Dow Family

Catch Up

2010-11-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad with all their Grandkids (except Maddy) Grace, Abby and Anna 1st day @ Lafayette Not sure what prompted me to update my blog but I think it's way over due, just in case there a few people who actually look at it! The good and the bad: My Grandma King passes away a year and 2 days after her husband in June 2010. We will greatly miss her and the ties to the Valley, my homestead. Hard to believe that both of my mom's parents have passed away. We also lost a dear cousin this past summer. Matt Wood. A wonderful young man who James spent a lot of time with growing up. More like a brother to him, he was in our wedding party almost 12 years ago. Thank God he knew Jesus and we have assurance he is in Heaven. At the same time this happened, we had to surrender our first dog Mac, to a Boxer Rescue. He became more and more anxious and fearful and bit a little girl. Thankfully I've known the girl's mom forever! The little girl was ok too but we couldn't take chances with new people coming in our house often. Very unusual for a Boxer as well, but the Vet agreed it was out of fear that he did it, not aggression. To top of an eventful and sad summer, we took a trip out west to Cody, Wyoming. Spent the week on a Dude ranch with my side of the family. All the Booher siblings and families made it (minus little Maddy who was too young). We had a fantastic time and made some amazing memories. I am going to attempt to post pictures of this on here even though they are all of FB. Darn FB, I spend too much time on it. Back to School this year meant some big changes as well. Anna started K full time and all 3 of our kids switched from FHS to Lafayette. This has been a big adjustment and hard to go through at times. The good in all this is that it draws us closer to God as we spend more time in prayer for our children and their schooling. I am seeing God refine all of us, esp. Isaac who had the toughest time. He is growing and developing good character through this. He's handled it amazingly. His biggest adjustment was missing his friends. Grace misses some friends but actually seems to be blossoming academically at Lafayette, which we are so thankful for! She was assessed for being very below level in her reading. They put her in a reading group every other day where she got help from the reading teachers. In just over a month, she is up to level and doing fantastic. I think the reading teachers were even shocked at how quickly she has moved ahead. She takes school seriously and is very focused. Very proud of her and Isaac for their hard work. Anna has had to adjust more to getting up EVERY day and going to school. This routine got old around week 2. She also had two migraines in September, which gave me a scare. I realized the she'd been eating a lot of bologna sandwiches which I think were a trigger, on top of not drinking as much and being over tired, new routine, etc. She seems to be doing well now and has gone almost 4 weeks without having one. Praise God! So, here are pictures from out West and back to school!

Facebook has taken over!!!

2010-01-20T13:31:00.001-08:00

Ok, facebook has taken over blog writing! It's been almost a year. How sad! Just in case some people read I thought it was time to post some pictures and give an update!

Since last March, we have moved. That has been the most significant change in our life. We moved back to the "country." We love it. It's a perfect blend of having neighbors and having space. We are close to Dewitt and yet we have 2 acres. What a blessing. You can see our pond in the above pictures and Grace proudly sitting by "her pond." When we moved in April, she was delighted to find 2 toads! (fyi, they were mating, but she thought they were just really good friends!)

We also have 2 boxers, Mac and Mindy. They are a stress at times, but mostly we find much delight and stress relief with them.

Kitty humor

2009-03-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

I had to take a picture of our cat Sprite. She periodically sits right in front of the tv and watches very closely and cocks her head. It makes me laugh every time. It probably isn't that funny, James doesn't normally laugh at her like I do...maybe I am just a mom who is at home too much??

Isn't she pretty though?

Isn't he swell??

2009-03-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

This was one of many pre-upward ceremony shots I took. The kids were on their way out the door for the closing ceremony of their basketball league. I snapped this one of Grace looking at Isaac....her face just shows it all! "Isn't he swell, the best brother ever!" I love this picture now, b/c it's such a rare moment to catch Grace showing her unashamed love for her brother. Don't get me wrong, they love eachother and spend hours pretending to be dinasours or jedi's...(Isaac is so blessed to have a sister who isn't ALL girly) but they do know how to fight too:) I agree with Grace too, she is one blessed girl to have such an amazing brother.

