It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

So I was bummed that my sister and the boys couldn't come visit this weekend. I even had all their favorite snacks in the house! Which is bad news because now without them to eat it, guess who will instead?? I am happy that Logan is feeling better, it was for the best that he got sick at home and not while they were over here.

To help lift my mood, I decided that we should put up the Christmas tree. Gary and I bought our own tree this year and I had stocked up on Christmas merchandise last year when everything was 50% off at Target. I'd forgotten everything I bought until I opened up the "Christmas Decorations" box! It was like shopping all over again without spending any $!

Here I am "fluffing" the branches to hide the bare spots...hey, what do you expect from a Wal Mart tree? :)

And here we are with the finished project. I think I'll have to make new bows next year, I always feel that I'm one bow short.

We also had a heck of a time getting that star to stay on top. That thing is heavy! By stuffing enough branches in it, we finally got it situated. It might be a little crooked but hey, it gives it character!

Who's with me on early decorating???

WMU vs Illinois

WMU played at Ford Field this past weekend and with Gary being a die hard fan, of course we attended. Wait - let me clarify that - we not only attended but we had first row seats. I don't think I've ever been that close to any sports field! The only bad part, the cheerleaders were directly in front of us. Nothing against cheerleaders, I used to be one, but they did get in the way a few times.

Here is Gary and I - you can see our prime view behind us

So close we even got Buster Bronco to acknowledge us

The game was fun - they even served beer - and the end result made a lot of happy Western fans. A picture of the scoreboard, just to prove it. Some -ahem, Gary - might say that since Illinois beat U of M and Western beat Illinois, that Western would for sure be able to beat U of M too. I'll go along with that theory.

After the game we ate at Loco's, my favorite Mexican place (besides Don Pablo's, I'm still upset they closed!) We hit up the casino and ended the night at The Old Shillelagh. The Shillelagh, as it is affectionately referred to as, is truly an experience that cannot be explained. It is a "must see for yourself". However, our evening could probably be summed up with a few words:

Beer, an Irish band that is encouraged to drink while performing, beer, Irish songs with hand motions and sing-along lyrics, more beer, a table of cougars* and the use of ashtrays and beer pitchers as noise makers.

*Cougar: A woman of middle age who actively seeks the casual companionship of younger (typically under 30 years old) males.

Cider Mill

Every fall, Gary and I make a point to visit one of the local cider mills. We usually go to Wiard's in Ypsilanti but decided to try Parmenter's which is almost right in our back yard.

Gary pouring us some cider

Me enjoying the doughnuts (so not as good as Post's though!!)

Me, as a giant apple

Gary and in front of the mill

Although the cider and doughnuts were good and it was nice that we didn't have to travel far, I think we still like Wiard's better. Plus they have other activities such as Gary's favorite, a hay ride. Maybe we'll try another next year.

Halloween!!

Messy, Emmy, Gary and I went to Patty's annual halloween party this past weekend. We had a little trouble deciding what to dress up as but in the end I was pretty satisfied with my costume (plus I had fun making part of it!). And those who got what Gary was supposed to be, found his costume very amusing too.

Me, a flapper, and Gary as Peter Griffen from Family Guy

Emmy, a drunk bridesmaid, and Messy as a wedding crasher

Emmy and I

Gary, Emmy and Messy discussing the rules to Flip Cup

Patty served this amazing cocktail called Apple Pie that was sooo delicious. I might have to get the recipe. We ended the evening with a late night...well...early morning trip to Comet Burger for sliders, waffle fries and onion rings. YUM!

Hope everyone had a safe and happy halloween!!