Leila...10 weeks.

It's hard to describe having a dog. Not a toy dog. Not a chihuahua or yippee dog but a dog that respects itself. No offense to those with yippee dogs. I don't need to offend you because you've already offended yourself.
When we go for walks with Leila she gets barks from other dogs. Her ears go up and gives a quick glance but that's about it. I don't know if it's personality or breed. I do know she's bright and her temperament with be conducive to Kate and I's plans for a family. We don't do as much. No long trips every weekend. No all day trips to the beach are in the weekend forecast. That's fine. It keeps our budget cleaner and our relationship stronger. We are finding we learn more about us the simpler we keep things. So it's an evening with dinner and a discussion. She's all I need, Katie that is.

I really wish the above picture would have come out. I didn't have the setting right and that's the problem with being an amateur photographer. I still like it.
We are working on smiling. That is the next trick. It looks like she has it down doesn't it?!

Leila helping Katie blow out her birthday candles.
"On your bed." is the latest command Leila has caught on to. She does this during dinner and most meals. Well, not breakfast, she's a tornado in the morning! She is definitely beginning to settle into the Doberman personality.

October in Palm Springs

I laugh hard with these people. Memories are created and smiles come to my face when I think of those memories. There are great benefits to being friends with good people.

We headed east into the desert for the weekend where the weather was 20 degrees warmer and the sun shines brighter. Friday night we greeted each other with keel and kielbasa soup, lentil soup, salad and so on.
Friday night dinner.
While the girls did the hot tub thing the guys played poker. We neglected to bring poker chips so we used Monopoly money.
Saturday morning it was time for golf as the six guys headed out to Mesquite Golf Course while the girls headed into town for massages and pedicures.

I spotted a roadrunner! It stayed still long enough for me to snap a couple shots.
View from the 11th hole par 3.
Included with the golf was lunch from the clubhouse.


After a hot morning of golf we hit the pool and wait for the ladies to return.
The ladies joined up a couple hours later. Below, the guys created a wave pool.
Jeff firing up the grill for dinner.
Rae, Jody and Sarah relaxing in the pool.
Dinner Saturday night was prepared by the guys for the ladies. Steak, grilled vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, couscous, and salad was the best we could do. It was a good meal at the end of a packed day.

Game night brought the most laughs of 2010. 4 minutes of laughing that brought tears.
Sunday morning breakfast! The guys went for a run while the girls cooked up an amazing meal. I have no idea what Katie's doing in this picture.
Frattata, potatoes, bacon, sausage, waffles, fresh fruit, etc...
The whole group.

Brian and Curt playing corn hole.
Brian watching football and checking out his fantasy football stats at the same time.
It was an enjoyable time with lots of relaxing and fun activities planned. That will be a hard weekend to beat!

A CELEBRATION FOR THE AGES.

Fall has begun in the Northeast. As the leaves change so do the attitudes. The craving for hot soup on a weekend afternoon with football on in the background. Or maybe a hike on one of the endless leaf covered trails. The reds, yellows, oranges mixed in with a little green is truly a joy to see and icing on the cake for any trip back to the good ol' O-H.....I-O!
I wonderful thing was about to happen. A man with so much drive and his beautiful bride to be. A flight across the continental U.S. was a small price to pay for the seat I had. In the end, many hugs, renewed love for family, those families coming together to make a boy and a girls day as memorable as possible, and "the kiss" to seal the deal. Above, a brother, who has matured above all expectation. A world away fighting for his country, David, displayed his love and appreciation for his family and showed off that wonderful smile as well.

Below, mother and daughter, Vickie and Claire.Matron of Honor Ashley, bride to be Emily, Cheryl, Dad, Me and DavidMy always beautiful sister, Emily.Mom and I.
Below, the Robinsons.

Bryan and I engaging in one of a million conversations over the years. So many memories with this guy!
A pride of Lyons. Aunt Annie, Aunt MaryBeth, Grandpa, Grandma Bonnie, Dad, Cheryl.
Before the wedding.
Me hugging "the silver fox"...mom.
Reception.
Emily's art was on display on all the tables.



The other side. Jeremy, Kristen, Groom Aaron, Emily of course, David, me and my bride, Katie.
Enjoying some dessert.

A good lookin' bunch. Kristen, Dan, Mom, Emmy K, Dave and I.


Mom doing what she does best...serving others. Thanks mom for always being so selfless. It doesn't go unnoticed.
Mother and son, Ashley and ladies man, Owen.

Father daughter dance.
Below, I don't know why but I think this is a fantastic picture!
Kid brother giving a toast to the newly weds. Great job Dave! Memorable!

Cousin Nick showing off his moves.
Dan, Kristen and Katie. No longer the newlyweds!
Allan and Joan. Allan is my dads good friend.


Sunday everyone made there way over to my dads house where we enjoyed brunch and then lunch. I know, I know, but we did have brunch and then lunch.
Mom and grandma
Cheryl and I taking care of the cheesy potatoes.






Aaron and Emily opened gifts after lunch.Dad and Aunt Mary Beth.Ashley and MarkGreat time with family. Can't wait to visit in July!