Military Dining Out

This past weekend the 171st sponsored another Military Dining Out at the Airport Hilton. The last time we went (the last dine out) was shortly after we had Olivia. Needless to say, we weren't able to go early to take advantage of the Hospitality Suite--and we definitely didn't get to say late! This year, Courtney came over early to help with the girls so I could have some time to get ready. We were out the door and arrived in time to mingle before the formal festivities started! We had a great time...but still didn't stay out too late since our 'alarm clocks' don't have snooze buttons!


All dressed up and ready to go!
Quick family photo...thanks Courtney!
One last picture before we head out for a fun evening!

HE SHOOT--HE SCORES!

Thanks to the folks at Nova Care, Russ and I sat 4 (FOUR) rows up from the ice at the Pens game this week vs the Islanders! While Russ and I are both big fans of sporting events--neither one of us are "big hockey fans", but we had an absolute BLAST!!! Hockey is so much more exciting to watch in person than on television!

Our neighbors, The Egans, have partial season tickets and were able to get out of the house to join us! I caught a ride down town and had some YUMMY sushi with them before meeting Russ at the arena. Even though we didn't sit in the same section, the Egans joined us in the Captain Morgan Lounge between the 1st and 2nd periods! What a fun night out! The best news--the Pens won in the last few minutes of the game!!! Thanks again for the tickets and hospitality Shannon!!!

HOF Game

Special thanks to my mom for watching the girls and lining up some tickets for us so we could go to the game! It was a bit of a drive (to Canton and back in one afternoon/evening) but well worth it! We had a great time! Thanks again mom!

Here are a few pictures from the game!

Weekend wrap up...

After the tissue paper, decorations, and wrapping paper had been cleaned up, we (I) was finally able to relax a bit. What a great party...but what a whole LOT of work!!! It was nice to be able to unwind and thanks to ALL of you that helped clean up the mess...there was barely anything left to do after the party was over and done!


Here are some fun pictures of pre/post party celebrations...

Ford and Barbara playing on the floor
Gretel, Amy and I out at Cadillac Ranch Celebrating Russ' birthday
Brothers from another mother--Alan and Russ...I think they may have been separated at birth!
Ford 'waving'!
Enjoying the swings!!!!!

Double Trouble!!!

Oh..Oh Mexicoooooh!

When I found out LAST year that the AMSSM conference was going to be held in Cancun...it wasn't even up for debate as to whether or not I would be going along with Russ! The only question was if we/I would be bringing the kids with us! Luckily my mom was gracious enough to take some time off work and watched the kids so Russ and I could enjoy some much appreciated time alone! We sure missed the girls, but knew they were in good hands!
The weather was less than desirable the first couple of days, but that didn't ruin our fun! The clouds rolled out Saturday morning (just in time for the conference to start) and it turned out to be a beautiful day! Sunday was much of the same, which made it harder for me to leave! Luckily, Russ was able to stay and enjoy more of the ocean waves, and beautiful sunshine---ummm.....I mean conference! It was soooooo nice to get away, but it is great to be back and snuggle with my girlies!!! Thanks again mom!! Lexie is ready for another weekend at Nini's already!


We have arrived!!!! Waiting...and waiting for our bags in Cancun.
Finally to the resort and enjoying the local cuisine!
The view from our balcony...
Russ taking advantage of some down time.

In the hot tub at the spa. They had a "tropical oasis" type setting just outside the "relaxation room".
The 'relaxation room'
Russ, still in the hot tub...braving the elements! At one point the relaxation room looked more like a car wash by the way the rain was pelting against the floor to ceiling windows!
Relaxing after our couples massage!!
A view of the outdoor "oasis"
View from the front of our room...no those aren't water hazards...just standing water from all the rain!!!Even the clouds can't ruin this photo...a picture of the infinity pool...ahhhhhh!

A view of the resort from the beach
Russ and I took a stroll down to the beach...we almost got blown away!

The swim up bar...Russ thinks we should have one of these in our backyard! Riiiiight!
Ready for a night out!
Day two...more overcast--we decided to venture outside of the resort. First stop...Margaritaville!

After looking/walking around, we headed back to the Hilton and went to the hot tub. It wasn't sunny, but it wasn't raining either. We stayed in the hot tub for about 3 hours...met a really nice couple that we ended up going out to dinner with...and Russ got FRIED!!! Even through the thick thick THICK layer of clouds--he got burnt!

The mariachi band at Distileria! Great food! Great Company! Great Fun!!!
Saturday brought plenty of sunshine...just in time for the conference to start!!! Russ elected to take an advanced diagnostic ultrasound course--I elected to go to the pool!
We managed to make it most of the day without any rain...though the clouds rolled in just as the sun was setting!
Tommy and Russ ON STAGE, for the MALE REVIEW at Margaritaville!
All of the male workers up front...Russ and Tommy hiding in the back!
Kristy and I at Pat O'Briens
Our waiter with all of the drinks we ordered on his head! It was CRAZY!
He motioned me over to pass out the drinks...
I was a nervous wreck!!! I kept asking him over and over again what my instructions were! I didn't want to end up with drinks all over the place! "Okay...you want me to just take 1, right?"
The emcee at the bar balancing a HUGE hurricane on his head...and YES, it was full!!!
After a fun night on the town, we woke to a beautiful, sunny sky! Too bad I had to pack up and leave! Russ went off to his lectures, while I packed up then met Kristy for breakfast! We had a great time!
Waiting in the lobby for my car service to the airport...I snapped this photo though you can barely make out the AMSSM logo!

Date Night?

Yes, every so often...there is a phenomena known to some as "Date Night". While I have heard of it, I am not too familiar with it. All kidding aside, it has been a while since Russ and I got out for an evening just the two of us, so when the doctors from the office decided to have the Holiday office party we jumped at the chance to go...especially since Granny was here to watch the girls! We had a great time with all of the staff from MFH!!! Hope to do it again soon!

Going to the Chapel...

Congratulations Bethany and Brian!

My high school friend Bethany Tobin, is now Bethany Minich!!! Saturday the 10th, Bethany and Brian said their I DOs...and I was lucky enough to be a part of their very special day! Thank you sooooooo much to the Tobin/Minich families for hosting such wonderful events all weekend long! From the rehearsal dinner, to lunch at "the Farm" on the day of the wedding, and of course the main event itself--every detail was perfect!

Have so much fun vacationing in Hawaii you two love birds--you deserve it! We wish you a lifetime full of happiness and love!



Mrs. Tobin and Mrs. Minich (Bethany hehehe) share a quick photo and sigh of relief! All the planning paid off--now time to enjoy it!
Genevieve and I with the bride and the groom!!!

Me with Mr. and Mrs. Adams!!!! (I was good friends with their son in high school--Mrs. Adams was like a second mom to all of us--truly wonderful people!)



As if hosting a beautiful wedding wasn't enough, Mr. and Mrs. Tobin invited everyone to join them for brunch. Thanks again for such impeccable hospitality and for the picture!