More Mexico pics

Shawn likes his Sake while...

Melissa doesn't exactly approve

Catamaran & Snorkeling

We love to go snorkeling so we booked a day excursion to Isla Mujeres. Our transportation was a catamaran with about 30 other people, all the drinks that you can get. Once we got near the island we jumped off the catamaran to snorkel for about an hour. After everybody was back on the catamaran, we went to hold an 80 lb specially-trained shark. We did a little shopping and then had lunch at the Beach Club. The day was very enjoyable and ended with a relaxing ride back to Cancun on the catamaran. Shawn enjoyed all the beer that he could get and Melissa drank lots of water.

Shawn & Melissa on the catamaran

We stopped for lunch at the Beach Club

Shawn was "forced" to have a tequila shot

Melissa was also forced to have a Kiddie's "tequila" shot

Our Mexican sunset

Mexican Paradise

Shawn & Melissa went to Cancun Mexico for a week mid-February. We thought it would be good to escape from the beautiful Wisconsin weather. We stayed at the Riu Palace Las Americas in Cancun. The weather was gorgeous, sunny and in the 80's the whole week.

Our hotel

The view from our room

Another view from our room

Shawn really enjoyed the Don Julio tequila

Melissa, the "Virgin" drinker

SuperBowl Weekend

We spent the first weekend of February with our friends in Rochester, MN. It is always great to get together with Kyle, Robin & Miles Kroening; Scott, Anna & Ethan Harms; and Matt, Sarah & Genevieve Maio. A quick rundown on our festivities...On Saturday, we went to a wonderful toy store, Lark Toys. There was even a hard-carved carousel. Afterwards, we went to Nelson's cheese factory for lunch. On Sunday, Shawn & I made the gang a delicious brunch, creme brulee french toast. Much to Anna & Robin's husbands despise, I introduced the ladies to the fun scrapbooking tool, the Cricut. Sunday night, we settled in for the SuperBowl and the Office.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend...

Lark Toys

Californian Cousins

On October 15th, Shawn's cousin, Judy Carreno along with her husband, Ed, and their child, Alejo, stayed at our house for a week. We had a good time visiting and watched Alejo getting loving kissing from our puppies. Shawn's Dad's side of the family came up to our house for a cookout. It was good to see everybody since it definitely has been quite some time since we've seen everybody! Unfortunately, Melissa's camera was in for repairs and did not get any pictures taken.

Walk to Defeat ALS - October 12, 2008

On Sunday, October 12th, Shawn & Melissa walked to Defeat ALS in Elm Grove. We were there to support Shawn's Mom, Mary, who has ALS or more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Melissa was the team captain for Mary's Guardian Angels, raising over $2,500 and had about 30 walkers on our team. There were over 1,700 walkers for the entire Milwaukee team! How awesome is that?! Thank you for all those who have supported us! For further information, please click here http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/WisconsinWalk?team_id=76750&pg=team&fr_id=4610

Here are a few pics from that day!

A panoramic shot of the walkers

The Bansemar's sans Melissa

Mary & the Brewer's Racing Sausages

Brewer with Melissa's nieces, Madison & Lexi

Melissa with her parents - Gary & Kathy

Sandy, Kathy & Laurie

Stacey Kierzek & Melissa

Sarah, Matt & Genevieve Maio

Sausage Fest

The Brewers baseball team has had quite the adventure the past two months, as well. For those living in a cave...they made the playoffs for the first time since 1982. Shawn & Matt Maio went to both of the Milwaukee games against the Philadelphia Phillys. Melissa & her brother, Steve, joined them for the 2nd home game -different sections, but same stadium. Unfortunately, that is where their adventure in the playoffs ended. We had a great time tailgating. Matt & Shawn both had double sausaged buns. Between Shawn & Matt they ate eight sausages or hot dogs. Melissa had a good time at the game; however, in the ninth inning her Blackberry was stolen. For those who know Melissa, she was quite addicted to it! Don't worry...it was replaced within the next few hours. A few pics of the sausage fest.

Matt's "non-Kosher" Cheddarbrats

Matt Maio - Father & Sausage Pioneer

A Double Dog. A Vodka Robinade. In the Middle A Gentleman For All Seasons

A Conservative Melissa: only one hot dog

Steve loves his Cheddarbrat

The Brewers' fans rooting on their team

Remember Us???

We know we have been lacking with the whole blogging thing. Figured we'd get back into the groove. To recap the past 2 months, we have successfully unpacked from our two week road trip. Brewer had a trip to the Door County Emergency after loosing his toenail in his Grandparent's wheel chair ramp. Thankfully, it is growing back just fine.

On September 13th, we went to Josh & Lauren's wedding. Josh is Shawn's cousin. They had a beautiful wedding & reception at the Hyatt in downtown Milwaukee. Here are a few pics of the family.

Josh & Lauren Harpke

Lauren & Melissa

"The Tan Man" Uncle Mark & Melissa

Shawn with his cousins, Josh & Matt