September and October 2011

Hi all,

During our fall break from school, Evan and Paul stayed home while Ella and I traveled to South Dakota to visit my sister Lisa and her new baby Jaden.  Ella and I stayed with Lisa for a few days so we could catch up and love on Jaden.  While in South Dakota, we (Lisa and I) took a boat ride with our Aunt Charlotte, Uncle Elmer, Cousins Rhonda and Sean to spread our dad's ashes into the Big Stone Lake.  It has been eight years since dad passed away and it was time to follow through on what he had asked us to do.  It was the closure that was necessary.....we miss you dad!!  Prior to flying back to Atlanta, we spent an evening with Dawn, Larry and kids....so fun!!

On September 29th, I surprised Paul by renewing our vows at the church on our 20th wedding anniversary. It was very simple renewal with kids and Pastor Paul.  Happy 20th honey!!

See you in November.....

Little Jaden

Cousin Rhonda, me, Cousin Sean and my sister, Lisa

Ella feeding her Cousin Jaden

Whitney, Ella and Preston

Renewal of our vows

Halloween 2011
Ella is Ariel and Addison is Little Red Riding Hood

July and August 2011

Hi all,

We began the first weekend of July going to the Woodstock 4th of July parade with Ritchie family then driving up to Ellijay, Georgia to barbeque and tube down the river with Veith's, Ritchie's and Stricklin's.....always such a great time!! For a little over two weeks, Evan, Ella and myself flew up to New York to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa. The kids enjoyed their pool and beaches as well as Grandma's cooking/grilling....yummy!!! Once we got back home, it was time to get ready for another year of school.....August 1st, Ella entered kindergarten and Evan entered his last year of high school........

My sweet children relaxing at Grandma and Grandpa's!!!!!

Ella ready to jump into grandma's pool.....soooo fun!!!

Enjoying the beach on Long Island, NY

Evan enjoying grandma's BMW.....sweet!!!

Celebrating Laura's 42nd bday in St. James, NY with grandma and grandpa

Addison and Ella playing at Kidstock playground

Ella's getting a ride in Nona's walker!!

Addison and Ella on first day of kindergarten!!!

Our elementary school bus stop..... 20 kids