Ryan and Britany's Rhinelander Wedding

Ry-Guy looking quite dapper on his big day.

I had the pleasure attending a dear friend's wedding in Rhinelander last weekend. Ryan Doberstein, who was in the class before me in high school, married a woman named Britany whom he met while working at a restaurant in New York (I think, Brooklyn?). I know all about those restaurant encounters---watch out!

Britany and her father

Phil and me by Lake Thompson

Phil and his partner, Matthew

My own dear restaurateur was unable to get away from work last weekend, so I had to go "stag". It was a very beautiful, very warm summer day and Ryan and Britany exchanged vows in front of Lake Thompson at Holiday Acres Resort. The reception was also at the resort in the banquet hall, and I enjoyed catching up with so many of my "Clambake" friends. Unfortunately, my allergies were quite out-of-control while I was up north, and I ended up leaving the reception earlier than I would have liked. However, I will be seeing my friends again in the upcoming months, as there are TWO more weddings to attend! I hope that I will not be suffering from itchy, burning eyes then.

Tim and Renee will be getting married in October

Korey and Martha will be getting married in September

Of course, Mom and Dad hosted my stay while in Rhinelander...and tolerated my crazy always-on-the-move hounds too. It is sooo nice up north right now, everything is green and it's warm and pleasant. This type of weather does not last long up there, so you always have to take in as much as you can while you can.

Oscar after submerging in the cool swamp water

Bob riding a bike on the trails by the house

My brother, John, rode up with me to help keep me company in the car, but also to help mom and dad with some lawn mowing on their property. John and Bob had been in Rhinelander the previous weekend and worked on installing a window onto the roof of the garage. This will help with access to the roof and give more light to the large attic space. Lisa and Jon and the kids arrived Saturday afternoon and brother Bob showed up late Saturday night. It was a houseful!

Jon H. and Leila

Michael and Leila

My dad had a very productive spring with household projects. He altered the bathroom which is attached to his and mom's room with bathroom AND laundry facilities. This way mom and dad don't have to go up and down the stairs to the main laundry room, although they are going to keep that functioning, due to the size and need of their family who tend to come quite often and will often use the washer and dryer.

Emma and Lisa in the new laundry area

The new window in the garage

Dad has also been very busy trying to organize his tools in the garage. He recently put up some new shelving to help with storage. The mowing of the trails is yet another big project Dad undertakes...but I think this is one that he also really enjoys.

Newly installed shelving units

Dad mowing the trails in the pines

Because I was at the wedding on Saturday night, I missed a family outing to Hodag Park. However, I was able to visit with everybody on Sunday morning. I was pleased that my nephew, Michael, enjoyed his gift of a 2009 Almanac so much. I think others enjoyed it too! Emma and I also did a couple "rounds" of CeeCee My Playmate for all to enjoy, and Lisa played as well.Playing CeeCee

Leila

Zany Zinnias

Summer vacation has begun! I've been done with school for about a week now and have kept myself busy with summer tutoring and some much-needed carpet cleaning this week. I can't write more now, but I will write more next week. Please enjoy the delightful pictures I took a few days ago at my in-laws'.

Horsin' Around

Sydney

Unlike this weekend which has been cool, rainy and dreary, last weekend was gorgeous. I broke away from the usual Saturday cleaning and laundry routine for a couple of hours and drove to Jefferson (near Cambridge) to the county fairgrounds. My good friends, Dan and Jill, had been inviting me for quite awhile to attend a horseshow competition that their oldest daughter, Sydney, participates in. Syd is also one of my students, so I know her fairly well and I really wanted to come out and watch her do what she loves and is always talking about!

The guys in the white cowboy hats were 2 of the judges.

Syd all gussied-up

I was not disappointed. The event itself lasted the whole weekend, but I only attended the Saturday afternoon portion. I was immediately awed by the beautiful horses and their varied riders. This show had both the traditional English riding and the more "laid back" Western riding. The English riding competition was just wrapping-up when I arrived, and I didn't watch those riders as I wanted to locate my friends before I missed Syd compete.

Little Danielle was pleased to sit on a saddle.

Dan and Jill had their hands full. Besides keeping an eye on their 2 younger children (Billy is 6 and Danielle is about 18 months old) and helping Syd get ready for her showing, they also brought their 8-week old Weimaraner puppy, Millie. What a pretty girl she is! She spent quite a bit of time napping under a picnic table during the warm afternoon.

Jill cuddles with her new baby Billy chasing after Millie

Syd did great! I am so impressed with how comfortable she looks on such a big animal. I don't know if I could ever feel that at ease! It was really neat seeing her ride and winning some ribbons as well.

I really enjoyed being outside and watching all of the people who were competing, judging and just observing. Although Syd and the other girls looked stunning in their fancy, bright colored and sequined shirts and gear, I couldn't help but be charmed by the little "cowboys" in the competition. It was like being out at some ranch in Montana...very cute.

It was a windy day and with the horses walking around, kicking up dust, this little guy was trying to keep his eyes clear.

I altered this photo to give it a more "antique western feel".

Last Sunday was a lovely day and we spent it by going to our friends' house to look at those adorable Llewellin setter pups that are now 6 weeks old (the pictures show them at 5 weeks). Don't worry, Mark and I ARE NOT going to get another dog, but we sure enjoy holding and playing with those little rascally sweeties. Incidentally, the litter is comprised of 11 puppies...so if anyone is interested...let me know!

We promise to be very, very good!

We also spent a large portion of the afternoon hanging out at "the gardens" of the downtown Great Dane, which is probably the best-known brewpub in Madison. There are 3 in Madison and they apparently just opened one in Wausau as well. Mark used to manage the flagship downtown Dane before he opened Morels; they have done very well over the years and we are very happy about that. We still feel connected to it because of Mark's history with it and because we have several good friends who work there. Anyway, we had a lazy, enjoyable afternoon hanging out with Greg and Renee and our friends Joe, Chico, Loralee, Dave, Mani and Baby Presley. Renee holding Presley, with Loralee and ManiMani and her first baby, Presley