The Big 3-0

Chris turned 30 on August 5th. We went to his mom's for a cookout the Friday before and ended up playing the Nintendo Wii for the first time. I'm not sure who had a better time...Chris or the boys! Thanks Austin!






The boys refused to leave the house without wearing their superhero costumes. It was really hot that day, and they were sweating all the way to Canton. Someone finally convinced them to take off the outfits...probably Austin when he broke out the Wii. So, obviously these next two pictures were taken before the first two.






On Chris's actual birthday we went to Red Robin after church and came home to eat a Rocky Road cake (chocolate fudge cake mix frosted with homemade vanilla butter cream icing mixed with chopped walnuts then drizzled with a jar of hot fudge.) It was incredible, if I say so myself.

Canada or Bust!

We headed up to Ontario (Spencerville/Brockville) to see our friends the Jones Family. It took us a long time to get there, but it was worth it! We spent three nights and four days with our friends before returning home. We swam in the St. Lawrence River, visited Mrs. Jones' parents' farm (Hannah carried a chicken around like it was her pet cat and the boys caught a glimpse of what it's like when cows pee,) and the adults had games and movie night every evening (that was my favorite part...probably because that's when we ate dessert...and the kids were asleep.)

Here are some pictures that highlight our trip.





The boys did so well in the car...again.





Swimming in the river!



Eating at East Side Mario's. We had poor service but the pizza was yummy!

We were headed back to the house that night and I saw a sign that I couldn't believe. It boasted that some lucky person could win a trip for two to CUBA! I had to be reminded that Cubans and Canadians get along but Cubans and Americans don't.



Is this not the hugest cart you have ever seen? We had to make an important stop at the store for brownie sundae components. Mmm!





The kids picked up where they left off. They sure miss their friends.

On the way home we stopped at the 1000 Islands tower for a scenic view. What a beautiful area! We went up the tower, looked through the gift shop, then played on the playground for a while. All through the gift shop I saw bottles that boasted of "authentic salad dressing from this area" and though, "what kind of crappy gift shop is this, boasting of their own salad dressing"??? Then it hit me...Thousand Island Dressing. Am I the only one to never make that connection?





We had a nice visit but it was good to get back into the States.

Professional Pictures Summer 2007

Each summer I have the boys' pictures taken to commemorate their birthdays. I think the pictures turned out great, what do you think? Yes, that is a scratch on Drew's face...

Swimming at Monticello

Our friend Clay invited us to swim at Monticello's pool this summer. We have only been there once, but the boys had a fun time. We were able to convince them to jump in by themselves, and have since made great progress toward swimming on their own. I regret not teaching them to swim yet, but we don't have a whole lot of opportunities. Hopefully next summer we'll ditch the swimmers and be able to jump off the diving board with no problems!

The Long Awaited Frownie Brownie

It was pointed out to me (thanks Beth) that I never posted a picture of the beloved Frownie Brownies from King's Restaurant. How tragic! Well, my stalking friends, your wait is over.

Happy Birthday Papa Ralph!

We were able to celebrate Ralph's birthday with him this year. Kathy cooked a nice meal, then we ate yummy spice cake (his favorite). The boys love being able to sing "Happy Birthday", especially to someone they love so much. Happy Birthday Ralph!

Myrtle Beach

Chris's mom and step-dad were gracious enough to let us vacation with them this year in North Myrtle Beach (Cherry Grove). We had an incredible time.

I am very proud of the boys for how well they behaved on the trip down and back. They enjoyed playing with their cool new toys and watching movies. We stopped half-way both times and were able to relax for a while.


We had a great time playing on the beach and in the water in spite of the crabs and sting-rays. The boys also enjoyed flying kites and collecting sea shells.

The beach was amazing in Cherry Grove. We could go way out into the ocean and still the water was only up to our knees. It weirded me out.









Can you believe that is Chris, his mom, and the boys way out there in the center of the above picture?? Shark Bait!




We were spoiled by eating out every night, but Preston's was my favorite.

On Thursday, Chris gave me the night off and I was able to sit on the beach while the sun set. It was very relaxing and refreshing. I decided right then that we needed to own a beach house...

There's just something about listening to the waves hit the beach, smelling the salt water, and feeling the breeze. I love it!

Randomness (Is That A Word?)

Our friend Ian came to visit and spend the night a couple of weeks ago. His family recently moved to Buffalo, but the boys picked up right where they left off. They love playing Power Rangers.

This was a rare picture that the boys actually called me in and asked me to take. It makes me feel so good when they get along and actually seem like they love each other.


The boys have hopes of becoming the next Guitar Hero champions...Actually, this was the first and last time they played the game. It is way too advanced for me, let alone them!

Drew has a unique sense of style when it comes to his socks. There are times when I ask him to go put on a pair, and he comes down with long winter socks. For the life of me I cannot get him to change. I have decided that the sock battle is not worth winning...besides, I think he looks cute! If you can't tell, those socks have Batman on them.

Thanks for sharing in some random pictures of my boys...

Up next: Myrtle Beach

Wedding Bells and Frownie Brownies

We recently headed down to South-Eastern Ohio and West Virginia for Chris's step-brother's wedding. They had a very small family ceremony and dinner reception. We enjoyed seeing everyone and the wedding was very nice.




The highlight of our trip was a stop at King's Family Restaurant (between the ceremony and reception), home of the Frownie Brownie. I was a bit skeptical at first because it was attached to a truck stop, but was pleasantly surprised. I think it was similar to a Friendly's or Bob Evans. We enjoyed the food, especially the Frownie Brownies. The tag line for the brownies is "we make a mean dessert." Chris even bought a Frownie Brownie t-shirt. I have thought about checking on-line to see where the closest King's is to us, but have yet do so. We recommend them!

Play Time

I love days that we are able to play together as a family in our yard.

Chasing the Ice Cream Truck

We have conditioned ourselves to drop everything each time we hear the ice cream truck. The boys love flagging it down and picking out a special treat. We have even chased it in our car. It's always a mad rush to find it before it's too late.


Don't worry, we don't let them get a treat every time...