Turkey Day 2014!

We were fortunate enough to join the Nagels for their Thanksgiving feast at Aunt Sue's place!  The food is always spectacular and this year Ryan and Matt surely outdid themselves!  Aunt Sue's cranberries were out of this world.  Fortunately, we are only in charge of bringing wine, which is pretty hard to ruin - whew. No stress Thanksgiving, that's what I'm all about!

Baby Bump: Pre-Thanksgiving Feast.

Before the feast we made our way out to the Whipp's in Poland for the Chicken Trot!  The Turkey trot is Green Bay is a crazy mess of people, and a little too high stress for our liking!  We met everyone in the bar area, grabbed our T-shirts and shortly after began the walk.  Quickly we realized just how cold it was this Thanksgiving.  The freezing breeze was flying off the open fields in the country and stinging our faces.  Dale didn't seem to mind - he wasn't phased and just pumped to be out on a walk with people and other dogs.  The first two legs of the walk were rough, but once we got the wind on our back it started to become a bit more enjoyable - haha!  I was so happy that we signed up for the walk, it made indulging in all the turkey feel just a little bit safer for the waistline.

Aunt Sue and Matt carving the turkey.

In afternoon we met up with the group for an excellent meal.  I got to catch up with Leanna who is also expecting a little baby Nagel in February!  Our kids should only be 3 months apart - how cool!  It would be even better if we're in the same state, but I guess that's what frequent trips home are for.  I got the scoop on maternity clothes and all of the fun things that await me as I move forward in the pregnancy!  She's a champ - still working like crazy.  I am spoiled with a job that isn't so physically demanding. I get tired just thinking about her work schedule. 

The Wesolowski Family!

Turkey nap for Matt and Curty.

After the Thanksgiving feast we stopped to see Grandma VanBoxtel.  She and Grandpa were chatting it up like two teenagers, it was so precious.  Love really does stand the test of time.  They were laughing and giggling while trying to figure out who stood up who for the Thanksgiving dance! Ahh, so refreshing.

On Black Friday Mom and I decided to sleep in.  We weren't too impressed with the advertisements anyway, so it was a good thing we stayed in bed.  We met Laura and Aunt Theresa for breakfast at Perkins, and then set out to grab some half price maternity clothes at Target.  I found some bargains and then we made our way back to Seymour.  Definitely the way to go.  All of the deals are on Thanksgiving now, and I just cannot get into that - Thanksgiving is turning into a shopping holiday, ugh!  That evening I got to catch up with some special ladies: Lyssa, Becca, and Jeanelle, who were in town for the holidays!  We ordered up some amazing Thai food and chatted over dinner.  We were all pretty well-behaved, which is different that our earlier outings about 4 years ago, haha! Yikes.

 After stuffing myself with some very spicy food, Lyssa and I took the old minivan through the Dairy Queen drive-through and gave the high school kids running the place a few laughs.  They were pretty impressed that I had to get out of the minivan in order to pay for the ice cream.  They were also amused by my enthusiastic upgrade to medium blizzards: Buy One get One 99 cents! That's something to be excited about! Am I right?! Heck yes!

Ahh, I think I'm good on cake, but thanks anyway mum!

Saturday following Thanksgiving we were invited to share in Avery's Birthday party at the Morris household.  KBC on tap and one year olds eating cake - what's not to love!?!  It was so nice to be able to see Dan, Katie, their parents, friends and little Avery.  What a great afternoon!  It was a quick glimpse in the many fun times that are about to come our way soon enough I fear!

After Avery's fiesta we met Joel's buddies out for a little Buck gathering at Jackson Point.  It was nice for everyone all to get together.  I was able to finally order up a round of CHEESE CURDS - the real stuff too.  I was driving the crew around and got to catch up with Haus finally!  He was back in the area after a long stretch in Rochester, MN.  It was time to come back and kick the dust off the sled before the real snow falls later this winter.  Great timing indeed Haus!  