Syracuse Winter

2009-02-20T19:08:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone...It's been a little while since I posted anything. Most of you know that Syracuse in January and Feb. has little to offer, unless you ski. We have been doing our best to avoid getting sick and taking adavantage of those balmy days, you know, when we make it into the double digits...or 30's...whohoo! We did recently make our trek to PA (Lancaster) to see James' folks. We decided to stop half way...Scranton, PA (home of The Office)..at a hotel with a pool. Break up the trip. The kids had fun swimming. We all crammed into a small room, the kids slept great, the dog, not so much! So, I will be posting again soon, hopefully, as we make it out of hibernation:)

The Whole Family

2009-01-23T18:21:00.000-08:00

Abby, Anna, Grandma and Grace

Isaac and Daddy

All 5 of us

{Top Left to right) Pat, Chris, David, Danielle, James, Me, Mike and

Rebecca. Isaac, David Buff, Ethan, Matthew, Grandpa (Dad) Anna,

Grandma (mom) Abby, Grace and Noah.

We finally managed to get the WHOLE family together...all the Booher kids, spouses and kids. The only ones missing were the doggies:) The whole photo shoot went pretty quick, considering there were 18 of us in all!

James' birthday

2009-01-23T18:15:00.001-08:00

We had a nice week over James' birthday...which was the 14th. The big 32~ now he is as old as me... I think the kids were more excited than James was...they helped me wrap and make the cake. Here are some pictures of our little celebration. James got a new Bills shirt.

Christmas '08

2009-01-06T15:44:00.001-08:00

General MacArthur....."Mac"

2008-12-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

This is an early family Christmas present. James has always wanted a boxer. We actually picked him out a week ago..but my someone couldn't wait until Christmas morning:) Which I think is prob. wise. Christmas is a busy day anyhow without throwing a puppy into the mix! I video-taped the kids expressions, which were priceless. They love him and he has the sweetest temperment.

Melanie and Anna

2008-11-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

My little Anna loves to play with Melanie Cogan, Grace's little girl. They have common interests, you know, Barbies, dress up, and eating! Here are some pics. of them eating and sitting on one cushion on my couch. So cute.

Halloween

2008-11-03T05:17:00.000-08:00

We took the kids trick or treating. As you can see, the girls were fairies and Isaac was Prince Caspian. Grace was fearless, as usual, running from house to house with Anna trying to keep up. Isaac ended up riding in the stroller for most the time b/c he saw a scary costume:( Poor guy. He is pretty sensitive..

Teddy

2008-10-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Grace's teddy is so loved. It was given to her about 5 years ago. Thanfully, it was an LLBean bear, which is why I think it has held up so well. He has lost his nose, had a 'tummy' refill and lots of stitches.

I actually wrote LLBean and sent a few of these pictures to say thanks for making a great teddy! (and maybe get a new one out of?:) who knows!

I love Fall

2008-10-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

I just love Fall...I wish it lasted longer in CNY but as many know, lots of snow fell yesterday and it isn't November yet! Here are some pumpkins the girls decorated at Fall Festival in Rochester with Aunt Laura. Anna also painted some walnuts she picked up on one of our walks. She picks up leaves, walnuts, worms, you name it!

PlayDough Creation

2008-10-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Anna loves to do anything that makes a mess, playdough qualifies.. She made me little donuts:) Then proudly displayed them while I took her picture. Such a ham.

Auntie Laura and Uncle Chad

2008-10-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

We went to visit Aunt Laura and Uncle Chad

in Rochester on Saturday. We spent Sunday morning playing at the park. It was a perfect fall day. The kids played dodge ball with their Dad and Uncle Chad. Lots of fun.

