33

I have been looking forward to my 33rd birthday for a while. Everyone has a bad year in their life. Mind you, I am only 33, so I have many more years to go. But, 32 was my worst year so far. I lost the most important, most loved person in my life, a relationship I cared about deeply ended, and for over half of the year, I was very unhappy with my lifestyle due to my job. Some things have definitely started to turn around (especially on the job front), but in general I was WAY over 32.

My day was just wonderful. I never thought that Facebook could make me feel so happy, but the messages on there totally uplifted me starting last night. My friends near and far texted me all day. Bethanne and T Bone called from France. Then, my amazing company gave me a birthday gift and people I work with did little things all day. I left work early and treated myself to some pampering, and then it was time for my favorite part of the day- dinner with the girls!

My mom is always so great at planning birthday parties for us at her house, as you have seen on blogs of the past. However, I really wanted a "girls night" for my birthday this year. People who have been supportive, trustworthy and just good friends and family. We went to Grovewood Tavern in Cleveland, and I loved every minute of it. Even though I didn't want gifts, you can bet that every person showed up with something in tow that put a smile on my face. My mom went out of her way to make sure I still had the "Carol Ann Birthday Touch" with napkins, a gift table, cupcakes, and so much more. She is really the best!

I cannot express in words how appreciative I am to have these girls in my life. They, along with everyone else who contacted me today, really made me have a positive perspective headed into my 33rd year!

The Fisco Family Clam Bake

This Fall was the 3rd Annual Fisco Family Clam Bake. I have no idea why, but Cleveland is all about clam bakes. Everyone is usually invited to at least two or three, the local restaurants do them... and we live on Lake Erie. ?? I don't really care that it doesn't make any sense, because they are ALWAYS fun!

Almost all of the Fisco's (my step-dad's family) came to town for it with the exception of some spouses. Everyone just got together for Alisa's wedding, so coming again from CA, TX, NC and other places was a lot. Those Fisco boys know how to throw a party! Juke box in the garage, bar set up, big tents, and they actually own all of the steamers, grills and serving trays. I guess it makes sense, if you're going to do this every year. Clams, chicken, corn, sweet potatoes, and of course pasta, because that goes well with a clam bake. If you're Italian.

The weather was not exactly great, but it didn't stop about 80 people from coming. Can't wait to stuff myself again next year!

Chefs Dennis and Dan

Soooo much food, like usual with the Fisco's!
Ernie, Dennis and Dan finishing up cooking

Literally the minute they said everything was ready, it started pouring!

Ernie giving one of his fabulous toasts. To his Dad, and the Browns!

Sarah and I used plastic bags to save our shoes!

HAHAHAHA! Love it.

The Milan Melon Festival

**I am super annoyed right now because for some reason I cannot type above the first photo, which is the Milan High School band playing at the fair.

Anyway.... there is always so much going on Labor Day weekend- where do you start?! Fairs, festivals, the air show, parties. So much to choose from.

Weeks beforehand, my brother, sister and I made plans to go to Milan, OH with Heidi (my grandfather's long-time "squeeze"). It is a small town close to Sandusky where she grew up, and they have a fair every year. However, this year was an even BIGGER deal, because her niece Lauren was in the running to be Miss Melon. The competition was fierce, but as you will see below, she was crowned the Queen of Milan! We of course celebrated into the night at the beer tent, and then later at Jimmy and Lisa's house (her parents) playing Spoons and laughing until 2am.
The next morning it was time to celebrate Rachel's birthday (another one of many family members there that weekend). Leave it to Heidi- we were all up by 7am, Pledging Allegiance To The Flag (we don't ask), creating a spanking machine, having a melon eating contest, competing in a watermelon seed spitting contest, popping balloons under our shirts, eating breakfast, singing Happy Birthday, and eating cake. And I was back in Cleveland by 10:30am. That's a morning.


The weekend was sooooo much fun, as it always is with Heidi's family. Bethanne left to go back to France when we got back to Cleveland, so it was a great way to hang out with her before she left. Now we have next year to look forward to, as Lauren passes her crown onto the next Miss Melon!

The Roaring 20's

My cousin Paul got married on August 20th, and they decided to have a 20's themed wedding. It was such a fun idea! Oddly, it was really easy to find 20's style accessories- it must be coming back in style in a small way. Some people really got decked out and looked like they had stepped off of a movie set. My family added a few little touches to our outfits like pearls and feathers to have a little fun with it.

I feel like this has been a wedding-filled summer (I didn't even blog about my cousin Mike's wedding in June), but they have all been beautiful, unique and fun!