We made it to the land of cheese!

We landed in Milwaukee at 7 am (5 am PDX time), tired and lacking caffeine but happy to have made it. After Gail picked us up, we made a quick stop at Cracker Barrel (hadn't been to one of these in years) and headed to Beaver Dam. Josh did some reconnaissance before we headed out and learned that Nancy Zieman, of Nancy's Notion fame, lives in Beaver Dam. So we made a trip to a quilter's mecca, her shop! I found some great patterns, but had to limit myself on the fabric given the new luggage weight fees for the plane ride home! There's another quilt shop in downtown Beaver Dam that we'll be checking out tomorrow - don't know if I'll be able to resist the call of fabric! After Nancy's Notions, we tried out frozen custard at a local landmark, Culvers - where we even ran into the groom and his family. Then it was time to head back to the motel where everyone is staying to hang out. I finally got to meet Josh's Uncle Dean and we say Aunt Mary - I can't wait for the wedding tomorrow!

Dad's Day 2008

Happy father's day to all the great fathers we know and love: Dad, Ted-Dad, Kevin, Rob, Kevin, Jeff, Jerry, Michael, Kerry. And a special happy father's day from Melo to Josh for all the walks, ran or shine!

We took a trip to Spirit Mountain - the remodel has done wonders from the buffet, it is seriously good now. Josh came away about $40 up, and Dad had a good time even without the big win. I figure he's saving his gambling karma for Powerball, which isn't a bad thing!

So, happy father's day to all the dads out there!

The Justice League - Justice Almost Prevailed

Rose Festival - PDX - 6/8/08
Originally uploaded by eyeballina.

We got to the finals . . . but didn't get any bling. We raced hard and overall we were super excited to make it to the finals at all. So, better luck and paddling for us all next year.

While we didn't get any medals, I did get a load of great birthday presents. From my mom, dad and Mickey, I got gift certificates for Joann's (always a fav) and Kmart (for some new kitchen duds to go with the fridge and stove). From the Rushers, some of the best cards ever and polar bear magnets and stuffy. From Gail, I got a beautiful framed fabric art piece and some gorgeous sea foam green pearl earrings. From Ted, the super cool stove top latte maker - I can't wait to try it!! Thanks everybody!

And from Josh and Melo, a pair of real roller skates which I can't wait to try out, a tiny(tm) serger, and my several of my wish list books off Amazon -- on top of my awesome sewing machine! Thanks, sweetie!

gosh what a weekend

It started out fun enough with bunko at Tiffany's and a tie for second place and a win in the roll off. Then a Saturday of Michael and Kamarin's babyshower for Naomi (with the Green Lantern sweater, pictures later), then shopping with Josh at IKEA and Target for accessories to go with the new floors. Then a visit from Chrissie and the girls, who brought Busters. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Leina and Kulia we're SO cute running around with Melo and bouncing balls inside - it makes me want to just skip unpacking the POD and keep it empty inside!!!

Unfortunately we then got the 911 call that my mom had taken a bad spill at the house, so off to the ER. Fortunately, no broken hip, but a fractured shoulder and big bonk to her head with a big shiner to go with it. Her head is okay, but the shoulder is going to be immobilized for 6 to 8 weeks. No surgery given where she broke the bone-OUCH! I'd post the pic from the hospital, but when the vicodin wears off, she'd beat me with her good arm!

So please send positive thoughts and prayers to my mom and dad, who's equally if not more distressed than her! And my brother mike who is doing great helping out! We're on our way over with Olive Garden for dinner now that I finished up some work--that always raises the spirits in our family!