Visit from "far away Grandpa and Grandma"

2008-10-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

James' parents came up for a visit last weekend. They drove their "smart" car...James referred to it as a Matchbox car, felt like he could pick it up by the roof and play with it! They get lots of looks and laughs:) But, we had a great time together an the kids were thrilled to see them and Rosie too!

Analogy....

2008-10-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

I Read this little story on one of the forums I moderate....so who knows if it's true or not. That being said, I think it's a great little analogy of one of the fundamental differences btwn. Conservatives and Liberals. Vote for Less Government Nov 4th! Vote McCain. "I was talking to a friend of mine's little girl, and she said she wanted to be President some day. Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her, 'If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?' She replied, 'I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people.' 'Wow - what a worthy goal.' I told her, 'You don't have to wait until you're President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow, pull weeds, andsweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50.Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food or a new house.' She thought that over for a few seconds 'cause she's only 6. And while her Mom glared at me, she looked me straight in the eye and asked, 'Why doesn'tthe homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?' And I said, 'Welcome to the Republican Party.' Her folks still aren't talking to me. "

Toby

2008-10-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

On an occasional Sunday, we watch Toby, David and Danielle's dog. He is "scratching" our dog itch, so to speak. We get to play with him for the day and send him home. He is a lot of fun and the kids seem to be asking less about getting a dog, sometimes:)

2008-10-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

Whatcha' lookin' at Grandpa?? Anna hung out a lot with Grandpa on our hike and then back at Chris' house.

An Autumn Hike to the "Look Out"

2008-10-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

We spent a day at Chris and Pat's house and my Dad's property...the fingerlakes' trail...that over looks Lab Pond in Fabius. We had a great day. My sister came from Clinton with her family and my parents came up too. We had a wonderful day outside enjoying God's creation. The kids were so tired they actually asked to go to bed:) Now that's a good day!

The Hike up...

2008-10-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

We started at Chris' house and the women walked to the ponds. then the boys brought up all 8 kids and we all hiked to the Look Out together. What a great day. Anna needed a ride every now and then. Of course, along the way, we saw toads and worms. Life doesn't get much better!

The View

2008-10-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

After a long, long hike, we finally made it to the "lookout" which overlooks Labrador Pond. The WHOLE Booher family made it ( minus David and Danielle) but we did bring Toby (their dog with us!)

Happy 8th Birthday Isaac!

2008-10-05T18:12:00.001-07:00

I had fun making Isaac's cake this year. Some are more fun than others:) I re-created the battle scene from Mustafar..for those of you who aren't versed in all star wars movies, that is in the Revenge of the Sith movie, the lava planet scene:) Isaac liked it and Grace helped me (mostly watched ) as I frosted it. Isaac had his cousins over today and grandparents. A fun day!

The 6th is actually Isaac's "real" birthday, as he calls it, even though he had a family party today. I was thinking all day, on and off, between church and being a hostess, that I can't believe how fast time has gone! My boy is in 2nd grade and is such a gift...a kind and caring brother and friend. He has an unusual knack for understanding people and is such a critical thinker! Some of the things he says, I often think, wow, I never would have thought of things this way at 8! His imagination is something else too! Always pretend fighting, ( whole battle scenes!) I know some day I will miss those noises! He takes school seriously and is doing excellent! I love you Isaac. You are a blessing to me.

What do 8 year old boys like??

2008-10-05T17:59:00.001-07:00

Some presents! A sword with Prince Caspian costume and the leggo castle! Thanks everyone:)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-09-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Now that Isaac and Grace are off to school...the house is sooo quiet. Anna and I made choc. chip cookies, which she just loved. I loved watching her excitment as she scooped them on the baking stone and then watched them in the oven as they got bigger. Simple joys. She is such a delight.

First Day of School

2008-09-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

Isaac is in 2nd grade and Grace started K this year! Wow. Where does the time go?? I did my crying at the K orientation this year, so I made it through the 1st day quite well actually, minus discovering I had strep throat. Ugh. So, It's been a long week but the kids like their teachers and James and I are very thankful for Faith Heritage School and feel blessed that we can send our kids there.

