Tuesday, July 31, 2012

VANNIER REUNION 2012


Friday: Andrew and I headed out of Omaha as soon as we got off work. We pulled into Alma around 9:30 pm and immediately left to go find a street dance in Naponee (a town about 15 miles away). The combined population of these two towns is less than Woodbine, so we were prepared for anything. Well, there was no street dance, but we did find the local bar fittingly named "No Where."


We were treated to a local band and some of the cheapest drinks ever. Some features of this bar: your first drink is free if it is raining, a beer bong hanging from the makeshift balcony, and a Coyote Ugly dance if you are lucky. I left before those shenanigans began, but Andrew told me all about it. He also told me about how they tried to entice them to come back in the fall for the hunting trip. Hookers! I'm not kidding. Other highlights of the rest of the guys night: funny back signs from the locals (they really know how to make people feel welcome) and a close call with the local law enforcement. Thanks to the DD, aka Jalen, everyone made it home safe.


Saturday: We got up and got going after a nice family (minus Chris) breakfast at the KJ cafe. It was actually pretty good and really speedy! Chris and Matt were hurting pretty bad, but they eventually met up with everyone at the lake. Andrew, Amie, Kyle, Jalen, and I were the second crew on the boat. Our captain, Daniel, taught us the ultimate relaxing tip. Life jackets worn as diapers. Who knew?!?


After a bit of lounging, out came Big Mabel. I was the only one that didn't participate, but I had a very good time laughing at everyone. Andrew looked terrified, Jalen looked like he was watching tv on the couch, Amie looked like she was having a lot of fun, and Kyle looked like he wanted to be done.


The rest of the day was filled with naps and too much food. Jim and Jill had us out to their house for dinner. In addition to an awesome dinner, we saw a double rainbow and fed a cow marijuana. I would expect nothing less from a Vannier reunion.


Sunday: We got up and going just in time for the guys to go shooting. It wasn't my thing, but I think they had fun. I guess Kyle even has a fun video that I might post later if I can get it from him.


I had a lot of fun this weekend, and I'm already looking forward to our next family get together.

Monday, July 30, 2012

HOUSE TOUR

I thought that I would give you a little house tour now that we have been living here for almost two months. The house is far from being "blog-worthy", but we are working on it. It's amazing how much more you notice as soon as you see it through pictures. This house will and forever be a work in progress, but it's getting better all of the time. And now I present (drum roll), the main floor.


Living Room
  • Rug and curtains
  • Artwork
  • Recover chair
  • New record setup

Dining Room
  • I'm thinking about leaving the paint color for now. 
  • I want to build a dining room table.
  • Rug
  • Corner cabinet - paint? 

Kitchen
  • Paint cabinets
  • Fill in that corner area with cabinets including pull out drawer for trash
  • Paint walls
  • Get a microwave

Half Bathroom
  • Reattach door once stripped and stained
  • Painted
  • Fix window film
  • Change faucet (right now, it sits really close to the bowl/sink and it's hard to wash your hands!) 

Isn't Coby a great helper?

Thursday, July 26, 2012

99 BOTTLES OF BEER


Last night, Andrew and I hit up Lucky Bucket with my bro, Chris, and his wife, Lisa, and about 100 other people. Yesterday was the very last day to use the Lucky Bucket tour/merchandise Groupon, and I guess we weren't the only ones that waited until the very last min. Luckily, they extended the expiration date so some people left to come back later. Not us! Dedication.


There was nothing that sounded better on this very, very hot summer day than a LB Wheat. Thank goodness we got a sample as soon as we got in. From there on it was a hot sweaty mess, but we had a really good time! Except for maybe Lisa... pregnant = no beer. But she was a trooper!


We grabbed some merch at the end our of tour and booked it out of there to get some grub. I have already suggested that we go back when Lisa is unpregnant and it's not 100+ degrees out. I think I can get everyone on board for that.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

WEEKEND RECAP: JULY 20-22

Family Photo! Taking Coby to stay with his grandparents.

