Autumn Hike

So a couple weeks ago, some Awesome friends came over for the weekend. And, as is usual, chaotic fun was over-abundant the entire time. ;)

We decided on Sunday, after everyone was thoroughly stir crazy from being cooped up inside a small house that we should go hiking. And since we had always wanted to take the O'Briens to this one park, it was unanimously voted upon to go there and run off some energy.

The place? Hoffman Hills. A cool hiking trail that leads up, down, and around hills, through pines and birch trees, and eventually ends up at a 60 foot tower that looks out over the landscape for miles and miles. It's a *gorgeous* view, to say the least!!! :)

So with jackets, hiking shoes, water, and cameras in tow, we headed off. Taking the "most difficult" trail to the tower. And let me tell ya, it sure showed me how out of shape I really am. :-\ But it was a blast!!

*ALL photo credits go to Bailey*

 Better get right... or you're gonna get left! :P

 We pretend we like each other... ;)

 The moms and pops.

 Levi just couldn't resist...

And got just the reaction he wanted. :)

Destination in sight!

Told ya it was a pretty view!

Best friends :)

 Lego people? :P

"All who wander are lost..." ;)

 Twins????

Almost. ;)

JUMP!

Randomness Of My Nebraska Trip

 I really love that kid.

 Flying is incredibly fun!!!

 When you have a niece who happens to be almost as crazy as you are, you tend to have funny moments together. :)

 Lego cities are lots of fun to make!

 Sliiiiiide!!!

 Her Chubby Cuteness

 Janae and her babies

 Look out below!

Meeting a new friend is awesome! Especially when you have so much in common with them!! Love you Bekah!! :)

Love 

Nebraska Memories

I went to Nebraska the week after Gabe's wedding, and spent three fun weeks with my sister and her family. :) It was nice to set aside the regular routine and do something different for a change.

I'm in Wisconsin now, but missing the Nebraskan folks. I'll be back soon though! :)

They Did It!

Gabe & Anna

May 22nd 2010

It's been over a month since that beautiful day when they said their vows and were pronounced husband and wife, and I'm still just trying to get used to the fact that my brother is, indeed, MARRIED!! ;)

It's all good though. :)

Some News

Well since it has been several months since I've posted anything, I guess I could update you on my life. ;)

So the past couple of months, we have been busy getting ready for my brother's wedding that is now 2 weeks away. **That reminds me... I need to finish my dress for it. :P Don't worry, I might get it done in time. ;)** Anyway, there have been some *interesting* situations that I was involved with. Like helping to sew Tabby's jr. bridesmaid dress almost to the completion before realizing that the fabric was supposed to be turned "inside-out" before stitching. :P And forgetting to put postage on the rsvp cards until after I had sealed most of the invitations for our side of the guest list (No, I am not blonde. But some days I act like I am :P).

In other news, I am almost done with school!!! Woohoo! :D Yep, I am super excited! :)
It's just weird to think that in less than a week, I will be done with high school. :P When I was younger, I used to think that graduates were so old and mature and it would be a long time 'til I would ever be at that stage. Suddenly, here I am at that stage, feeling young and immature. :/ But the idea of being finished for good is enticing enough to make me grin and work harder. :)

Looking ahead to this summer, there are some things that aren't completely "written in stone" yet but, once they are planned out, I will try to post about it. :) At any rate, it's already threatening to be a busy summer. ;)

Until then, you people that are in a warmer climate (we're supposed to get snow tonight :/), Happy Spring!

***Oh, and I think this template is going to stay for a while. ;)***

He's Home...

(Gabe and his fiancee, Anna)


...and we're all very glad he is back! :D

Happy Birthday Zack!

Zack's Birthday was on Labor Day this year and he got a small celebration on that day (because we were up North) and then, on Tuesday, he got his cake, and presents.

19 yr. old birthday smile

a tool box for building his "cabin"!!

he got just what he wanted!!! (after much HINTING and talking about getting a "radio, and cd player, and then I can listen to Big George!")

Labor Day Weekend

We met the O'Brien family about 4 months ago at some mutual friends' house. We saw them a couple different times throughout the summer and then, about the middle of last week, they called us and invited us to visit them the coming weekend (Labor Day wknd). They were putting on a little variety show for the campers that weekend and they asked us to sing a song or two for it. Sadly I didn't get any pictures of the different acts (I've kicked myself for not doing that ever since), but it definitely was a VARIETY! The Director's family, the Klawitters, sang two songs as the opening act. There was a guy who acted out/sang different scenes to the Wizard of Oz, he could sing extremely high but go very low too! A standup comedian. A couple different singing skits. A family of three sang "Standing on the Promises". Shane O'Brien solved the Rubiks cube. Last year he got 33 seconds but this year, because of late notice and lack of practice, he was hoping to get under 40 seconds. He got 30. lol. The O'Brien and Klawitter kids (pro. name: The O.K. Wingnutz) sang their "version" of I Saw The Light. ;) We sang two songs. Then, as a Grand Finale, the Northwestern College Choir blessed us with two beautiful accapella songs.

Here is a small glimpse of the GREAT rest-of-the-time we had with the O'Brien family up at Wilderness Fellowship. Enjoy :)

Mr. O (middle) was our tour guide... "Let ME tell the story!" ;)

best friends

swinging with big sis is always a fun thing

Charlie O. and carpet ball. He beat me a couple times at it!

one of the many beautiful, wooded trails

the menfolk visited outside

while Mom gave Mrs. O a piano lesson. :)

The O.K. Wingnutz (minus two band members)

"Man of Constant Sorrow"

from left to right: Shane, Caitlyn, Bailey, & Ethan

jammin' is most fun with friends!

see what I mean? ;)

The Klawitter family plus Bailey O. filling in on the bass.