Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving with the Budel-buergers and Mellons this year. Carly made a fabulous meal and knocked Eli right out... but not too long that we couldn't squeeze in some games. That weekend, we played dress up with Briscoe. She was not such a big fan... but man, we were having a blast! Happy Thanksgiving!

BrideGrooms

Headed to Pittsburgh last weekend for a costume wedding. The pictures will mostly speak for themselves... so enjoy!

Birthday in Florida

We went down to Florida for Mike's birthday and to visit Melissa (Mike's sister) in town from England. While we were watching the World's Series, Falan (Steve's 'best mate') was wondering all of the countries that were in that series (hmmm). We laughed endlessly at their antics (although couldn't understand a bloody thing they said... except RANCH). I also got some sun and read by the pool which was FABULOUS. RJ came in town with Roxanna to cheer on the Steelers (here we go) and chill for the afternoon. Some very needed R&R and incredible hospitality...

Beach House Weekend

The VonBurg family came to visit and enjoy our beautiful SC weather (it rained the whole time... we're talking flooding here). Everyone arrived early (we're talking early here) in the AM and the fun never ended. Carly and I took the girls out to get Allison's ears pierced for her birthday (she was such a trooper!) and did some shopping and lunch afterwards. The next day we headed to Isle of Palms. We had some people over that night and carried on to the wee hours of the morn. Mike and I were awaken by Gus outside our door that morning screaming "Briscoe" and trying to jump on her back... they were so cute (although, perhaps not at that particular moment).

Gram and Gramps Play Fetch with Briscoe

My Parents stayed with us for a couple of days and then headed to the Isle of Palms for a week. Unfortunately, they brought some Michigan weather with them, but we still had lots of giggles and games. Dad, Mom, and I ran/walked the bridge one day which was a blast. Dad got lots of cool shots overlooking the ocean (and even a helicopter shot!). We chilled by the pool one afternoon and played fetch with the dog by the Wando River. Mike and I spent a few afternoons at the beach house with long walks on the beach and an intense round of Scrabble. Mom and Dad had some great R&R and lots of QT with Team Varlas... it was a fabulous week!

Visit from Tony and Janet

Tony and Janet brought their new dog Charlie for a visit to our house. Charlie was not accustomed to Briscoe's energy at first, but quickly adjusted to 'tug-o-war' and 'keep away'. We played some Baggo, enjoyed lazy beautiful afternoons on the porch, and watched lots of football. Saturday, Tony and Janet treated us to a delicious Italian feast... yumyum. It was great to catch up and see the new pup : )

A Jumpin' Good Time

Mike and I took a trip up north to visit the VonBurgs AND participate in the yearly Pittsburgh fantasy football draft. The VonBurg's new place is HUGE and it was great to see the family again... Gus is talking up a storm, Abby and I did some bargin shopping and Allison was my never-ending jumping partner on the trampoline. The kids also rocked out and showed some killer guitar skills. Friday, Mike and Marty headed to the Burg and the girls (and Gus) had a slumber party (with pj's and painting toes). I headed out the next day to see how the draft went. Mike drafted 'the best team on paper' and said his favorite part of the draft was when I showed up! VonBurg's are heading south mid-October and we can't wait to see everyone again!

Cal and Erin Tie the Knot

My little brother is now married to his beautiful bride Erin. The rehearsal dinner was at Bocca di Beppo's where we over-indulged in delicious Italian food. Mike and I headed from there to the Hilton with Uncle Joe and the boys and finally make it to a champagne evening with the girls. The next morning, we dusted off our dancing shoes for the wedding day! The nerves were in full effect that day and both Cal and Erin were ready for the ceremony to begin. After an afternoon of anticipation, the wedding began at an art gallery filled with gorgeous glass art. The art was put to shame when the bride walked out and I wasn't sure if Cal was going to make it. He was a bit speechless, but Cousin 'Rockin Reverend Ryan' (as Dad called him) helped him through his lines. The bride and groom could not have looked happier. The reception was great fun and got a little out of control when Dad and Mikey broke it down and the ladies were flashing gang signs. The next day, we reminisced about our 'favorite parts of the wedding' at Mike's favorite hole in the wall 'Tip Top'. Congrats to Cal and Erin!

Brooks Parties Hawaiian Style

A gathering was had at James' house to say farewell to Lindsay and Michelle Hawaiian style. To celebrate the event, Melissa's brother roasted a pig and everyone was dressed up in Hawaiian florals and leis (except Eli who was baring all!!). It was a very festive evening enjoyed by all... thanks to the host for another over the top event!

