CAMPING

This is what we call camping. A very large deck to eat on.

A cozy bed to sleep in.

A nice kitchen to keep the food, because it is ALL ABOUT THE FOOD.

Yes, a TV, but no we did not watch any.

Chris thought he was George at first, but then the phone got put away some place very safe for the entire weekend.

With a book and a drink...this is what I call camping!

Some of us watched our sodium input.

The pool. Need we say more?

Crafts.

More crafts.

Baby blue, salmon and mauve.

Where is my bacon grease? Whine, moan, bark!

Coloring.

Hiking.

Posing.

Can I please bring them home Mommy? Ewwwww

Gone are the days when the kids lined up to do this.

Great shirts.

Memorial Day Parade!

Think she'll let me do her hair for prom?

Handsome boy.

Campfire Wi Fi style.

Glow stick girl.

Last day.

Cake for breakfast. Woot woot!

HISTORY BUFF

Last night was the Underclassmen Awards Ceremony at the High School. It was a great night for Robert! We knew he was going to be awarded something because school called to make sure he was attending. However, we didn't know he was going to be recognized for so many things.

Robbie, along with three other boys, were selected to attend Boys State this year at Suny Morrisville. He and his friend Connor are pictured here with their certificates for the American Legion Boys State Program.

Much to our surprise and delight, Robbie was awarded a Compact and $100 savings bond from the Society of Mayflower Descendants Educational Award Program for his proficiency in the history of the United States and his understanding of the Constitution. What a thrill and an honor it was for Rob to receive this award!

Robbie also got his Junior Scholastic Letters and was given the Outstanding Student Award for Social Studies. He was also recognized for his achievement in the study of Spanish. For a class size of 550 students, we know how hard Rob has had to work to stand out and be recognized for all his efforts. We couldn't be more proud!

PUPPY LOVE

Meet Puppy!

Puppy has been in our family for 6 years.

This is what Puppy looked like
when he came to live with us.

He was very fluffy, soft and cute.

This is Puppy with Timothy on the day he came home from Build a Bear.

Tim was 3 years old and very excited to have a new stuffed animal.

Mia, Hannah, Molly, Brooke and Jack all got new stuffed animals that day too.

Puppy was the luckiest stuffed
animal of them all.

Timmy brought him home
and loved all over him.

This is Puppy today!

He's been held tight by a sweaty little boy every night.

He's gotten in the way of a few stomach bugs and had to take a little dip in the washing machine.

He has been on every camping trip
and vacation.

He's been left out in the sun and the rain and the snow...to "watch" Timothy play.

He has been thoroughly LOVED!

Puppy is not so fluffy, soft
and cute anymore.

He's a bit grimy
and losing fur in a few spots.

It just doesn't matter, it's Puppy love!

JUNIOR PROM

A lot of texting has to take place before prom!
Daddy is trying to suck it in for this photo.

Mommy just can't keep her lips off Robbie.

Robert and Becky make a very cute couple for Prom.

Lizzie got a medal, Becky got a prom date, but their triplet Johnny is nowhere to be found.

Nice looking Group.

The entire group together in front of the limo.

Robert's Junior Prom was last night at Max's in High Falls. The group all met at one of their friends house to eat Olive Garden. Then lots and lots of pictures before they headed downtown. After the prom they went to Wegmans to get food, then to Cosmic Bowling (yes in their prom clothes). Then a bunch of them stayed at another friends house. Rob had a blast!

MOTHER'S DAY

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs...
since the payment is pure love. - Mildred B. Vermont

On Mother's Day, 18 years ago, I found out I was pregnant.
I fell in love for the first time 8 months later.
I was lucky enough to fall in love again, and again, and again
with 3 more of the most beautiful children in the world.
Thank you Robert, Molly, Jack and Timothy for allowing me to be a Mom!

RUSTIC BENCH

Inspired by a willow chair my cousins Lynne and Mike made, I decided to try and make a rustic bench. Here it is!

Molly thinks it makes a nice spot to sit and read.

Spring rain showers forced a few delays in my project.

I really liked using power tools!

This project took a lot of wood. Fortunately when this pile ran out, I just walked into the woods by my house and got some more!

A closer look at the details: The seat is made from 150 year old floorboards salvaged from the attic above our kitchen. There must have been a fire at one time and I decided to use that piece just because it was so interesting!