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