James and the kids on 1st day of school

2008-09-06T06:29:00.001-07:00

Tea Party at the Snavlin Farm

2008-08-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

The girls were invited to a tea party at the Snavlin Farm. My good friend, Jessica's parent's farm in Tully. Joyce's gardens were beautiful . Here is Grace and Amy with their tea hats:)

all the girls getting ready to have tea

2008-08-19T06:23:00.001-07:00

Grace & Anna Dow, Melanie Cogan, Megan Chawgo, Sasha and Sierrra Snavlin

My girls

2008-08-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

How do you like my hat? Joyce had a big bin of hats, of course, I had to wear the hot pink one with sparkles on it! My girls' loved it though.

It's hard to stay girl for too long.....

2008-08-19T06:04:00.001-07:00

Grace managed to catch a toad at the tea party. I love that about Grace.

Girls Night Out

2008-08-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

We had a fun girls night out...it only happens about 2x a year, usually when Jess comes home from CO. for a visit! But, we had a great time and acted like we were 17 for the night:) Taking goofy pictures and just being silly.

Amy, Jessica, Me and Grace

Seabreeze

2008-08-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Come get your summer! You know the song...I find myself humming it because the commercial seems to be on tv every 5 minutes. We did Seabreeze this summer and I have to admitt, it was fun. Not too big, not too small, a nice day trip to Rochester, our old stomping grounds.

Father and Son

2008-07-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Isaac and James shootin' hoops. Don't they look so much alike?? It cracks me up!

Grace snuggles with Daddy

2008-07-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

All tuckered out!

2008-07-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

The Girls

2008-07-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

My girls had so much fun swimming in the kiddie pool and riding around together on Laura's retro-tryc.

Air Show at Chad and Laura's

2008-07-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

We went to Rochester last weekend. Took the kids to Sea Breeze, which I will have to post pictures of later. We spent the weekend hanging out and Chad and Laura's. They had a picnic in the back yard and we watched the air show (thunderbirds) fly over. Those planes are loud! But we had a great weekend!

Hair cut

2008-07-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Isaac has been "growing" his hair all year. With summer here, we finally convinced him to let us buzz it...I think it looks better. We think maybe he was trying to look like Prince Caspian or something?

My little artist

2008-07-08T09:58:00.001-07:00

Anna loves to paint....anything and everything. If we give her ketchup, which happens often at any meal,. she eventually ends up painting with it. If she is eating a cupcake with frosting, guess what, she paints with the frosting! For her birthday, she got paint! Great. Go to town Anna....well, she did. Except, she decided to dump them in piles and use her fingers instead:)

Father and Son Fishing

2008-07-08T09:35:00.003-07:00

James' parents came for a visit right at the end of June. Of course, they did some fishing:) Here a few shots of some bass they caught. I believe they call them "lunkers", (the big ones)

Smile Grace, life is good!

2008-07-08T09:29:00.001-07:00

Millie, Jessica, Matthew and Rebecca

2008-07-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

look at that tushy!!

2008-07-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Matthew King

2008-07-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th!

2008-07-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

We all went to camp, the whole family, all 8 grandkids. Mom and Dad celebrated their 40th anniversary on Sunday. The kids have soo much fun. We all got lots of sun and swam. We also painted the outside of the camp, it was over due! Everyone painted. I think I am still getting paint out of Grace's hair:)

Grace gets her ears pierced!

2008-06-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

I had all 3 kids at the mall and decided to get Grace's ears pierced! She was amazing. No crying or hardly a reaction at all, which is typical of her. She looks so cute!

Kids Kids and more kids!

2008-06-26T09:39:00.001-07:00

There were 22 kids at camp on Wednesday btwn three different camps, probably half were realted (booher side)

Old Friends

2008-06-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

Grace and Me. We go way back to highschool when she lived with me for a while! She is a dear friend to me!

