Kevin's 40th Birthday Bash and Pig Roast!

July 2, 2011 Kevin turned 40! We decided that the occasion deserved a big bash and a pig! So, we took on the challenge of hosting a pig roast for 78 of our friends and family.


The morning started early for Kevin and Miss Piggy. Unfortunately, we ran into some technical difficulties which ended with the Pig falling from the spit onto the hot coals. Thankfully, we had a large grill grate for over the coals and we were able to roast her directly on the grill.

We had to turn the pig every so often so that she cooked evenly. The sight of the pig was a bit overwhelming for some of our guests. We have successfully turned my friend, Jen, into a vegetarian. But, I think most people enjoyed the whole experience.


It was really hot, so the kids figured out a way to cool off... Patrick and our friend, Lauren, took turns sitting in melted ice!


I had shirts made for each of us. It was a goofy way to celebrate Kevin's birthday and give our guests a little laugh.

Moving the pig was a 3 man job. Kevin, Peter, and Andrew moved her to the cutting table. Kevin decided to look his dinner in the face!

Bryan and Kevin hamming it up! HA HA HA!!!

Ella Jane, Xiomara, and Elsaya deep in conversation.


Who says a bounce house is just for kids!?

It was really fun having this cake made for Kevin.
Kevin Biegler Vineyards
1971
German Polish Blend
Bottled and Aged in Illinois

We had lots of yummy desserts. Our theme was wine and pig!


We ended the night with a great bottle of wine and a toast for the birthday guy!

Singing Happy Birthday to Daddy!

The kids and Grandpa were tired at the end of the evening! Look at Ella Jane asleep holding her hair up.

Becky helped so much during the party (and the day before). We were so grateful for all she did. We both were tired at the end of the day and this was the first time we really sat down together the entire party. We sat with our feet in a tub of melted ice! Ahhh! Thanks, Becky! I couldn't ask for a better girlfriend!

Lauren came to visit

Isabelle's friend, Lauren, came to stay with us for a week. Lauren lives next door to my parents in Michigan. The girls have been friends since they were about 4 years old. While Lauren was here we took her to downtown Chicago to see a few sights. We had lunch at Shaw's, walked along Michigan Avenue, shopped in Watertower Place, and went to the top of the Hancock Building.

We stopped in the Hershey store where Lauren won this ginormous candy-covered cupcake. We only had a couple tiny bites, but still it was fun to win!

Lauren's birthday is the same day as Kevin's. So, she was here for the big birthday party. It was so great to have her on this side of the Lake. We're already thinking about next year's visit.

The one and only.... ELLA JANE!

Recently, Grandma and Grandpa asked Ella Jane what instrument she was going to play when she got bigger. She tilted her head and looked at them with a confused look (as if to say "DUH"). She said, very matter-of-factly, "Uh, I'm going to play the microphone!" We all just laughed. This girl is a born performer. She makes us laugh every day. Here are a few pictures her Grandpa took that I think just show her adorable little personality. Just wait, you'll see her name in lights!

Goofy Patrick!

Patrick is always such a happy kid. Here are a few silly moments with him. He's been on a bit of a dinosaur kick, thus the pictures of him growling and showing his "claws".

20 Year Reunion!

I know you all will be shocked to know that I graduated from high school 20 years ago! I was far younger than my classmates, a child prodigy, in fact! Here are just two pictures from that fun night. Becky and I went together, of course. While it felt very strange and a bit nerve wracking at first, we quickly found old friends and had a great time!

Spring, 2011

The kids and I spent several days in Michigan over spring break. The best part of our trips is having all the cousins together. My dad took us to the Ann Arbor Hands-Museum. My nephew, Parker John, joined us for the day. It was great fun!



Goofy Patrick!


Here are most of the grandchildren. Isabelle avoids pictures at all cost and found a way to sneak into another room. Our nephew, Christopher, was off with his friend's that night. Left to right: Patrick (5), Parker John (6), Ella Jane (3), Gabbryelle (2), McKenna (4), and Jack (9).

Papa and 2 of his girls!

McKenna, Ella Jane, and Gabbs.

Easter Morning I got a couple quick pictures while everyone was still looking nice. The girls are both wearing outfits that we brought home from Italy.