Hustle Inn, out of O'Douls. Embarrassing.

Sunday I handed Dale off to the Anderson - poor Kathy and crew, I fear they were not aware of the monster they kindly took for us while we were away.  I knew Dale was going to be treated like a king when I saw the fluffy bed they had waiting for him.  I cannot thank them enough for taking the mischief maker for a whole month!! Thank you, thank you!!

Dale, you have fun.  For me, it's off to Palermo, Sicily! 

Dale is clearly a cheesehead at heart. Have fun in Wisconsin buddy!

 *****

Please take the time to join me at my new blog:
Alyce Jane, Living Simply

Wisconsin For Thanksgiving

It was an adventure.  Dale and I were on our way to Wisconsin!  He was a little bit bigger than the last time I tried to bring him on the plane for Thanksgiving, exactly one year ago.  I stuffed the little rascal into his kennel and Josiah was kind enough to bring us to the airport early Saturday morning.  I thought Dale was going to be able to handle the trip without drugs considering he didn't get much sleep the night before, and I dropped him off at Camp Bow Wow for some energy expenditure.  I was wrong.

Dale in the Pittsburgh Airport ready for mischief! 

He quickly figured out that if he stuck his nose out of the ripped travel carrier in just the right spot he could escape... pretty rapidly.  We were fortunately upgraded to the first class area, only to have Dale yip and pop his head out continuously. Thank you Dale, very relaxing first class experience. He quickly earned himself another dose of Benadryl.

Our plane was delayed out of Pittsburgh, so it was going to be a running match (with a heavy dog carrier, loaded purse, and pregnant) to our next gate.  Fortunately, I noticed the shuttle was leaving momentarily to the opposite side of the airport, we got on by sheer luck and road across the runways. We made our plane in perfect timing, it was amazing! A Buck intervention. It was 11/22/14.  It was clear he was with me on this important day. Shortly after we landed in Green Bay we recognized that although Dale and I caught the flight... my luggage was not as fortunate.

Dale at Buck's cabin, tracking probably nothing... Deer would be helpful, but it's Dale.

Later that afternoon, we got my luggage from GRB and went up north to spend time at Joel's cabin, an annual tradition around this time of year.  It's nice to be close to everything he found so important: family, friends, good meals, and the woods.  Dale enjoyed sleeping off his drugs up there too. Good Dog.  The next day he had some time to romp around in the snow and was feeling a bit more mischievous, aka normal.

A sample of the gems I found from Middle School in my room...

Mom and I came back Sunday to start working on the house.  My goal was to completely gut my whole room so it was easily moved if they wanted to sell the house.  I had so much random stuff in that room, it was definitely a project and a week long task.  Let's just say, Goodwill got a lot more than they bargained for!

That weekend and early during the week we also broke out our cross country skis to enjoy the fresh batch of snow in Seymour.  We set up a loop around the house and made a few rounds.  Dale also was able to join in the fun and ski with us.  It was a blast - beside my minor heart attack when Dale ran across our pond that is covered by a paper thin ice.  Luckily he didn't break through... sheesh. 

Preggers night out. So much CHEESE - Thank you Wisconsin, thank you.

Wednesday before Thanksgiving I met up with Jeanne and Lyssa at Jackson Point for some pizza and entertainment.  It was a blast to connect with those ladies... it was "preggers night out", a massive cheese pizza and O'Douls. Classic.  Perfect few days in Wisconsin with family. 

Dale got to visit Leanna at Starbucks - Puppy Latte!!

 *****

Please take the time to join me at my new blog:
Alyce Jane, Living Simply

To Wisconsin to Celebrate Pops

Jack let us take the newest family member out for a spin. We cruised the Ave with Dale.

In July we were in touch with Jack and Kathy as we were learning more about Pops.  Pops, also known as Jack Anderson or Paul's grandfather, was coping after losing his life companion, Bobbie.  They also determined that he was now struggling with cancer after doing a few tests during a recent hospital admission.   When we heard the news we were heartbroken and Paul was able to talk with him on the phone to send our love and prayers.