A Day at Camp

2008-06-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

I decided to take the kids to camp for the day wednesday. It was the only day I could do it. So, since Chris and other's were up there, we thought it'd be fun. James worked. I drove up with my three and brought Grace and her three along. We had a great day. My Anna, who just turned 3 loves to play with Grace's little girl Melanie, who is closer to 4. Holly was also up there with her group of 4 kids! Her little girl, Susanna, is also 3. They were the 3 princess, chatting and pretending all day together. I really enjoyed watching them. What a different scene it would be with 3 little boys playing, much louder, I think!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Anna Elizabeth!!

2008-06-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

Anna woke up bright and early this morning! Not because it was her birthday though:) Just because:) Let's just say that Anna needs her beauty rest b/c she was pretty cranky until she got some food in her tummy. I have been so excited to give Anna her presents. She is such a joyful little girl, most the time, that we were really looking forward to watching her expressions as she oohed and awed over her dolls and dress-up clothes. What we forget is that she has two older siblings who don't want to miss a THING! Isaac wants to sit next to Anna and Grace wants to help, which lead to a squable before the first present was even opened. Once everyone was situated properly so that ALL could see and Isaac stopped crying b/c he wasn't where he wanted to be sitting, Anna, being the 3rd, and a people pleaser, said joyfully, "Look mom, Isaac's happy now!" We let Anna have her lime light with minimal help from the siblings:) It isn't too often she gets it, so we think once a year it's ok:) Life with a 3 yr old, a 5 yr old and a 7 yr. old can be hectic, even on birthdays.

However, I love giving presents to my kids, I have to admitt and Anna is no different. She loved everything and has had a fun day! She is all girl as you can see by the purple fairy outfit with wings, that she wore most the morning:) We did get her to take it off to go fishing. James bought her a princess fishing pole, he couldn't resist.

Grace loves fishing!

2008-06-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

She gets so excited when anyone catches one and wants to hold them and throw them back, no matter what size they are~

Anna running a long the damm at the reservoir

2008-06-14T12:50:00.001-07:00

Fishin' at the Reservoir....

2008-06-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

James loves fishin here. He has started taking the kids. It's my uncle's property, so it's nice b/c it doesn't get fished much and there are some big ones in there. Isaac and Grace caught a few bass. Anna tried:) We aren't sure how much her princess fishing pole would hold?? She got that for her 3rd birthday today.

All tuckered out!

2008-05-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

So much fishing and playing outside!

Swingin' with Aunt Chris and Grandpa

2008-05-27T05:32:00.001-07:00

Everyone was there.....

2008-05-27T05:14:00.000-07:00

David and Danielle, Rebecca and Mike, Chris and Pat and Mom and Dad....Plus all 8 grandkids. Even Great-Grandma and Grandpa Booher stopped over:)

It was a great weekend. The water was freezing but the boys still went swimming. Brr!

More cousins!

2008-05-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

Grace's 5th Birthday Party at Camp

2008-05-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Grace has beeen so excited to have her party at camp, again. Seems to be a tradition now. So, she had all 7 cousins there. Opened some presents, had her cake. She also got tons of black fly bites, one right in the corner of her eye! She got mostly horse gifts, what a shocker.

Thanks Great Grandpa and Grandma Booher:)

2008-05-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

Grace is turning 5 next week. She recieved some birthday money from her Great Grandma and Grandpa Booher. They are so thoughtful. So, Grandpa, here's a big Thank You to you guys! Grace bought some horses she wanted and was so excited!

Indiana Jones?

2008-05-22T06:01:00.001-07:00

Isaac is lately into Indiana Jones. Do you see any resemblance?

One of my recent van ride conversations. Isn't life fun with kids!?

