Tara and Andy's Wedding

Just when you thought the celebrations couldn't get any better after the fireworks, the wedding the next day was fabulous! It was an absolutely beautiful day for an outdoor wedding. It was sunny and warm with just enough breeze. Ari looked very dapper as an usher but Tara stole the show! She looked SO beautiful! The ceremony was performed by the groom's uncle who did an amazing job personalizing the wedding and capturing the essence of Tara and Andy... I cried, of course. After the ceremony it was time to... finish getting ready! Jackie, Sarah, and I had late nail appointments so I came to the ceremony sans make-up. After getting myself together, it was time to celebrate. Ari enjoyed dinner, where he was the only male at the table since Megan's husband had to work and Steve was a no show. The food was delicious and the company was better. Then it was time to strut our stuff on the dance floor. I didn't participate in the polkas... must be a northern Wisconsin thing... but we spent the rest of the night gettin' down. Ari was upstaged, however, by Andy's 10 year-old cousin who had some sweet moves. By the end of the night we were exhausted! What an awesome day!

Fireworks on the Farm

This past weekend was Andy and Tara's wedding in Wausau, WI. They kicked things off with a rehearsal at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater where they would have the ceremony. The most important thing that came out of that was the ring bearer was replaced... Tara's nephew Cayden was not about to walk down the aisle so his little brother Max got the part. After the rehearsal we headed to Andy's dad's farm for dinner and fireworks. I am sure you are thinking what I was thinking... backyard, anybody can buy 'em fireworks... but that is so wrong. After eating a ton and enjoying delicious wine, Tara brought out a birthday cake so we could sing to Sarah (who's birthday is Wednesday). The cake was so yummy. We then found our places for the fireworks show. It was getting colder so we buddled up under blanket and sat around a fire. Then all of the sudden there were fireworks shooting into the sky. Huge, beautiful fireworks better than the 4th of July. Apparently, Andy's dad is in charge of the Wausau fireworks show every year and has a good friend who makes his own fireworks. The show was super and even included some pyrotechnics. What a way to celebrate a wedding! I was exhausted after the show so we headed back to the hotel.

Ari's New Chair

Ari has been dreaming of owning his very own "man chair" for some time now. He was looking for a comfy leather chair that was optimum for T.V. viewing and napping. So for graduation his parents, my mom, Kristen and Larry, and I pitched in to buy him his chair. We searched long and hard; he finally settled on a beautiful leather chair with reclining capabilities from Crate and Barrel. The chair arrived two weeks ago and Ari loves it! He and our kitty Eckstein probably find it to be their favorite place in the house! It is definitely a well deserved treat. Congratulations Ari!

Vacationing in the Dells

So after months of planning, mom, Kristen, Larry, Ari and I headed to the Dells the 5th of July. We went to spend 3 days in the water park capital of the world... or so they proclaim but I did see Noah's Ark on the Travel Channel! Anyway, the big plan was to get out of town, catch some rays, relax, and enjoy each other's company. Mission accomplished!! We checked in to the Chula Vista resort and threw our swimsuits on to go investigate the place. I picked this condo because we all wanted to cook and there was a water park there and its free when you stay... what a deal! Just as we headed to the slides a dark cloud passed overhead opened up on us. We were actually kind of thankful because everyone got up and ran to the indoor water park and we got a seat five minutes later when the rain let up! After soaking up the last of the days' sunshine, we headed to the indoor water park. There were some fun slides in there! Finally, we headed back to the condo and I made fish (and two soy) tacos, mmm... The next day, mom and I found seats early by the wave pool and delved into our books. Kristen and the boys took on the outdoor water slides. When we were ready for a break we played a round of mini golf... Ari won as usual, though I did make a run at the back nine. Mom was in charge of dinner and she made ribs, corn on the cob, cucumber salad, and zucchini souffle. There is nothing better than home cookin'! We then played some dominoes... we totally got Larry hooked! The last day, Kristen, mom, and I again went back to the wave pool for some reading and this time added some frozen drinks! The boys went to explore the downtown Dells. After baking (and me frying) in the sun, Kristen, Larry, Ari, and I headed back to the indoor water park. They had some slides you could race on... they flashed the winner and their time and everything! We also rode Jungle Adventure which is a 2 person tube ride that shoot you into a big room with flashing lights and music before you crash down into the pool, way fun! We played some more adventure golf after eating Kristen's homemade pizzas, which I nearly won... guess who did though! (Ari) The next day we headed back home. *** I supremely apologize about the lack of pictures, I got off to a good start taking pictures of the condo and then I fell apart... too much fun to be had!

Hellos and Goodbyes

In the medical world July 1 is an exciting time, all over the country medical students are starting school and new residents are eagerly/anxiously awaiting the first time that they will introduce themselves as doctor. With all these fresh faces, however, it means that many residents are saying goodbye to residency and starting a whole new adventure as attendings. Though there are many people we will miss, this week we said goodbye to three good friends. Dennis and Davette (pictured here and throughout the blog) left Monday morning to return to Wyoming. They have been great friends and we will miss their company. We are definitely looking forward to visiting them in their native state where there are apparently many chickens?! I am sure Davette will be back here to utilize their vacation home (unfortunately they haven't sold their home in Milwaukee just yet) and to prowl the malls with me.

Larissa is a peds graduate that is starting a new chapter in her life in Waterville, Maine. I think she was trying to get as far away from Milwaukee as possible while keeping in the same climate... to each their own! All I know is that town is sure lucky to have such a caring and brilliant pediatrician. I have also never been to Maine... maybe during the summer I can visit!

Let us not forget the hellos that we have to say! Hello to the new pediatric intern class! Do not worry, your seniors (yep, I am one of them already) are here to help you... even if it is just asking the dose of Tylenol. We are also looking forward to Ari's new crew at St. Joe's.