Assistant Captain
Michael got assistant captain and was chosen to skate up and accept the trophy. It was his favorite part of the tournament.
ROCK N ROLL TOURNAMENT WINNERS!!
They swept the tournament in Cleveland this past weekend. We are so proud of the boys.
Michael got MVP for one of his tounament games.
He got his number on the toolbox!
They are angelic when they sleep
This little man wound up in my bed the other night. I woke up to find him sleeping so peacefully. I just had to snap a photo. It has become one of my favorites of him.
Build a Bear
We went to Build a bear to get a "buddy" to keep us company for our first day at a new school.
Two Orange Belts Please...
The kids started Karate this summer and have graduated to their first belt. Meet our two orange belt kids.
KENNYWOOD!!!!!
FINALLY...I got to tak the kids to Kennywood. They had their first funnel cake, and they liked it so much, they were wearing half of the powdered sugar afterward. LOL
Day at the zoo!!
Mom was working hard this summer to fulfill our summer bucket list. This was our zoo trip...
The shark that tried to eat Sophia
This one attempted a bite through the glass. We thank God for PPG.
When it's 108 on the pavement....
We basically have been spending a lot of time at the pool this week. It's just plain too hot to do anything else. The zoo trip will have to wait until it cools off. Until then, I will nurse my sunburn.
Making Blankets for the Needy
This week we made a blanket for a needy family. The kids got to learn a fun new skill, and even got some ice cream afterward. It was nice to see how proud they were of their blanket at the end.
Moving Day
Well, moving day came and went. It was wildly crazy and lots of work. But I am overflowing with blessings from those that helped.
Church Camp
Michael headed to hit first church camp this year. Boy did we miss the little buggar.
Color me Rad
Well, we did the Color Me Rad charity 5k again this year. This time, Michael joined the girls and had his first RAD experience. It was so much fun, and I love the fact that the kids learn that giving back can be fun too!!!!
My Newest Projects
I am learning many things...one of which is how to live on less, and upcycle. Hence, my newest projects....a few refinishing projects from Goodwill and other various locations. I am finding the beauty in the old, and making it new. Here they are. Thanks to a little sand paper, a really good primer, and some fabulous black paint (not to mention a few Sunday afternoons). Here they are.
It's Canning Time
OK-I admit it...this year I have gotten myself a little addicted to the canning thing. I am curious to see if my kids really will eat 30 jars of jelly this year. I am willing to place money that they will come close. So now, the debate is whether I should can my own spaghetti sauce OR salsa? I'm thinking the spaghetti sauce will get used more.
Back to the Lake House
The kids hung out at the lake while we ate at the Italian Fisherman
The rock
This pic gives you some idea of how big the rocks are there.
Panama Rocks
One of my favorite places to hike in this world.
Thrill seeker
All he wanted to do is boogie board
"Nature walk"
I snapped this photo on a nature walk, but it ended up looking like a fake background.
"My boy"
Yup...that's Michael all right. He loves hockey.
PORTRAIT
I snapped a quick picture of him while he was waiting for his turn to ride. It just turned out cute, so I am sticking it on here.
Christmas pictures!
The studio opened this week, and we took the neighborhood Christmas pictures.Here is Sophia's
Tree pic
Michael's first hockey game!
This past week was Michael's first hockey game. It was a really exciting day, since he had worked 2 years to get here. It was a really fun game to watch. The boys looked like little mini penguins out there.Here they are waiting to take the ice.
Dedication
He was so excited to get out there and play a real game. I was so proud of him.
Datsa' my girl
Potato sack races
It's the old fashioned games they love. Go figure.
They loved getting their picture taken in this.
Strong man and the lady
The mermaid and Special Forces
A little sparkle and a gun. Yup, there they are, ready to go. Getting them out the door was half the battle.
Sophia swing
One of my top 10 favorite pictures of her.
Creepy Stick
I dunno-I just like this one.
Fall foilage
Sophia's birthday dress-up picture
It's a little weird to see my Italian baby in blonde hair, but she insisted on the blonde wig. She wanted to know what she looked like with "blonde hair".
First day of school
Michael and Sophia heading to the bus stop.
My goofball
Everyone has the first day of kindergarten pose
Church Party
We had a kindergarten graduation party for all the kids moving up into kids church. There was face painting, a bouncy slide and balloon art. It was tons of fun.
Michael's painted face
He wanted the monster, but I'm afraid it was a "no go" from mom.
The Gang
One last photo before we hit the road. I will cherish this one, despite Mark's topiary hat. Sorry buddy. Nobody was sitting down yet, when I framed the photo with the timer. hee hee.
Top of the Mountains
This was at the bottom of the trail to Clingmans Dome
The streams
The streams around the park were beautiful. We couldn't resist stopping and getting in. The dads caught salamanders, while the kids skipped stones.
Walking trail to Clingmans Dome
This is the paved trail that takes you to the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. It was a beautiful walk.
Our Bear
Yup, we saw a bear up there in the Smokies. I was beginning to think I had more wildlife in my back yard, but we were not disappointed. This little guy bolted right in front of our car.
My Daisies
Snapped a photo of a bee on one of my daisies this weekend.
Slip N' Slide
The kids rode this slip n' slide with the neighbors for at least 3 hours. It was 90 degrees and full sun. There was no other place to be but in the water.
Michael and Dad
Michael and daddy chilled together on the loungers before we started lighting off the fireworks.
Catching Lightning Bugs
Michael kept chasing down and catching lightning bugs. The kids caught at least 10 that night! It was pretty cool, I have to admit.
THE GRANDKIDS
This picture pretty much sums up the afternoon. It was pretty nutty. Poor grammy and papa. What a day! They may still be recovering.
THE WHIP
Our first trip on the whip.
The Fam
Vacation in the Bahamas
This was the first time my kids got to see the beach. They had a blast!
Buried
Buried #2
Michael's first water slides
TAKING A BREAK
I just like this one. Don't know why.
MID AIR
He jumped up to kick this one. I caught him on the way down.
Michael Pose
Michael's Baptism
Michael got dunked today! He did so great! He was able to tell about 500 onlookers that "He wanted to get baptized because he wants to follow Jesus, he loves Jesus, so he wants to obey Jesus". That's a tall order for a 5 year old, and he did it with no fear. We are so proud of him!
SOCCER 2010
Soccer season is back, and so are the cold mornings on the field! We love every minute of it though! This was from Sat, the 17th, temp 40 degrees, and 20 mph winds. Brrrrrrrr.
Meggie's 3rd Birthday!
Meggie got comfy with Grammy and Papa during her 3rd birthday party
SNOW TOO DEEP TO SLED RIDE?
They barely got off the steps at this point. They didn't last long, because of exhaustion from trying to walk in waist deep snow.
A SNOWY 2010
Our driveway......just plain scary.
more curly frozen leaves
SOPHIA SNOW
Ray Schermerhorn
In honor of my grandfather, who died 12 years ago next month-I wanted to post my favorite WWII picture of him. I am digging through family pictures right now, and have discovered so much about the man I just used to call "Gramps".
Crazy Babies
I am happy to say that we got through baths this year without a "pooping" incident
Milk and Cookies
The kids were here putting out milk and cookies Christmas Eve. This explains mommies 5 pounds.
Nonni and Papap Varrati
Christmas Eve dinner with the 7 fish
The Varrati Kids
Christmas 2009