2008-05-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Isaac: Mom, can I have a party at the movie theatre? Me: Well, what do you mean? Isaac: you know, have the whole class come and we can watch Indiana Jones? Me: I don't know about that Isaac. First, it probably wouldn't be playing around your birthday, second, I don't think all the kids in your class would like it? Grace: I want to come to the party at the movies! Isaac: You can't, there are some scenes you'd be scared of Grace: I want to come! Isaac: Gracie, you can't! (yelling is starting) Me: Guys, Guys, GUYS! There is no party in the movie theatre! Isaac: (Starting to cry) but I want to have a party in the movie theatre for my birthday! Grace: I want to come! Me: Isaac, your birthday is like 6 months away. No more talking everyone.

What are the Odd's?

2008-05-19T16:27:00.001-07:00

James just happened to see Rob Richard, long time friend and old roomate from college on the highway! James was on his way home from the yankee's game and Rob on his way home from a wedding. My dad pulled over after all 4 guys were waving at Rob. They got to catch up for a few an snap a picture.

All the Guys at the Yankee Game

2008-05-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Some famous Yankee players

2008-05-19T16:10:00.001-07:00

Yankee's Game

2008-05-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

My Dad got tickets to the Yankees vs. Met's game at Yankee Stadium. He took James, Mike (a met's fan) and my brother David. The guys had a great time. Spent the night in NYC and had some good food and fun. Here are some pictures that James took.

What a smile!

2008-05-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Wrestle time with Daddy and Anna

2008-05-14T07:29:00.001-07:00

Anna and her Daddy were "wrestling". So cute. She just delights in her Dad and I think it's a good thing James only has two pinkies:)

Mother's Day

2008-05-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

I don't have pictures for this post, shocking, I know, since that is all I normally post! However, It was a wonderful day. My kids came in handing me plants saying, "Happy Mother's Day", I barely had my eyes open...Anna ran in lastly saying, 'Happy Valentine's Day, Mommy." For some reason, every holiday is Valentines for her. We laughed about that the rest of the day. Isaac and Grace had both made home made gifts from school. However, about two days prior to Mom's day, had been working feverishly in their rooms making dozens of pictures that they put in shoe boxes wrapped in Christmas paper with peppermint patties taped to the top. So cute. Isaac gave me a great story that actually reminded me of his daddy!! It said, "One day there was a mother and her family and this Mother loved her family. But one day a fire came to her family. The end. My Mother is the best mother ever!!!" I just cracked up (not in front of him) B/c his father wrote a poem for his mom when he was around 7, for Valentines. It said, "I shot a dinasour and I'm boiling his head in a pot." "oh how beautiful is the winter fallen snow..." Does anyone else see the similarities there?? James made pancakes (first time ever:) and then we barely made it to church. We spent the afternoon at Chris and Pat's..the guys cooked out and the kids and adults played baseball in the afternoon. It was so much fun. Anna spent about 3 hours in the sand box!! They just played all day outside. What a great day. To top it off, Danielle, Chris and I went to see, "Made of Honor"..very good chick flick. Laughed a lot and some good romance...you know, not realistic at all! Hope all you mom's had a great day and kicked back a little!

Big Brother, Little Sister

2008-05-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Anna

lilacs

2008-05-04T17:13:00.001-07:00

Anna loves the flowers. The lilacs are in bloom. She is just all girl. She won't take off these tinkerbell sunglasses that Aunt Danielle gave her.

The Dow's new home

2008-04-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

This is the James' parent's new home. They just moved before Thanksgiving. The whole family plus James' uncle scott and his two girls, Karly (her boyfriend) and Evvie.

Luke came from Philly

2008-04-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

lap top buddies

2008-04-22T19:35:00.002-07:00

Uncle Chad has been writing a story for a couple years now. When we go down to visit James and Chad's parents' he is always on his lap top working away. Isaac LOVES Uncle Chad and so decided he was going to write his own story. It is actually very creative. It is, of course, about a boy with an ancient sword..on a quest of somekind. He is still working on it even though we've been home for a week:)

kiss me baby:)

2008-04-22T19:35:00.001-07:00

Some Family Fun..

2008-04-22T19:32:00.001-07:00

The kids were chasing The Dow's dog, Rosie..she is tough to catch. We had a nice dinner and a cake for Scott's retirement fromt he Force.

