Abby's Fall Photos

It's too hard to decide which pictures of Abby to include, so here's several for your viewing pleasure. It's a mom's prerogative to do such things!

Camping Anyone?

An intense card game of Nertz

All 10 kids -- All growing up

Molly's recent fascination with cat's cradle!

A little camping with a little football on a little TV...

Does camping get any better than this?

Finally after years of being asked, we decided to take the plunge and go camping with our college group of friends. All of the other families have camped at least once a year together for years, but we have always said, "Thanks, but no thanks." The last weekend of September we went to Pymatuning State Park in PA just for a one night overnight excursion and even though part of me hates to admit it, we did have fun. The weather was absolutely perfect and as always, we had made great memories with our friends. Paul, Molly and I slept in a camper while Abby slept in a tent with some of the other kids. Part of the enjoyment was just getting away and leaving the responsibilities of real life at home!

My Dad's Award

Last weekend Paul and I were guests of my parents to go to a gala in my hometown. The dinner was in honor of a major renovation project that the town has participated in over the past several years. As Paul and I were walking up the sidewalk to the country club, we were stopped by the hired photographer who was taking pictures as people were arriving to the shin-dig. Paul made some comment like, "This is like the prom for old people." After dinner the first "Townie Award" was going to be presented. Long story short...my dad was the recipient. He obviously had no idea he was the big winner and my mom didn't even find out that he was the recipient until right before dinner. My dad really does not like to be in the limelight and would much rather fade in with the backdrop and/or stay backstage rather than being the center of the universe, even for a moment in time. He was chosen for this award because he has contributed countless hours to the cause of the renovations and revitalization. Whether you like it or not, Dad, you deserve the award! As my Grandma (my dad's mom) used to say tongue in cheek, "Ya done good!"

Splish Splash Fun This Summer

At the end of summer we went to Paul's brother's house twice in one week. One of the benefits of going to Uncle Ken and Aunt Linda's house in the summer is getting to swim in their pool. Here are some photos of swimming and splashing around in their pool. The two extra girls are our niece's daughters, Alexis and Tiffany.

Cousins -- How They Grow!

Size Order

Chronological Order

Here is the what seems to be traditional picture I take when we get together with my brother's family. Here are Steven, Matthew, and Ryan along with Abby and Molly. Rick and Jenny grow big boys, that's for sure! Ages: Abby and Steven are both 12 and are just 7 weeks apart (Abby is older); Matthew is 10; Molly is 9; Ryan is 8, one day away from being one year younger than Molly. Now take that information into account when you look at the chronological order photo and then you will realize just how tall the boys are. I'm just glad I don't have to pay for Rick and Jenny's grocery bill!

Grass Whistling

One outside talent I have is to grass whistle. I'm fairly certain that is not an official name nor an official talent, but that's what I call it and that's what I do. Usually it embarrasses my kids when I do it because it usually is very loud. Sometimes it can be found to be a bit on the annoying side, and sometimes it does sound kind of like a sick duck. It's one of those things in life that parents do just to see the reaction of their kids (or at least that's why I do it). Abby surprised me on the day of the reunion when she actually wanted to give grass whistling a try as did my cousin Chris. I'm please to announce they were both quite successful in their attempt! If the rest of you would like to learn, give me a call and I'll give you a lesson or two until you master the fine art of grass whistling.

Family Reunion Time

"Top Dog" (Eldest) Generation

"Sandwich" (Middle) Generation

"Caboose" (Youngest) Generation

Girl Power (The Girl Cousins)

Several weeks ago we had a family reunion with folks from my dad's side of the family at Atwood Lake, Ohio. There were 25 of us there (if I counted correctly) with three generations represented. Not all relatives could be present, unfortunately. Here's you'll see those who were there to enjoy each other's company and have a chance to get caught up with one another.