Christmas in Vegas

We were going to northern MI for christmas this year but decided to decorate anyways so we'd have a festive house when we returned. We didn't get too crazy but just crazy enough.





We bit the bullet and got a fake tree this year...since Home Depot had a 50% sale and we were going to be in MI for a week, it just worked out. We got the last 9 ft model they had...come home Santa!














Barley and Hops trying to use Jedi Mind Tricks on the stockings...














Barley getting a closer look at the doggie treats in her stocking.










Stan and Hops monkeying around...













Betsy decided to make a wreath this year - we think it turned out just fine!

Turkey Day '08

It was one of our first Thanksgiving holidays at our home - typically we go 'home' to either Michigan or Florida...but we stayed put this year. We had some adventurous friends over - even though they new it was our first turkey cook'n experience... brave, very brave.



Betsy poses with her homemade stuffed turkey. Butterball has nothing on her!



















Isaac and Michael chomp down on the turkey's legs... More gravy please!











The Remlings and the Dunns... one turkey at a time.

Halloween 2008

We had our annual halloween - masquerade ball this year and again.. got wasted and started swapping costumes and wigs with everyone! This is definitely the best holiday ever (Stan's opinion)!



I feel the PERF-ECT Cheer coming!!!











Oh No! Darth Vader has the Sexy Pirate right where he wants her... "Who's Yer Father?"











...and so the wig swapping begins.









You know something has gone awry when the dogs start getting in on the wig swap action!









Our kickball team shows the love for halloween! 'I Just Came To Drink' is a great team!

Cousins Trip 2008

Betsy's cousins have finally been able to plan and execute a cousins trip (years in the making). The destination was a big beach house in the Outer Banks and it was a GOOD TIME! Unfortunately, we were too busy drinking, eating and playing to take too many pictures...but you get the idea...



Drunk people always fashion awesome A$$hole Hats, donchya think?








Cruisin' on the beach... tag, you're it!







We think Mattie (Emily's black lab) enjoyed the beach vacation more than anyone else.. did someone say frisbee?!?






Undefeated..and I mean like 15-0 at beer pong! Who woulda thunkit... Emily was too drunk to even stand up and she was draining the cups like MJ. I was glad to be a witness.

Trip to Denver (to visit Anne)

We made our way to Denver (after a few months of promising to do so..) to see our friend Anne - one of Betsy's HS friends. We had a blast site seeing and drinking in some cold, refreshing coors right out of the Rockies!




I believe this was our first round of tasting...luckily the girls couldn't finish all of their tastes





This what they call a wild MOOSE - right along the highway! He was a huge sucker and had a gang of girls with him...




This is not such a wild moose... but we just couldn't resist rubbin him a little.





We visited the Stanely Hotel in Estes Park..this is where the Shining was filmed. Our recommendate is to just take it in from the distance.

Backyard Landscape

We finally got our backyard landscaped! We went from nothing to a jungle! Check out the before and after shots... There are still a few trees that we are supposed to be getting on Friday (29th). Then the backyard will be complete!

BEFORE LANDSCAPING....














































AFTER LANDSCAPING.........What a difference!

Dwayne & Amy Tie the Knot

So, my brother Carl / Dwayne was able to talk this young, cool Kentucky gal (Amy) into marrying him... they did it barefoot on the beach near sunset - very cool! ... it was a great party for a great couple!






The happy (sexy & sandy) newlyweds!








Betsy posing with Don and Evelyn...






Dwayne and the boys prep'ing for the big event.










Shakin' it just like mama taught him how...







Who says Big Edd isn't hip?!? Where did my Foster's go ?

I guess the honeymoon started...

Baby Berlin Baby Shower

It was August 2008, and we hosted our first co-ed baby shower packed with dirty diapers, drinking and eating games...what else is there..? Oh yeah, a VERY pregnant Shannon! Hope you enjoy a little cinematography of the event.




Tim - papa to be having one last day of pampering.

Blind folded, spoon wielding mamas attempt to force feed fat baby heads... being the official photographer was a blessing!

Red Square - Vodka Vault in Mandalay Bay

We had friends (Dawn & Greg) in town and thought we'd try the Red Square russian restaurant in Mandalay Bay. The food was good but the best part was the offer of when you purchase a bottle of vodka, you get to drink it in the vodka vault (ice cooler at 10 degrees) while wearing a russian fur coat and hat. It's not bad but the cheapest bottle is around $250 US.



Posing with our bottle of russian vodka...Brrr....














A group shot in the vault. A job well done -we finished the bottle after only 20 minutes!













I think a russian doll is nesting in Betsy's fur hat... so warm and cozy!

Cruising 08

We did our yearly cruise in celebration of a couple 30th birthdays. We tried Royal Carribean this year (much nicer than Carnival) for a short 3-day Bahamas cruise.



Betsy gives the thumbs up - she's ready to float!


















We toured the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas - and found this bull. I'm not sure if it was the heat or alcohol that made us molest it so...











Betsy cuddling up with our towel elephant in the stateroom.













While on Coco Cay, one of the cruiseline's private islands - Betsy befriend an indian guy with Princess Leia towel buns. Who'd woulda thunk it...










While in the Bahamas - we found some marvelous flip flops made by Reef. Betsy got a pair that have built-in bottle openers on the bottom. Stan found this pair that hold 3oz of liquid in each flop. Perfect for cold refreshing Rumplemintz on a hot day.

Betsy visits Jamie, Slo and Zoren

Betsy made a trip back to northern Michigan in April to help her mom upgrade her computer. along her travels, she had some extra time to see friends Jamie, Slo and their son Zoren. Who says Betsy doesn't look comfortable with children..? They are such a pair of cuties!