Three generations of Anderson men: Paul, Pops and Jack Anderson

Shortly after, we received a call and heard that Pops had passed away peacefully and was now with Janet - they were together again - and I am sure both happy to be home.

Pops at our Wedding 10/5/14

We made the easy decision that we would drive home to Wisconsin overnight and spend as much time as possible with family.  We also brought Dale along for the trip - he was really getting used to long car trips by now.  We arrived in Appleton and the whole family was there including all of Paul's brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles.  It was nice to see everyone, however an unfortunate occasion to do so.  The Funeral service was on Saturday afternoon and it was another beautiful service that mirrored Bobbie's service in many ways.  He also received a military service which is such a breathtaking part of the day. It really makes one stop to think and thank those in the military for all of their service.

Keewanaw Brewing after a long conversation about the UP with Paul's family!

Dale is getting ready for the packer game at the Anderson's!

After the funeral I made the quick trip up to Seymour to see Lyssa and my parents while I was in town.  We were too close not to meet up.  We went to our favorite place for dinner in Seymour, Jackson Point.  We then went back to my parents house to soak in the tub until we were much too shriveled and pruney.  It's kind of a habit that Lyssa and I have.  Staying up too late and soaking and swimming in the tub.  It's a fun tradition with already too many memories created.

Toast to Uncle Buck at one of his favorite places!

The next morning, I was up early to get back to Appleton in time.  I drove through Starbucks and got a latte for the ladies and a coffee for Paul.  45 minutes later Paul, Dale and I were back on the road back to Pittsburgh.  It was another quick Wisconsin weekend, and although the drive is long, it's worth every mile.  We wouldn't have missed this celebration of Jack's life and we were fortunate to spend that time with close family and friends.

Now that's criss-cuts. So good.

Madison: Foley Wedding

Pooch Badger Pride.

We were so excited for another excuse to visit great friends in Madison, WI!  Mike and Ashley were going to get married back home in Madison and Paul was honored to be included as a part of the ceremony.  Paul and I decided that the flights were not going to cooperate with our schedules and with the pooch, so we kindly asked if Becca would host us for the weekend!   Thank goodness for roomies - am I right?!?  

Lyssa, Becca, and I getting our share of classic Wisconsin grub on Capital Square!

Due to the anticipated arrival, Lyssa made the trip down to our "Nation's Capital"(haha for a Wisconsinite, Madison is all you need).  Paul, Dale and I rolled in late in the evening on Thursday and finally got Dale to take a chill pill and snooze for a few hours.  Friday we had the chance to run around state street for a bit before heading to the rehearsal festivities.  We decided to go to the Tipsy Cow in order to get my fill of cheese curds.  We also walked up and down State Street to bring back some great college memories!  The trip was completed with a stop at the University Book Store. 

Thumbs up for pulled pork.

While we were walking on State Street I had the chance to see Hanna, my manager while I was working in the ADRC!  What a pleasant surprise!  I couldn't believe that we actually ran into one another by chance - it was fate.  Sounds like everything is busy and exciting as usual in the ADRC, which is excellent news.

Feels so good to be back in Madison where the magic began!

That afternoon we made our way to the rehearsal and enjoyed the rehearsal dinner at Harvest.  It was such a nice dinner complete with Old Fashions and beautiful toasts by family and friends.  We then followed the masses down to the Union for a free concert and to meet up with the Bjorks!  Laura and Jon met us down there for a beverage before we made our way up to the Piano Bar.  Paul and I haven't been to the Piano bar in years!  The last time was with Mike and Brian in Med School.  It was an absolute blast and made me miss Madison more than ever!

The Union Terrace on a summer night, there is nothing better.

