Cioci and Uncle Good Shannon

Sara and Shannon were able to visit for a few days. Of course, we had to show Shannon Mall of America. We also hit up teh State Fair! We happened to go there on the HOTTEST of the 12 days. I think the high that day was 98 or 99 with a lot of humidity. I think Arthur and Shannon were over it a few minutes after we got there. Sara and I should have driven separately!

A random chicken that Shannon posed by in the MOA

waiting in line at Nickelodeon Universe

Ever wonder what Sara and Shannon would look like with kids? Wonder no more....





Mmmm.....mmmm......Monday

Homemade Banana Ice Cream

(Recipe from Sara!)

Need:
Bananas
whole milk
topping of choice

1. Peel 4-5 bananas and chop into thick slices. Put in freezer bag and freeze for approximately 1 day.
2. Add frozen bananas to blender/processor. Add splashes of whoel milk until desired consistency is reached.
3. Serves 4
4. Add toppings.

.

A Visit from Sara

Over Labor Day weekend (I know...I'm way late on posting this!) we had the pleasure of a short visit from my sister, Sara. It truly was too short of a visit-but, I'll take what I can get.

We went to the fair and ate some of the best ice cream. I think it was called Nitro Ice Cream. Yum! We ate cheese curds, Australian Battered Potatoes, Funnel Cake, Fudge, Tacos....lots of things. The ice cream was Sara's favorite. It was my favorite "new" thing, but I still like the tacos the best!

We also took a little trip to the Zoo. Here are a few pics from that day:

We really got a good view of the wolves that day!

The girls like to play around in the archaeological dig area.

We also went to Brit's Pub for an early dinner. The girls got a kick out of eating on the roof downtown. It was a fun visit. We hope to see Sara and "Good" Shannon again soon!

Beach Bliss

My sister and now brother in law put together a rather impromptu, intimate wedding ceremony back in May. So, the family packed up and hit the Gulf Coast (days before the oil arrived).

First, a little about the trip:

We stayed in West Orange Beach in Gulf Shores, AL. We rented a 3 bedroom condo through vrbo.com. We were extremely happy with our arrangements. The white sands were literally our backyard. In the past our extended family has rented in the Destin area (about 45 minutes away). Usually we rent places with granite counter tops, leather couches, etc... This place wasn't like that. It will need a fresh coat of paint soon. The kitchen appliances were a little old. But, well worth it because while I was laying on the white sand with my feet in the water, my children could walk back to the condo and use the restroom without me. I could see them the whole time. Yes, folks--that's how close we were to the water. Priceless. I hope to rent from this particular renter again!

 It was beautiful. I love the ocean and coast line of the Gulf of Mexico. I find myself periodically longing for it. There's something so calming and relaxing about spending time on the ocean.   I love the corny, overpriced souvenir shops, the silly over rated restaurants and more than anything, the white sand and shoreline are amazing.

First on the agenda:

Birthday party for me and Joann!

Mom brought a super yummy ice cream cake (I think from Wal Mart) and lots of the family headed over to our condo to sing Happy Birthday to us and enjoy the cake.

Next, the ceremony.

Prepare yourself for a lot of pictures here. Some of these pictures were taken from me, some from Arthur and some from Savor Photography (Naples). For more of Sara's wedding photos click here! The ceremony was intimate, quaint and brief. Sara and Shannon just picked a spot on the beach, we walked out there and boom, they were husband and wife! McKenna, Ella and Shannon's two niece's were flower girls (which is really the only reason there was an official "procession"). They were adorable and the four of them got along quite well. Nathan (Shannon's old roomie) officiated. I read from Scripture. Now, on with the photos, right?

My stunning and beautiful sister, Sara.

I should let you in on a little secret....I practically stood on top of the photographer to get a few of these shots. Then, of course, several of them are hers...thanks Rachel!

Check out Ella's little sunburn...poor baby!

I love the hearty laugh happening right here!

Yeah, my mom does stuff like that all the time. She didn't just give him bunny ears, they almost look like evil horns!

One of our absolute most favorite things about our week in Gulf Shores? Renting the pontoon. Yep, we rented a boat with Sara and Shannon (actually, I think they treated us to a boat rental) and cruised the Bay. It was so serene. We saw a few dolphins. Tried to spy a gator, but no luck. We beached the boat at a small island (very small--the size of T ball field) and had a little picnic! So much fun and very relaxing. Oh yeah, Toby, the dog, didn't want to get on the boat. He needed some forceful encouragement.

I am standing on the island and Arthur is standing out in the bay, on a sand bar--so to speak. Notice the color change in the water? It's MUCH deeper where the water is blue. Very fascinating.

I really liked these little birds. I thought it made a neat picture. Again, we are still on the island (in the bay)  at this point.

On the little island where we docked, there were lots of hermit crabs. This was a larger one that Arthur found. The shell was very cool. See the little crab claw sticking out? 

Random Pictures!

One of the restaurants we visited had a suds machine that the girls could play in. Our favorite restaurant was Lulu's (Jimmey Buffet's place). It was good!

McKenna got her first weaving loom from Nana Z. She LOVED it. It dominated a lot of her time. She was weaving potholders for everyone. Thanks, Nana Z.

Ella, flying her kite!

The honeymooners!

Waiting around for Shannon and Nathan's "rental"

Shannon managed to give the girls a little ride in this street legal car until the security guard came running over (about as fast as a grumpy old man can run) to tell us..."not on my time, this isn't a race track!"