A whole lot of pigs!!!

2008-04-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Pig Farm

2008-04-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Anna walking around the Academy

2008-04-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Uncle Scott drops a medicine ball on James...some cadet training

2008-04-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

That's loud!

2008-04-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Let's see how good your shooting is!

2008-04-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

more horses...grace was in heaven!

2008-04-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Cousin Evvie helps Anna

2008-04-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

Grace running to the horse stables

2008-04-22T19:20:00.002-07:00

look at how neat the cadet's room's are!

2008-04-22T19:20:00.001-07:00

Trip to PA

2008-04-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

We went to Manheim (Lancaster) Pa, to visit James' parents. Chad and Laura were there as well as Luke. We were able to visit the PA State Trooper Academy in Hershey. James Uncle Scott is almost retired and teaches there now. He was able to give the grand tour from the cadet's rooms, to the horse stables. You'll also see some shots of the kids and Uncle Chad in the cop car... Very cool. We also got to practice our shooting in the simulation room. They boys really liked this! Grace of course, loved the horses. James' parents live across the street from a pig farmer. We were able to visit this farm of over 1,000 pigs. The stench was unreal and seemed to stick to everything, even our hair, but the kids loved it. Just fun to be together with family.

Anna picking flowers with Sprite

2008-04-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

bathing beauties!

2008-04-22T11:09:00.001-07:00

Actually, the girls were jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler under it. This is probably one of our best investments! It tires them right out.

She got to make her own icecream! Yum

2008-04-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

Grace's pre-k trip to Green house

2008-04-22T05:17:00.001-07:00

oh brother!

2008-04-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

David was being goofy with James...when the two of them get together, look out! Somehow we managed to get a 'normal' shot of us together!

a walk down memory lane.....

2008-04-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

All of us kids shared some of our favorite memories with Dad. Most of them included some adventure of some kind! Some, near death experiences, mostly taking places on boat trips! I had two! What a generous and loving Dad he is. There was lots of laughter and tears shed. A wonderful day. All of us kids sent him on a scuba diving trip to St. Anthony's Key in Honduras. He will be going in August with my brother David and one of his son-in-laws, Pat. I think he was pretty suprised.

Happy 60th Dad!

2008-04-21T11:00:00.001-07:00

anna

2008-04-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

Gracie

2008-04-09T11:12:00.001-07:00

Spring is here!

2008-04-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Spring is here, spring is here..we all feel like singing with this wonderful weather. I am sure that it will snow this weekend or rain again, but we are enjoying it. The girls sported their "spring pants' that my friend Grace Cogan made for them. Bugs, flowers, butterfies...so cute. They have been jumping on the trampoline a lot! Tires them right out. Grace is already counting down days until camp and her birthday at the end of May. She wants to catch frogs and bugs. She delightfully found a moth yesterday, which she put in her "frog-i-tat" ...a home for frogs..but she puts anything in there. She has also been disspointed in our lack of spring flowers. We planted about 15 bulbs this afternoon, hopefully they will flower:)

anna and mommy:)

2008-04-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

Anna brings me such joy...we spend the most time together now, with Isaac being in school all day and Grace three mornings a week. You know, all three of my kids are so different and bring me joy in their own unique way!! It is a blessing. Anna is just sweet and happy. All girl and into the accessories, taking pictures, you name it! So, we snapped a quick one, she loves to see us on camera, anyone in her family. She now says when we are out and about...."This is my friend, Mommy..." as she pats me in the knee or something...it is too much!!

Homes for the Kittens

2008-03-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

We did find homes for the kittens. So it is good but a little sad. Grace especially is going to miss them..the one with the white paws she has named "Explorer" b/c he has always been an adventurous kitty:) They won't be ready to go for a few more weeks..so we'll enjoy them until then.

James does some shooting

2008-03-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

The "brothers" (James, David, Mike and Pat) usually play some b-ball.