Saturday morning was a mad dash, and Paul was running around to try to find a pair of pants that would fit him.  He had two rounds of slacks that were too short - the pictures are hysterical!  My parents also made the trip down to Madison and we met up with the whole Kendall Ave gang, Winsand Family included at a highly recommended brunch joint from Garrett and Becs.  I couldn't believe we were able to get that many people together from all over the state!  We had a great time hearing about Em and Sarah's adventures in Europe and Becca's recent engagement!  It was such a treat to sneak in a breakfast with everyone. 

Breakfast with my favorite Madison roomies and ladies!

The wedding ceremony arch - so beautiful!

I ran home to find Paul with a pair of pants that fit and we both frantically got ready in order to get to the wedding in time for the main event.  I found myself curling my hair in a hotel bathroom and Paul was early enough to grab a few photos before welcoming the bride and groom down the isle.  The wedding set up was absolutely stunning. The flowers were beautiful and made the whole event come together perfectly.  It was Ashley and Mike to an absolute "T".  We had cheese curds and sat down for dinner. I had the pleasure of catching up with Tony who I hadn't seen in ages!  He was just as hilarious and wild as ever which was pretty awesome. 

The Groomsmen - the tall one is my personal favorite. 

Foley love.

Shortly after dinner it was time for the boys to shorten their ties and let their hair down on the dance floor.  I of course had to bust a few moves myself and challenged Tony to a thriller dance party. Paul requested the Desperation Samba which was mostly awkward but also slightly funny.  The day went by way too fast and before we knew it, they were calling for the last song and Paul and I had to head back to Becca's to reunite with our rowdy pooch.  

Paul and I about to hit the dance floor...

It's a short tie affair.

There it is. Boom. 

The next morning, we hit the road early and made our way back to Pittsburgh.  It was an absolutely wonderful weekend full of family, friends, Wisconsin flavors and activities.  We are so happy to have been a part of this special day and Ashley and Foley's wedding!  The wedding was just as beautiful as the marriage that began on that day!

Dale, tired from a Madison weekend - back to PIT we go.

Wisconsin for St. Patty's Day: Spring Break 2014

My partners in crime.

Free casting during ice fishing season - new concept. 

Well, it was Spring Break 2014.  Lyssa and I continue to go on spring breaks together ever since we started college - since we're both still on school schedules (me a student, her a teacher) we continue to have time off to break away from the madness and hit a beach!  Usually because we cannot afford any vacation, our beach of choice is the Marsh Pond.  This year spring break fell on St Patty's Day, so it was a whole host of madness.  Lyssa picked me up from the airport and we enjoyed a few Maplewood Meats hot sticks.  There's really nothing better than a good hot stick.  After meeting up with Curty (who was of course at Menards), we went back to Menards to pick up some stuff for the remodeling project including all of the tile, grout and other building supplies.  Lyssa and I, like the children we are, both grabbed a Sprecher soda for the drive home.  You can't beat it.

How many polls can you fish with at once? 

Once we got back to Seymour it was time to cast a few lines with the Nagel Boys.  We brought over the expert ice fisherman to fish some trout out of the pond.  They put a few holes through the ice and we were able to catch a few nice ones!  I froze them up and brought them back to Pittsburgh!  So good.

FISH ON.

Friday the whole family - Lyssa included of course - went up to Joel's cabin to check on the place and  do a little snowmobiling.  Since the snow was melting rapidly and I hadn't been on the trails much this winter - it was my las chance to get in a good trail ride.  We went down to the local pubs and chatted it up with the always entertaining hosts.  We hung around Saturday for a bit while Curty was doing some odds and ends at the cabin and then headed on our way back home to Seymour to celebrate St. Patricks Day!

Fish slayers

Fishing captains!

After a moment to freshen up and scrunch my hair (per ush) Curty handed over the keys to his Chevy!  The van that I usually drive when I'm home was in Pittsburgh, so I had the luxury of driving the big beast to Lyssa's in BC.  Seriously, that 20 minute trail ride made me want to toss my Hyundai to the curb and big up a big Dodge. I felt like I could run over anything and everything.  However, I should have probably been sitting on a phone book, and maybe that would have helped that feeling. 