This weekend we had enough going on that I didn't get a thing done on the house. Ugh. But I can't say that I had a terrible time with all of our weekend activities.

The Czech Club picnic was ridiculously hot, but the food and company weren't bad.


Jenny and Mark's wedding reception was on Saturday night. Andrew and I hitched a ride with Katie T. and her boy, Dave. After a full night of drinks and dancing, Mickey was picked us up and shuttled us back to the MD B&B. Mickey and Denny were nice enough to let us stay at their place so that we could spend some extra time with Katie while she was in town. They cooked us all breakfast in the morning and that makes them the ultimate B&B!

Dark Knight Rises in the IMAX - I was tired and really wasn't in the mood to move, but I'm glad we went. We took my brother too. Good times, good movie.

Hooray! Now, is it Friday yet?

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

WEEKEND RECAP: JULY 13-14


While Andrew was gone all weekend to go backpacking with the guys, I was left to my own devices. It was a lot of fun! Ok, Friday wasn't so fun. I didn't do anything. I also learned that I'm really bad at doing nothing by myself. It was just depressing.


Saturday and Sunday made up for it though. Here is the run down...
- Lunch with mom and Jan
- Nap
- Emily comes for a surprise visit
- Dinner with Emily and Katie L. at Lot2 (nom, nom, nom)
- Beercade
- Waffles and coffee
- Pool!

I can't decide what my favorite part was. Dinner at Lot2 or the pool. I will def. be doing both again in the very near future!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

NOT OLD


Have I ever told you how much I love craigslist? I have been finding the best deals their lately. Check out my "new" file cabinet. This beauty was only 10 bucks. Bonus: The guy we bought it from was wearing a Star Wars t-shirt. Now for its makeover! There was no way I was going to let a boring black cabinet make it's way into my office. No, sirey! Bring on the the spray paint. And with this one project, I learned the importance of primer. Three cans of spray paint later... I have only found once place (not anywhere near my house...) that sells this color. So my total cost for this project was a little more than I originally anticipated. Worth it.


Last night, Andrew and I went and picked up this bad boy from a man that was cleaning out his parents' house. He was happy that I was hauling it away, and I was happy that it only cost me $10 and a 12-pack of Bud Light for my brother for letting me use his Jeep. Thanks, bro! (He also is letting me borrow his sander! Hooray! More on that later.) This beauty will be transformed into a kitty litter hideaway. BIG PLANS! I'm going to clear out it's innerds, cut a hole in the side, and get that thing out of my site! Now, to paint or not to paint? I can't decide...

What fun things do you like to look for on craigslist? I'm not on the hunt for a new desk. Isn't this fun?!?

Saturday, July 7, 2012

ANNIVERSARY BEERS

+

It's hard to believe that our 1 year anniversary is only a few short months away! I'm happy to report that Andrew and I will be taking a much needed trip to celebrate. We will be headed to Fort Collins, Colorado for a few nights and lots of beers.

+

Andrew's cousin, Kayci, will be tying the knot in Denver on August 31. The next day, we will pack up our things and start trucking north. We will be staying at a cute hotel, drinking lots of beer, and enjoying our time together before we have to drive 384 hours home. (Actual driving time to be determined.)


+

Ryan and Dee (Andrew's cousin and uncle) stayed with us on Friday night and were more than happy to tell us about some great places to eat, drink, and be merry while we are there. I'm looking forward to Snooze. They aren't the first ones to tell us that this place is a must. Cinnamon roll pancakes? Heck yes! I'm on vacation!


+

Also, last week we learned that New Belgium will not be offering tours while we are there because it is Tour de Fat. We had no idea that this would be going on while we were initially planning our trip, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bummed we wouldn't be able to see in inner working of their factory. But I have heard good things about their yearly biking/beer festival. Has anyone been before? Advice? Andrew thought that maybe now would be a good time to purchase the bike rack we had been talking about for awhile. I couldn't agree more!


Any other can't miss sites to see while in the area?