. he doesnt do that....that I know of.

8.8.10

We headed to Chicago for our anniversary. Our pals let them us at their unoccupied downtown condo. Do Chicagoans call michigan ave. area "downtown"? I just sort of made that up. Either way, the place was in a perfect location for the things we had planned. We spent the day doing the requisite walk down Michigan Ave. to Millenium Park. Then headed back and got ready for our anniversary dinner. We went to Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park. This restaurant has a few other locations around the country - 2 of which we have been to - and since we love it so much there, we figured we would try the Chicago locale. We were very pleased. Afterward we got some cupcakes down the street for dessert (separate post on cupcakes to follow).

8.7.10

Gina brought the boys over to swim and hang out while our husbands were off doing things they do. (honestly, it was so long ago I'm having a hard time remembering what they did). When I took this picture, I told Cooper that I was going to count to three and then he should jump. Except he never waited until 3...and I had to be quick on shutter release! (and I just remembered that Todd and Jon went to their friend's bday party)