Duane turns 50!

We celebrated Duane's 50th birthday with great food family and friends!  Dustin and Audra hosted their first dinner at their home and then we had a surprise party at the West Coast Saloon with many many family and friends!  It was a great turn-out and a great time!  Pictures below!

Steak and potato (yum yum) dinner at Dustin and Audra's.  Duane, Audra and Audra's brother Brendon pictured here.

 Cheryl and Duane pictured here with Gary (cousin) 

Duane with his sister Carolyn and Mom Shirley :)

Duane with his Mom, Shirley

Duane and Carolyn

The Asher Family (Audra's) with Caitrin (Duane's Niece- Carolyn's daughter and her boyfriend Brandon)

 long time friend of Duane's- Leon Reed

Steve Howard and Duane-  Friend, Cousin, and lifetime band brother!

Michael and Dustin-  this is what we get when we ask for a photo.

The cake!  (compliments of Amanda- I have to take credit for the design!  :)

Happy Birthday Duane!

Visiting family in Florida

Michael and I visited Aunt Mary Anne and Uncle Dick last weekend.  They live outside of Tampa Bay, Florida.  We spent the weekend going to all of my favorite places and then finished our trip with the Buc's game and got to see all of the family too!  :)

Clearwater Beach.  BRRR  Amanda, Aunt Mary Anne, and Uncle Dick

 Frenchie's at Clearwater Beach.  Amanda, Aunt Mary Anne

 Aunt Mary Anne and Uncle Dick at Frenchie's

 Michael and I next to Grammy's sand dune :)

Dock in the intercoastal waters by Treasure Island (aka Carole's house)

 Sunset Treasure Island right outside of Carole's house

Caladesi Island Tortoise!

Horseshoe Crab :) Caladesi Island

Michael and his seagull friend :)

 Our collection of horseshoe crabs and coral

Our parents have these hilarious pictures from the 80's and 90's of the summers with the men and their shirts off I just had to post this picture.  I love how "vintage" it is- especially with the old Miller Lite cooler to the right!  haha.

Lunch/Beer break!

On the ferry on our way back from the Island

Driving Range

 Tampa Bay Buc's Tailgate.  Uncle Dick and his Bad A** self :)

 The tailgate was Lobster and Champagne!  YUM YUM YUM

 Auntie and I with the Buc's skeleton

 Michael's Lobster drinking champagne :)

 It was a "throw back" game.  Everyone wore (including the players) old "original" gear.  Old color is orange and white "creamsickle".  New color Red and Black.  I had to take a picture of the Cheerleaders and their HUGE poms!

Lily - Auntie and Uncle Dick's new puppy :)

 Family photo with Lily

Touchdown Kansas City!

Amanda's first time at Arrowhead stadium (and Michael's first visit in 6 years) and it was AMAZING!  The weather was WARM- the food was great, and the company was perfect!  We met our friends Tom and Corrine at their house Sunday morning and headed out to tailgate.  Our seats were perfect- and to top the wonderful day off- the Chiefs WON!  The only thing missing was the biggest fan of the family- Miss Annie!  We forgot to get a picture of the two of us there- there was just too much excitement to think about that!  :)

THE SEARCH BEGINS !

Michael and I have started the home search. 

We have learned very quickly that there are homes we want....

and homes we can afford......

Oh dear.

Introducing Mr and Mrs DUSTIN Cox!

So excited to welcome Audra into the Cox family.  Their wedding was absolutely beautiful!

Michael's trip to see the Turtle Man- A custom-made bachelor party just for Dustin

Michael and 6 other guys kidnapped Dustin and drove 10 hours to meet the ever so famous- TURTLE MAN in Kentucky.  A trip that Amanda would have loved to go on but you know the rules- boys only :)  The trip was a success and even though it was not the typical bachelor party- it was perfect.  The boys on the turtle hunt were:  Michael, Dustin, Duane, Bendon (Audra's brother), Jarred, Brandon, Doug, and Nick.  Here is a group shot (minus the photographer I am assuming...Duane)  Ernie the Turtle Man is the shirtless one!