Notice Lyssa's snowsuit. Epic.

Deer at Buck's Camp

Curty let me take out the Chevy!!

 At Lyssa's we med up with Jeanne and Lizzo to enjoy the Palubicki residence before going to Appleton.  It was just like college and I was in love haha!  It was nice to see everyone in one place!  We went to the Stoneyard and boot stomped to a little Nashville Pipeline before heading back to Seymour to drop off Lizzo and see who was all at Jackson Point.  At JP we did some more dancing around to a band who was playing the cowbell like I've never seen the cowbell be played before.  

All in all, it was a wild spring break 2014 and I was stranded in Green Bay for one more night due to weather before making it back home to Paul in Pittsburgh.  Well, see ya next year Lyss!

Thanksgiving in Wisconsin with Dale

Dale flying coach, and my yellow travel pants.

One of my more adventurous moves included taking a brand new puppy on a plane to Wisconsin after having him for only a week and a half. What I was thinking, I have no idea. I gave him a little Benadryl in his favorite Little Cesar's kong and threw him in a fabric basket to put under the seat in front of me. I was pretty sure he was going to bark the whole way - but much to my relief he fussed around to get comfortable and continued to look up at me with sad eyes through his carrier the entire trip.  Also, I should note - Dale was not potty trained at this point - so much of my layovers were spent in the girls bathroom trying to get him to pee on pee-pads while he was trying to sniff the stall of the ladies next to me.  It was a ridiculous display.

Lyssa getting some lovin' from her new nephew.

Who can spot the pooch?

Luckily we made it in one piece and Mom picked me up at the Green Bay airport and was utterly shocked that I had a dog with me hahah! We thought we would never see the day. Dale took a pee and got to ride shotgun on our way to Appleton.  We went to show Kathy and the Anderson family the new pooch.  They were in love with the crazy terrier, and got to take care of him for a bit while we went to grab a crate and puppy essentials. 

Something I thought I would never see, my dad reading next to a dog.

Dale enjoying the snow of Wisconsin!

The next morning, mum and I got our hair did and I met up with Lyssa after school to cause some trouble in Seymour per-ush. We danced like crazy and came back to let Dale outside for a midnight tinkle. He was pretty concerned when I rolled down the hill with him - hey, I was just trying to bond. Then I let the pooch sleep with me in the futon and woke up to his rustling under the covers by the feet terrified that Lyssa was sleeping at the foot of my bed.  Needless to say, it was another classic adventure and my parents were entertained. 

Tristan teaching Dale a few new tricks, like how to be taller. 

The following afternoon was Thanksgiving, and we were fortunate to spend it with the Nagel family at Sue's house.  Dale came too, he's already spoiled. The food was excellent and I had to chance to catch up with their rapidly growing kids and Grandpa VB.  It's too bad the Packer's didn't win, but hey, can't have it all. 

Venison sausage. Seriously, to die for. (well the deer anyway)

No luck hunting, but it sure was fun!

That afternoon we went up north so I could do a little hunting in the woods with Dad. It was the second weekend of the season so the darn whitetails tend to wise-up by this time and only feed at night. However, we went out every morning and evening to try to get a glimpse of fresh venison. Nothing. We saw a few squirrels but unfortunately not a deer this year.  I'll have to try my luck again next year - skunked two years in a row is not a great sign.  Luckily Dad got a few with his muzzleloader so we had some meat for fresh breakfast sausage. So delicious.

Our peaceful back yard in Seymour. Miss this view every morning. 

It was so nice to be back in Wisconsin to relax over Thanksgiving.  Dale, mom and I took numerous walks and he played in the snow and destroyed numerous water bottles and peed in our house.  Classic Dale behavior really.  I think Dale secretly misses Wisconsin, and hopefully we'll both be able to go back soon!

DALE takes a SELFIE, and tweets that he's at Buck's camp.