More Pics

A hike in Boardman Park and fun at Aunt Jackie's. No, today we are not going to "eat the slop"

Instead we will have lunch from our favorite Italian deli!!

Sunrise, Sunset

7:29 pm. Pink, orange, peach and white. Off to the side, faded blue, grey, bright yellow and white.
I happened to catch the most splendid sunset this evening. Actually the past three evenings have been spectacular, and all different. I hope I can remember to go outside this week and look for them.
Better than any movie, concert or sporting event!!

Goodbye Summer, good times

Summer fun 2010

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Lots of laughter, fun and endless talking. That's what you get when the girls drive to Columbus for the day. And also a wonderful morning in the Columbus Ohio Temple. What a perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday!
On the way home, more laughter, talking and singin' to the oldies.
Just one flaw in the day, I forgot to bring the pepperoni rolls.
I guess we'll just have to do it all again girls!!

Like Father, Like Sons

It has been nice to see some family from the West this week. Today we enjoyed shopping in Hartville, a fun dinner at Fazoli's and a round of board games, snacks and laughter.
Interesting how all the girls in the group ordered something different, and Walt, Ron, and their dad Larry ordered the exact same meal of Spaghetti and Meatballs. This, of course was unplanned, but not surprising.
I will always see in my mind the three of them watching a game, and no matter what teams are playing, the result is always the same. Three different but unmistakeable sounds of giggling in various tones surrounds the room. For sure we know that their team has made a great play or upped the score to win. Fun times, good memories.
I am thankful for these good men in my life.

Cousins

It has been so fun to watch the cousins interact and hang out this month.

On Memorial Day weekend, the older girls, Becca, Abbie, Amanda and Alexandra, had a sleepover at Grandpa's where they did scrapbooking, played games and collected their candy at the parade. But mostly they giggled, and I treasure the memory.

This week, the younger cousins, all nine of them, hung out here at Grandma's and had a ball with each other.

All of them under the age of ten, but they adore each other.

Some quotes from the little folks:

Claire, age 3, as she is exploring my bedroom.

"Grandma, is this your room?"

"Where is Grandpa's room?"

"Do you sleep in the same bed?"

We have an extra bed in our attic room, so she was just wondering.

Ava, age 4, to Claire as they were saying goodbye.

"Bye, Claire, I love you!"

Nora, age 3, not wanting to be outdone by her sister.

"Bye, Claire, I like you very much!"

Too CUTE!

Then there was the tennis match at the park between Maddie(6) and Ian(7) and Noah(9) vs. Abbie(12) Of course the younger cousins "won" with their "lucky tennis balls"

No rain, fun times, and a tired, but HAPPY Grandma!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Pete

It was a fun day, and there were 30 in attendance. Our family is growing. We missed Brent and April and of course, Grandma Carmel. She was the inspiration behind these parties and we proudly carry on her legacy. It's gettting harder to have everyone at the same place, but you were there in spirit. Had to catch a shot of Aunt Jackie and all the parents. They are all octogenarians now. Thanks for the memories, all of you!!

Spring Break, Part Two

I couldn't resist a few more pictures with this great weather, so I coaxed everyone into going to my favorite place in Canton, the top of the McKinley Monument.
Can't you feel the excitement?
At least everyone agreed, I don't ask for much do I?
Back to school today, it was fun while it lasted!

"Really" fun Spring Break

This was a great week, wonderful weather and fun times. I must admit, I was hesitant about traveling this time of year because Spring Break in the Midwest usually means cold and wet. But we had a pleasant change this year and it was very relaxing.
Thanks April and roommates for housing us, it was "really" nice.

The Bachelor---NOT!!!

Well it's time for me to get on my soap box, so here goes.
My two youngest daughters have been infatuated with this show , which I've never seen, because I am usually sleeping when it's on. But tonight, I received a phone call to sub tomorrow, which woke me from my usual nap. I decide to watch the last five minutes of this drama, which about made me want to throw up. Seriously??
First of all, real people don't look like that. That is, without spending a million dollars to replace everything you were born with.
Let me give you my version of real love, which is what you probably won't find on any television show.
Real love is going with your date to her favorite restaurant, when you'd rather be watching the game. It's doing the dishes and changing the smelly diapers. Making a box of mac and cheese for dinner when your wife is at piano lessons. Letting your wife take a nap and playing checkers with the grandkids. Letting your husband watch the game when you'd rather be out on the town. Letting him pick the movie. Carnations instead of 50 dollar roses, which smell better anyway. A Valentine Date with all the kids along.
I hope that you don't pass up real love girls, when you're looking for the perfect date. Remember, Mr. Perfect doesn't exist.
And happily ever after comes when you struggle throught the challenges together.

Bowling for Dollars

It's a good thing I don't, or I'd be losing money. But today I managed to get one spare among many gutter balls. Alexandra, where are the bumpers when I need them? Thanks for encouraging me to write, since you are probably the only one reading this.
I hope this is our last snow day, we are all getting a little crazy.
But I am getting some much needed things done, like unanswered mail and I even got to the store today. It's looking good for the weekend.
And I promise not to complain when this all melts and my backyard is a slushy mess!
All in all, February is a good month, some of my favorite people were born, including Abraham Lincoln.
And to the special little gal reading this, you are one of the best!
See you at the lanes, with the bumpers next time!!