It's that time of year...

In 3 days, Andy and I will be headed to Lake Okoboji- our annual week-long trip at the lake! We look forward to this all year long and can't wait to relax and hang out on the lake!

This year is bittersweet as Andy's parents, BIL and SIL won't be able to join us... but that just means we have next year to look forward to! My parents will be joining us over the weekend and I see some "UNO" tournaments in our future!

Wait! There's a winery business in the family?!

Don't I wish!

My good friend, Annette was traveling through Iowa on her way to Peoria, IL yesterday and came across this winery:

http://www.wallacewine.com/

The winery looks darling! And she was so sweet to ship me off a bottle of their exotic-sounding white wine. We are definitely going to have to take a road trip when she gets back into town! Thanks hon! xo

Cheers!

Wedding Bells Are Ringing

Saturday night, Andy and I attended the wedding of a close family friend. The reception was at the Des Moines Art Center and could not have been more perfect! Everything went according to plan and we all had a blast enjoying the delicious food and yes, the occasional glass of wine!

After the reception, we hopped on a party bus and headed downtown. It was a great night and I wish Don and Natalie much love and happiness in their marriage! Congrats!

At the church:

At the Art Center:

Let's dance!

From Vine to Wine~ Summer Harvest 2008

Saturday was the annual Summer Harvest at Summerset Winery. We had a blast! The day started out questionable and I doubted if we should stay because of the rain...but was quickly reminded- it's not about staying dry! It's about having fun with my girls and enjoying delicious wine!

First things first, Summerset has a new 'traveling' wine called Sport Wine. Gotta love it! And it fits in your back pocket! The quest for finding the "Perfect Bunch"

After partaking in some spirits...

Can't wait for next year!

BEAT STATE!

I'll be stomping grapes and drinking wine (at Summerset Winery) while Andy has the guys over for the game but... hoping Iowa can pull off a win so I can head home to a happy house!

Go HAWKS!

Never Forget

God bless America, land that I love... To all those near and far, may we never forget.

How time flies when you're having fun....

From the first day of grad school when I came home in tears and asked my husband, 'How am I ever going to do this?' he has told me that when I'm done, he'll throw the biggest, baddest party to help me celebrate. And last Saturday night, that is exactly what he did!

Andy has been planning this party for months and managed to get all my wonderful friends and family together for a night of food, drinks, laughing and um...maybe a little dancing? And hey, nothing says a good party like having the cops stop by! But lucky for us, the officer was very friendly- I think he would have stayed had he not been on duty!

Here are a few pics out of over 200 we took that night- enjoy! And to all my amazing friends and family, thank you for helping me celebrate! And many thanks to my loving, supportive husband for putting it all together!

The calm before the storm:

Scrumptious cake made by a family friend-

Me and my parents-

*Gasp* A new COACH bag??

The one and only from my hubby!!

My girls!!

My boys!!

Dance party 2008!!

The day after...

Guilty Pleasure

*Sigh*

I know I'm over the age of 30 but sadly, still look forward to the VMA's every year. "I don't wanna grow up, I'm an MTV kid..." I usually root for the underdog so I'm hoping Brit-Brit has a comeback this year!