Stella Puppy!

Our house has grown by 4 feet. That's four puppy feet. World, meet Stella puppy. She's an 8 week old miniature dachshund and just about the cutest little ball of fur I've ever seen.

The dynamics of the house have changed a bit...as it's similar to having a baby in the house: lots of crying, always eating/sleeping or pooping, and wants to be held at all times. MUCH easier than a baby but still a shift in our routine at home.

Welcome to your forever home, Stella!

Rock 'n Roll Wedding

Last weekend our cousin Steve married his longtime girlfriend Amanda in Milwaukee. Their rehearsal dinner was a Yacht Rock themed evening on a boat along the Milwaukee River. It was clear from the start that this wedding weekend was going to be epic.

Good lookin' crew

Had brunch at our favorite local spot, the Benelux

Mike spent Saturday with the boys watching the UW football game while I relaxed in the hotel room. Blissfully watching movies without interruption of little bitties.

The wedding was held at Turner Hall, where Steve & Amanda's first date/concert was at. Ceremony and reception were both here and there was definitely a rock'n'roll theme throughout.

This wedding was a culmination of two of my worlds colliding: family and best friends. You see, Amanda (the bride) met my longtime childhood friend (Erin) at the Ragnar relay two years ago. They remained good friends and I was thrilled to hear Erin's date to the wedding was her roommate and my other longtime best friend, Jenny.

UW Marching band play an entire set that did not disappoint

Our beautiful cousin and friend, Laura

Erin dancing on the chairs, no big deal

The gorgeous couple..."true love & rock 'n' roll"

Using the photo booth props on the dance floor...this photo is priceless

Rob!

Jen Jen!

Photo booth fun

The girls spent Halloween with  my sister in Chicago. The temps were frigid so they went trick-or-treating inside for "Mall-o-ween." Our wicked witch and Ariel princess.

Cosmic bowling with Kiki

Thanks, Kim, for watching the girls so we could celebrate!

Austin 2014

Mikey and I took a little vacation with Jasn and Sandi a few weeks ago to Austin, Texas. Home of Austin City Limits (huge music festival) and home to my Aunt Gail & Uncle Thomas. Four days without kids started at the airport sipping on beer...

Weather was in the 80's and we took advantage of the outdoors. The shows didn't start until afternoon so we were able to spend time with Aunt Gail & Uncle Thomas downtown Austin for lunch and shopping.

Friday we saw Foster the People and Beck, among other artists.

We didn't buy passes for Saturday. Instead, we visited Aunt Gail & Uncle Thomas' land where they have this amazing house where they host 'house concerts' for local artists.

They designed the entire house themselves and have three bedrooms to house the artists while they are in town.

Beautiful land with a river running through it

Uncle Thomas insisted we stage this pic...love their playfulness

Sunday we went to a famous local spot call the Pit. Hence...

Delicious southern comfort food where you BYOB. Yes, please.

Sunday we saw the Kongos, Fitz & the Tantrums, the Replacements, Lourde and Pearl Jam!

Austin is a gorgeous and fun city. Could definitely see us living there. But since we don't, I'm more than happy to continue visiting our gracious hosts :)

Meanwhile, the girls spent several days with their grandparents in Ft. Wayne and then my parents picked them up and brought them back to Indy for some special time together. These two cuties are so fortunate to have family that loves them so much. Thanks for the help to all our parents!