Boo! It’s almost Halloween here in Madison, but as you know, the biggest party was last weekend.

We had a few people come into town and stay with, for an afternoon of grilling and the Badger game, and then an evening of drinks and downtown. We hadn’t planned on going to State street, but the majority of our party had not been there for Halloween before, so we got dressed up, picked some designated drivers, and headed out early. We had a couple of hippies, an army general, two badger fans, a brick layer, a school girl, a witch, a horrible badminton accident, and Miss Freakfest (you were lovely Josie).

It wasn’t as crazy as the years Boone and I had been to, but everyone still seemed to be having a good time and our guests were amazed at the spectical. We had to wait in line to get tickets, then wait in line to get onto State Street, but we didn’t have to wait in line to get into the bars. We loved seeing all the costumes, including a pack of hungry hippos, Mario and Luigi chasing a star, and a dead-ringer for Brett Belima (seriously, I wanted to congratulate him on the game!)

You can say what you want about the city’s attempts (Does it actually cost more? Is it really safer? Does it hurt business?) but we had a good time anyway. The police we saw did a good job and the bands were nice to listen to. Until next year, we’ll just have to settle for the parties that go on around football and basketball seasons. Go Bucky!

So our former roommates and best friends Jon & Mel are engaged, and have decided to have their July wedding in Hawaii! Since Boone is the best man and I am a bridesmaid, that means we get to go to Hawaii for a third time. Crazy! They’ve decided on the island of Maui for their ceremony, so it is nice that we get to visit a new island. We may even make a vacation of it and stay there for an extra week!

Until then, we will no doubt pass our wedding experience onto our friends and help them plan out their day. We are really excited for them (and not just because of the tropical trip) and look forward to parties and dresses and favors and invites.

You can check out pictures from our last trip to Hawaii by clicking on the links to the right!

Despite Jess’s massive Oktoberfest head-cold, we departed this weekend with Jon and Mel and headed to Mel’s home town, Indianola, Iowa. We slept most of the way but 6 quick hours later we arrived at Mel’s parents’ farm. We had a great weekend, fishing, tromping around, and relaxing by the fire. We even got to play with Mel’s parents’ new Australian Cattle Dog Puppy, Bloke. He is super cute and makes Jess and I really want a puppy.

All-in-all, Jess and I had a blast. Thanks Jon and Mel for a fun weekend away!

Wow, wow…and wow. If you have never been to Oktoberfest in La Crosse, Wisconsin you are missing out.

Jess and I went up to La Crosse to visit one of my absolute best friends, Andrew Goehner, and crash at his place during the festivities. We also met, and hung out with all weekend, one of Goehner’s friends originally from La Crosse, Erin. She is currently a reporter for News channel NBC 15 here in Madison WI.

Oktoberfest reminded me a lot of St. Patrick’s Day in Milwaukee; the city shuts down for a weekend of partying, streets are closed to traffic, bars have bands, and food can be purchased on every corner.

Unfortunately, Jess came down with a wicked head-cold that she has been fighting all week. Soaked, standing in the rain throughout the 5 hour parade I’m sure did not help things. On the bright side, I finally got my hearing back, from Saturday night. Between the Dweebs on the Oktoberfest grounds and the 80s-90s rock band playing at John’s Bar it was just a tad too loud for my delicate ears.

Overall it was a fantastic weekend and we are looking forward to next year. Thanks Goehner!