Pitt Year's Eve

Our New Year's tradition evolved this year when we found out that Pittsburgh would be playing their last regular season game of the season again Cleveland at home.  For the last two years, we traveled to Cleveland, took in some touristy sights, saw the game, and rang in the new year.  But this year we would have to go all the way to Pittsburgh to keep the tradition alive.  Twist my arm, why don't you!

Big shout out to my friend Ellen, who lives in Pittsburgh and was going to be out of town visiting her family who graciously let us crash at her apartment for the long weekend.  It saved us a lot of money and her place was in a great location (and completely charming to boot).  So we took advantage of the long weekend by checking out a local brewery converted from a Catholic church, going to the game (they won!), and ringing in the New Year in downtown Pittsburgh under fireworks.  

Eric loved this church!

Not our coldest outing, but we have learned from the past and were ready for the weather.

New Year, fresh start.  So far so good!

Holidaze

Ah, the holidays.  Trying to see everyone and do everything in the span of what, 48 hours?  It might be a bit of a whirlwind, but it's always fun for me.  I don't know if I can say the same for only-child Eric, who is always overwhelmed by nieces and nephews and dogs and cats and cookies, cakes and more.  That's why he has me, though, so we get through it, every year. 

Cookie decorating contest at Oxendocker Christmas

Christmas Bingo

Holiday photo booth

A slightly more relaxed Christmas at my mom's house.

Mama herself

Back home in time for our own little Christmas Eve traditions

Christmas

Time to Shop

Sister bonding time.  Alissa hadn't ever been to Frankenmuth/Bronners so we had to fix that right away.  So we loaded up and spent the day at the Outlet Mall and made a trip over to Bronners and did some damage.  It may become a yearly tradition.  You have been warned.

Hallo-Winnie

Who's Top Banana in this house?

The Great Phoenix Adventure

This is the Groom and the Bride, in case you didn't know...

I don't know if you heard the news, but Melissa got engaged.  And she planned herself and Eric a big ole wedding.  Being involved in the wedding meant that you were in for a long weekend, full of activities.  

Required attendance at the Oktoberfest party.  Ugh, the things we did for this Bridezilla!

Getting pretty with some extra accessories.

They are married!  At least someone is happy about that.

Squeezing in to fit in the limo (and the picture)

On the dancefloor, nearly all night.  

It was a long weekend, I was tired in the end, but I had a great time celebrating Melissa and Eric's nuptials and I'm incredibly happy for the Schein's.  

Cheers to the Newlyweds

Family road trip to Bloomington to see Layne and Hana get married.  It was a lovely wedding, and we had fun taking over the dance floor at the reception.  Oxender style.

Time for One More Trip

The weather this year was kind of all over the place, so it was hard to predict how late in the season we could squeeze in another camping trip.  But we timed it just right because it was nice during the day and chilly at night, perfect for cozying up next to the camp fire.  We all contributed to the meals, and even made out to the tail end of sunset.  It was a lovely way to wrap up the summer season.