IHM & FFFL

Last weekend we started gearing up for fall by attending our church - Immaculate Heart of Mary - Fall Kick-off Festival on Saturday, and Sunday we hosted some fantasy football GM's for the annual FFFL draft. It was a fun weekend and great weather!! I think we went on walks morning and evening both days...a favorite weekend activity for Fenny.

Bennett watching the "Cake Walk" with Molly - one of our basketball players we coached last year. It is fun to see our past players - Zach and I start practice next week for our fourth straight year of coaching CYO 5/6 basketball.

Amber doesn't think we need to obey the drinking age. She is trying to feed Bennett beer...claiming isn't that what all catholics do??

Bennett sported his Tuxedo (thanks Aaron and Lindsey!) and zebra socks for his Draft Day attire on Sunday. He kept mommy and daddy very busy while also trying to track the draft.

Helping dad pick his team.

Brandon, Wojo and Kevin acting quickly between draft picks. I might be biased, but I am pretty sure my team is going to win the league (finally...). I drafted Tony Romo and Reggie Bush because their girlfriends are in my favorite tabloid magazines...kidding. I did some research, first.

Budding Musician

Look out Scott and Seth Avett...

We are just glad it is not the drums...at least not yet.

Wedding Weekend!

This past weekend was Amber and Kevin's wedding weekend in Northern Michigan. After 9 years (112 months) of dating - we were so excited to be with them to celebrate their vows in a very special place to them both. A huge thank you to my parents, Andrew and Allie Tilley who helped us with Bennett throughout the weekend - I think everyone had a fabulous time! It was so hard choosing which photos to highlight - you can see more pictures in the Stanes Wedding Album to the right.

Daddy and Bennett at the start of one of our walks. Our hotel was in downtown Petoskey - beautiful views and a fantastic walking/riding path along Lake Michigan.

The bride and maids at the Friday BBQ at the Stafford Cottage on Mullett Lake.

Amber and Keving talking with Mr. Vanes. Just on the other side of the cottage is where Kevin proposed to Amber. Amber's great-grandparents built this cottage in the early 1900's.

The bride, the maids and Amber's brother, Bill (man of honor), at the Rehearsal Dinner. A perk of Amber's job...she is one of the head buyers at Finish Line - great shades for all of us!!

The stunning bride and handsome groom being introduced at the reception.

This was the view from our room and below is the Rose Garden Veranda - where the reception was held the previous night. It was an amazing weekend. Thank you Amber and Kevin!

We Survived...

...Andrew's first night out in Broad Ripple...it was a success - enjoyed dinner, followed by some drinks (just a couple shots), followed by picking up pizza and walking home. I think I made it to bed by around 2 a.m. It was exhausting, but tons of fun!! Zach and I are looking forward to doing it again sometime.

The arrival.

Carded at Dinner. (thanks to the waiter who studied his ID long enough for me to photograph it).

Cheers. I still can't believe I am in a bar, taking a shot, with my brother.

Don't worry dad...it is water!

Pizza (perfect ending to our walk home)!

Andrew dropped the first piece on the kitchen floor...Fenny is licking up the remnants. She has invited Andrew back anytime, as long as he brings pizza...

21!

Finally! My brother is 21 years old today...actually, that doesn't seem possible, but we are glad to have all members of our family legal. We are planning a fun little celebration tonight!

Today is also my sister's half birthday...happy half birthday, Amy. And today is Bennett's 9-month birthday. We don't go for his well baby visit until the end of the month, but yesterday we made an unexpected trip to the dr. to discover B has moderate left and right ear infections...explaining some of the grumpy behavior and a couple restless nights. While there he was weighed...17 pounds 8 0z. he is heavy!!