Lisa's Surprise Day

Our good friend Lisa celebrated her 30th birthday with a day of surprises! Steve and Janie had a scavenger hunt planned that included lunch at Vickery's and a girls viewing of 'Sex and the City' (we laughed, we cried, we oooohed at Sarah Jessica's beautiful shoes). Carly and I couldn't resist a Cosmo afterward to appropriately top off the afternoon and then we headed over to the Mellon household for the real surprise. Lisa was certainly shocked (and Steve had stocked up on lots of 'husband points' until a small accident the next weekend at Bdubs... HA!). We all decided we were rock stars after singing Happy Birthday and showed off our skills for all. The pictures tell the story on this one... enjoy :)

Camping Mayhem!

We took another trip to the woods... this time with 5 couples and 6 dogs... camping mayhem! The campground was great and complete with a babbling brook behind our tent. The hiking trip brought us to some beautiful views and wore out our furry friends. The games were highly entertaining and I'm sure that all of our fellow campers were also able to enjoy our late night laughs! I'd like to send a big thanks to Eli and Carly for setting up our tent again... you guys are the best!!!

Big, Fat, Greek Wedding

We drove up to the Outer Banks in North Carolina last weekend for a 'Big, Fat, Greek Wedding' for Mike's old roommate Tom. The first night after dinner at the wedding 'pre-party', the groom's mom showed everyone how to 'get down' with the Greeks... Opa!! The ceremony was beautiful and rich in tradition. We walked around in downtown Manteo before the reception and got to enjoy the sights of the adorable little oceanview town. The reception room was covered in roses and set the stage for a fun filled evening. Congrats to Tom and Lauren!

VonBurg's Going Away Party

I never thought that they would actually leave us, but the VonBurgs sold their house and have moved to Ohio. It was a sad "see you later" but we had a great time. The Burgers threw a big farwell and I went a little crazy taking pictures of the kids... Gus was a ham for the camera. We certainly miss our garage nights with the family but are looking forward to seeing everyone again soon. (choking up now... Eli, I know, the VonBurgs are moving)

Camping Trip

Last weekend, we went to Devil's Fork State Park in Salem, SC to test out Michael's new camping gear. We arrived at the campground just before nightfall and were excited to see that "Camper Steve" had our campsite fully setup! Despite a chilly forecast, we kept warm around the fire playing games and carrying on on night 1. The next morning, the crew headed out to Cesear's Head for a day of hiking. The dogs had a blast until Jake and Cassius had to "swim" (Mike pulling with our multiple dog leash setup) across some rapids! It was like we were real adventurers! After 9 miles hiked and 1200 feet climbed, it was time to refuel (steak) and rehydrate (beer). The fresh air was just what the doctor ordered after a particularly stressful week. We are looking forward to our next trip to the great outdoors!

Melissa's Wedding

Mike's sister Melissa had a wonderful Valentine's Day wedding in Sarasota, FL. We arrived on Wednesday night and the fun was nonstop. We enjoyed meeting all of Steve's friends and family and especially cracking up at the 'English Comedy Troop'. On Thursday afternoon, the couple showed off their waterskiing skills out on Steve's boat. It was great to be out on the water and enjoying the sunshine (my skin almost ended up the same color as my dress)! The wedding took place at sunset and the backdrop could not have been more romantic. Everything was beautiful... especially the bride!

Briscoe Christmas Vacation

Briscoe took advantage of her "Christmas Vacation" by spending a week with Cassius. Cassius wooed our little girl with some long walks on the beach and cuddling on the couch. Briscoe was also the victor of several 'boxing matches' despite the obvious advantage that Cassius may have here. We had a blast watching the drama unfold and trying not to get knocked over in the meantime!

Charleston Christmas

Mike and I stayed home for Christmas this year and had a visit from Mom Varlas and Cassius the dog. We missed seeing our northern family and friends, but enjoyed a relaxing vacation and the southern weather. We picked out our tree 2 days before Christmas and the first 2 places we went to had monster trees for monster prices. In the end, we got a little baby tree (that had some crooked issues) for only $1.35! Dad Solack surprised us with a webcam so we could still have Christmas together via the wonders of technology -- it was crazy to 'see' everyone in my living room! We had some great treasures under the tree. Mike got a camping tent which floored Mom V, but little did she know his plan to have our outdoorsy friends do all work and WE get to enjoy the laughs and games around the campfire! We've got our first trip planned in March... we'll see how good Mike's survivor skills really are!