Mom and Dad's Visit

My folks were able to stop by Dallas for a long weekend on the way home from conferences in Waco and New Orleans. It was really great to show them where we live and some of the sites. One highlight was going to Dealey Plaza and touring the Sixth Floor museum where Oswald shot JFK. The museum is really well done and gives great detail on the events that transpired that tragic day. I personally found the conspiracy theories fascinating and, to some extent, hard to discount. While my parents were here, we were also able to celebrate my birthday and my mom's at Cantina Laredo (a GOURMET mexican restaurant). The great thing about Dallas is the endless supply of restaurants and we had our fair share this weekend.

Across from the Grassy Knoll

The second window from the top, far right, is where Oswald [allegedly] shot JFK

Hmm, could this be the famed Grassy Knoll?

Steer wrangler??

Mavs Pep Rally

Julie and I had the pleasure of going to a Dallas Mavericks pep rally at Six Flags Over Texas. The Mavs invited all season ticket holders to come out to this exclusive event. No, I have not yet purchased my season tickets, but thankfully we have met a few people with connections. The evening started off with dancing by the Dallas Maniaacs (a bunch of overweight men flaunting what their mommas gave them), followed by a much more pleasant showing from the Dallas Mavericks dance squad. Coach Avery Johnson then took the mic and said that this would be the year the Mavs finally brought home the championship! Dirk then tried to rev up the crowd some more, but his thick German accent just couldn't cut it. After the pep rally ended, we headed off with a couple friends to enjoy the rides at Six Flags. There were absolutely no lines since the park was only open to season ticket holders. We hit up all the big roller coasters and had a great evening. Hopefully we'll be able to get to a few Mavs games throughout the year.

The closest we got to Josh Howard and Dirk, but we did run into Stackhouse in the Park.

Maniaacs come on stage

Maniaacs are upstaged

Blurry picture of Dirk Nowitzki

Who can name the superhero to the right? Green Lantern gets no recognition

Happy Halloween

Milo wasn't very happy to put on his pumpkin Halloween costume... but he's so darn cute!

Melissa & Jordan's Wedding!

This weekend Paul and I flew home for my good friend Melissa's wedding. Her long-time boyfriend, Jordan and her got married October 20th at The Silo in Allegan, Michigan. The day was absolutely beautiful and we couldn't ask for better weather for a Michigan October day. Melissa was a beautiful bride and we had such a great time celebrating with her and Jordan!

Also, while we were in town Paul and I were able to visit with several friends even though it was such a quick trip! On Friday after the rehearsal we went to my sister and Chad's -- in addition to visiting with family we invited Rachel and Branden over. I totally kicked Rachel's butt on Guitar Heros that night so I was feeling pretty good about myself until the next day when my 5-year-old nephew, Colin, took me out on Wii bowling!

On Saturday before the wedding Paul was able to go to the WMU Homecoming tailgate with Jenn, Chad, Jeff my nephews and a large group of their friends. And, Dave, Kenz, Tom, Jason and Megan Decker were nice enough to make the trip to Kalamazoo early that morning to see Paul as well. Thanks guys! We really appreciate everyone making the effort to see us while we were in town. We're looking forward to seeing you all again in about a month!

The Rehearsal at the Grill House in Allegan

Welcome!

Me and Ashley with the Blushing Bride!

Newlyweds!

Time to PAR-TAY!

Lazy Days

Here's Milo sleeping by the fireplace -- He loves to sleep on the cool floor. Below is Milo and Paul watching Entourage together. Aww!

This weekend we didn't have plans -- it felt so good! I had a very long week at work after returning from Vegas so I was in much need of relaxation!

We went out for dinner and grabbed videos to watch on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday Paul went out to White Rock Lake again to go sailing. He's really enjoying it!

It was a chilly Sunday, (only 79 degrees!) so I made our first pot of chili of the year and the whole family cuddled up to watch Desperate Housewives :-)

Vegas Baby, Vegas!

Last week I was in Las Vegas for the Vision Expo West tradeshow. We spent SEVERAL hours setting up our booth and putting everything together. Overall, is was a successful, (but exhausting!) trip. However, I did get to play a little... we were able to go to the new Cirque du Soliel Beatles LOVE show at the Mirage and do a little shopping at the outlet mall. Also, in the evenings we had some awesome dinners at "Aqua Knox" at the Venetian and "The Steak House" at Treasure Island. I was bummed I didn't have more time to be a vacationer -- working the show kept us pretty busy!

I was in Vegas for a week and didn't gamble one penny! However, some of my co-workers made up for it! Here's some of our group grabbing drinks at "BREEZE BAR" at T.I. the first night.

Here's the finished product! The Nouveau booth turned out great!

Vegas Celebrity Sightings!

Here's me with David Hasselhof himself! I recevied a signed postcard that I'll treasure forever :-)

At our Las Vegas tradeshow - Vision Expo West - we were lucky enough to be placed by a booth who brought in "Cheesy Celebs" to promote their booth. It was hilarious people watching!

The biggest celeb at the tradeshow was definitely Vanessa Hudgens from High School Musical. There were people lined up for miles to see her!

Milo Continues to Grow -- now 5lbs!

Here is Milo after his first grooming appointment. Doesn't he look handsome in his Halloween handkerchief!?
Here is me and Milo getting ready for bed after taking Paul out for his birthday. We celebrated a little early since I left the next morning for a week long trip to Las Vegas. We had tex mex for dinner and cake and ice cream at the house! On Paul's actual birthday our friend Rob and a group of boys took him out for a few drinks to celebrate.
So, it was just the boys for a week!



Here is little Milo sleeping behind the couch pillows. He loves to sleep

on the couch but isn't a big cuddler...yet! Mama's working on him!