Grace Chapel's Anniversary 4th of July Picnic

Grace Chapel is officially 1 year old (plus a little) and we celebrated at Chris & Tim's house with a 

fun, food, and fellowship filled July 4th Picnic.

Ray & Peggy trying to stay cool

Ken & I miss Grace so much, although we have had many opportunities to visit this summer.

Tim & Chris were headed out of town the next day and they left us with their house, 

(great week to have a pool) Tim asked Ken to preach that Sunday. 

Gabby is staying with Chris & Tim so we got to stay with her!

Gabby, Tammie, & Ken (looking cool in his shades) 

I'm so glad my brother & his family decided to attend Grace, 

it was great being in church with them even if it was for a short time.

Tim, Cindy, & Eric (I think Eric is talking- hard to believe :)

We knew their was going to be a water baptism but the "who" was a surprise. 

Doug said he waited to be Baptized until he found a church where he felt he really belonged

Proof that he was water baptized, Tim dunked him!

This is Nick's last church picnic for a while, 

he's enlisted in the Navy and will be headed for basic training in a few weeks

Nick & Chris (my boys)

I miss teaching my kids at church. These are 2 of my sweethearts.

Skylar & Keara (my girls)

The pool got used thoroughly that day, lots of splashing and games.

Sandy & Chris decide that putting on a suit is too much trouble!
excellent shot- if I don't say so myself

I think David enjoyed the pool more than anyone

Happy Birthday Grace Chapel!

Under the Couch Kitty Emerges

If you've read my blog post entitled Feline Survivor, You'll know that Maggie is none too happy about the 2 furry cats coming to live in MA. Neither is Ken, by the way. 

Once these two conspirators got comfortable here, 

Maggie retreated to living under the couch most of the day.

Macie & Marilyn

We are excited to see her emerging from her close quarters to begin to interact with the family again.

We think it may have to do with the kids coming home and more people around for protection from the white devils or it is just too hot under there. 

Paranoia during meal time is beginning to decrease

She'll eat with her cousins again.

She is even getting comfortable just hanging around.

 The window has always been her favorite place, not much to see under the couch.

We are happy to have Maggie back, Ken is less agitated, but not actually happy :)

Three cats are a lot for our little duplex but we won't be here forever.

Michael & Megan's Graduation Party

Congratulations Michael & Megan on your High School Graduation. 

Ted and Amber had a great party to honor their twins!

Christopher & I headed for Clarence for the fun and stayed with Amber & Ted. 

We helped out where we could but the Drews are pretty efficient at this party thing!

Keeping the cooler from blowing away

Gabby keeping Sophie busy. 

Another set of twins

Weston looking oh so cool 

Weston and Audriana getting acquainted

Michael, Collin, and Chris seeing who is tallest (Chris in first place this summer- Collin catching up)

Megan, Gabby, Jill, Shannon, & Hannah
Some of the girl cousins in attendance 

Aunt Margie & Uncle Frank
Always making it to the parties!

Megan receives "Creepy Baby" and anonymous graduation gift.
She is a little weirded out by this  eerie doll who keeps showing up at family events.

The Rowswell's making off with Weston. As you see, Grandma is beside herself!

This is how everyone felt after a long day of fun.
Emily and Audriana were staying with Ted & Amber as well- it was so fun getting to know them better.

Benny Break

When we travel from MA to Lockport, Benny & Heather are only 5 min. off the Thruway. (Andy is usually at work) It's a great break in our travel but even a better chance to see our family.

We try to time it so Benny's up from his nap. This trip he was a little shy; he stood frozen in the livingroon while Chris & I came in- I guess he figured if he didn't move we wouldn't notice him.

He warmed up quickly and wanted to play. He was enamered with Chris 

who gave him lots of attention.

Soon they were playing with Andy's toys (yep I meant Andy) Benny knew right where they were. Hopefully Andy wasn't watching on the kitty cam.

We had fun. This is Benny posing for my camera as he ran by. Heather has him trained well.

Heather and Andy, thanks for living in such a great spot- we love to visit!

Exploring Massachusettes

A few Sundays ago Ken and I decided to take a drive to check out a MA sight we heard about called the Bridge of Flowers. It turned out to be less than an hour away and what a worthwhile drive. This man made wonder is found in Shelburn Falls Ma. It was an old trolley bridge that the community decided to rebuild into a beautiful foot path. 

We are standing on a street bridge looking at the Bridge of Flowers. 

Here is what it looks like as you enter.

I took so many pictures, these are some of my favorites.

As we explored the city we ran into this natural wonder (geological wonder)

potholes... maybe, but beautiful none the less!

We wound up with a walk down the main street of this quaint New England town. We visited an antique shop and had a lively discussion with the owner about how he hung out with Josh Brolin who was filming a movie in their town. 

Ice coffee & frozen hot chocolate completed a perfect day as we sat outside a storefront making friends with a woman who told us everything we could ever want to know about her dog :)

Life is GOOD!

Avalanche

A loud crash, cats scattering everywhere (remember, we have 3), looks of disbelief... this could only be one thing.

One of the tower-like stacks of boxes in Christopher's room exhaled after standing ridged for so long (boxes who have had no relief for two long years). Yes, we had a box avalanche.

It was God's mercy that this didn't happen while Chris was tucked dreamily in bed or (I can't even say what may have been). As it was, his Xbox and guitar both missed by inches each had their own brush with death.

Chris clearly distraught over this catastrophe.

Ken and Chris- First Response Team! 

How Can My Kids Be So Old!

Danielle and Chris had their birthdays Thursday. 

Is it possible that I am the mother of children 18, 22, and Gabby is almost 24!

I am so thankful that the two birthday kids were with me on this day, especially considering our recent  living situations. Among the festivitoes were dinner at Olive Garden, homemade icecream cake, presents with gabby Skyping in, and a few rousing games of Sorry. (notice the board in the picture below.) How great are my kids that they had fun at home with their parents playing board games on their bithdays?

Joining for a robust round of "A Happy Birthday To You"!