Our furry friends

Last night our cat Lucky was sitting on the ledge going downstairs and I thought it was funny b/c she was almost posing like a statue with our lovely deer. So I guess we have two animals, not one. Ladies...don't worry....if you are in the living room or kitchen you can't see the deer. See how nice he fits in that little cubby hole going downstairs? :o)

Saturday Showers

On Saturday we had two showers. In the morning my mom, my sister-in-law and I threw a bridal shower for my cousin Justin's fiance, Emily. We had a lot of fun and we really enjoyed Emily's stories....Map Quest sent them down a gravel road to my parents house and they came across a flock (its probably called something else) of turkeys and they flipped out. She is from Chicago so this was something she definitely wasn't used to so it was funny to listen to her tell the story. And the stories about Justin adjusting to Chicago.....he definitely takes after his dad and will talk to anyone! Anways....sorry, I guess you had to be there!

Here is a pic of Emily (left) and her sister Samantha. Sorry...my camera doesn't take good indoor pics.


Then at night we had a couples baby shower for our friends Brent and Candace. I went to grade school with Candace and grew up with Brent so they have me to thank for setting them up! :o)Now they have a little one on the way in December. It was a lot of fun to catch up with the old South Olive group. Brian was quite the trooper playing the games...he had never been to a couples shower before so now he finally got to experience what us woman do! :o)

Here are the guys trying to figure out what kind of baby food they are looking at.

Candace and Brent checking out a blanket that Jen made for them (yes, we her nickname is Martha). :o) She is making curtains for my living room and nursery right now...I can't wait to get them!

Washington Briefing cont...

I was able to help out with book signings for some of our speakers so I was able to get some pictures taken with them which was cool. All of the Republican presidential candidates were there but b/c we were so busy I watched most of them on the TV screen in the registation area. Supposedly the Clintons and Mrs. Bush were there the night before our event for some big dinner.

Anyway....here are some pics with some neat people.

Newt Gingrich

Jenna and I with Ben Stein.

Bill Bennett

And of course my cat, Lucky. As you can see she wanted to make sure yesterday that I didn't leave her again. She some how slide under my carry on bag strap. Too funny.

FRC Action Washington Briefing 2007

WOW! What a weekend! We had over 2,600 attendees at our annual Washington Briefing event in DC. It was a busy weekend but a lot of fun! I think I slept most of the day away yesterday to catch up on sleep. Here are just a few pictures of the weekend.

Here is our registration/check-in area. I helped out here most of the time. Don't we look professional?? :o)

Here is a picture of the massive ballroom. It holds 4,000 people and it was really cool. Sorry the pic didn't turn out the greatest. The event was held at the Hilton Washington---it was the hotel where President Reagan was shot at.

On Sunday we went to the roof top restaurant at the Hotel Washington. It was really neat over looking the city. Here is Sara and I enjoying our Chocolate Monument dessert. It was HUGE and we shared it with about 6 other people!

Here is a view from the restaurant. This one is a picture of the top of the White House. President Bush must have been there b/c there were two snipers on top. It was fun to watch them.

And of course we had to take a stroll past the white house.

Babies, babies, babies....

...that is what it seems like our life is turning into. But we are excited about that! And it sure is fun! Friday night we went to dinner with Caden and his mommy and daddy; Saturday we had a baby shower for Vicki Lucas with the girls and Sunday morning we welcomed another addition to the Amber Rose crew! Sydney Elizabeth was born Sunday morning to Heathe and Briana weighing in at 10 lbs! She is adorable and looks just like her sister Rylee. So it must be true....you live on Amber Rose you have baby girls....so far 6 little girls, 0 little boys! Wonder what we will have? :o) Here are some pics from the weekend.This week I am off to Washington DC to help out at our annual Washington Briefing. It will be a busy few days but hopefully I can get some pics of the presidential hopefuls! About half of our office is headed that way. It is always a fun time but we are all ready to come back to West MI when its done.

Pumpkin Parade

Saturday I rode the ZFS float in Zeeland's pumpkin parade. It was HOT to say the least. Karinda rode her preschool float with mom so Kylie rode the ZFS float with me. There was quite a big turn out so we had fun waving to everyone but were ready to find some shade!
Other weekend events....Friday night we got to hang out with our buddy Jacob and his mommy and daddy to hear all of his daddies hunting stories. Saturday night we went out with friends Mark and Vicki before their baby arrives. Sunday we just chilled out and went to Captain Sundae for their last open night! Yesterday I got to hang out for a little bit with my other buddy Grace. Lots of babies all of a sudden! Just got word that one of my friends growing up just had a baby boy! Congrats to Beth and Jon!

Our baby update....went to the doctor yesterday. I actually lost 2 pounds (if you know me I am not complaining about that!), heartbeat was 155 and all my blood work came back great so everything is going good! Feeling great! Just having a lot of dreams lately!

Fall Softball Season

Monday night the guys had their last softball game for the fall season. Jason took some great action pics on his high tech camera. Here are a couple good shots he got of Brian. Check out that form (and facial expression!)! :o)

Now its bowling on Wednesday nights and soon enough basketball season will begin....just ask Brian...he's an athlete! ha,ha....

Corn Maze

Yesterday we went to the Corn Maze at Crane's Orchards. Boy, did we get lost! But we finally found our way out. It was HOT so we were ready to find the end!

Enduro race

Saturday we headed down to Hartford, MI to watch my brother race in the 200 lap enduro race at Hartford Speedway. It was nice b/c it was an afternoon race...otherwise we are there til wee hours of the night. Dad and Brian were the pit crew while Kim, mom and I sit in the stands to count the laps...I know....does it sound like a bunch of red necks? It is! This was the first race that Mike finished! He finished 4th. (he was car #70 as you can see on the scoreboard). About 23 cars started the race and only 8 finished. I guess that's why they call it an enduro race!

Hayride and bonfire

Friday night we had our annual fall cookout with the Top side (Brian's mom's side) at Terry and Tanya's house in Borculo. We started the night off by going on a hayride and then cooked hotdogs over the fire. It was a nice clear night with no wind so perfect for a fire.