Recently in Photos Category

Recently (7/25-8/8) Dan, Ashley, Nicole and I went on an amazing boat trip. We started out in the Apostle Islands (where we keep our boat), stopped at Grand Portage, MN; on to Thompson Island (near Thunder Bay); Thunder Bay, Ontario; Silver Islet, Ontario; Isle Royale (Michigan territory/state); Grand Marais, MN and then back to the Apostle Islands. We were sooooo lucky with the weather. We had rain a couple times in the evening after we were set for the night and stayed an extra day in Grand Marais, MN ‘cause the winds/waves would’ve been too uncomfortable (4-7 foot waves; 30knot winds)and some occasional fog; thank goodness for radar! We stayed on the boat the entire time; sometimes at a dock and sometimes at anchor. Here are some of the highlights. Grand Portage- Trading Post replica; Thompson Island-gorgeous waters, trails and a sauna!; Thunder Bay-Fort William (original fur trading post early 1800’s); Silver Islet, Ontario-one of the richest silver veins/mines in the late 1800’s; Isle Royale- remote island only accessible by ferry, personal boat or sea plane, many inlets, anchorages and trails. (http://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm ); Grand Marais, MN-last stop before going “home” to the Apostle Islands, we lucked out and were able to spend time at the Fisherman’s Festival which is their annual summer celebration (mini-donuts, log rolling exhibition and street vendors). It would take me a long time to fill you in on all the details of the trip, but overall it was great being together (yes, we still talk to each other) and taking in all the beautiful sights. We are so fortunate to have been able to take such an amazing trip. Here are a few (of the hundreds) photos from the trip.

2.Thompson Island Lookout

We had another great FL vacation last week at the Waterscape Condos. in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. We went with Joey's family. Sue, Elizabeth, Christina, and I were all supposed to go earlier in July but I panicked back in June because of the oil, and we all cancelled that trip. Well, I'm sorry I did! Joey's family hadn't planned anything yet and decided at the last minute to go here so I gave in and said we could go. It was absolutely gorgeous the whole week! We did have a few tarballs on the bottom of the Gulf on one day, but otherwise it was perfect. All 3 kids loved the sand and the water. We had green or yellow flags every day and clear water on the first 3 days. After that it was a little seaweedy but it didn't bother anybody. I hope that BP continues to do everything they can to preserve our Gulf because I would be so sad to see this way of life changed!

The last picture is a picture of Joey's brother, Andy's arm. He was snorkeling in the Bahamas when he was attacked. He did not see the fish that did it, but said he felt something that was like someone punched him very hard in the arm and looked down to see that his arm was mangled and bleeding. He swam back to the beach (and no, he was not far off the beach at all!) and called for help. The doctor who stitched him up said that it was most likely a shark or barracuda that got him. He got 37 stitches inside and out. He has decided to tell everyone that it was a shark because "that sounds cooler." They were on a cruise when it happened and he said that he became a bit of a celebrity on the ship afterward. Everybody on the ship had heard about it and people would come up to him and start humming the "Jaws" music. They got off their ship on Sat. morning, saw a doctor, and then headed straight to FL to join us for our vacation. Joey and his other brothers rigged up a blow-up shark in our condo and when they arrived we all stood by the door and hummed the Jaws music under the blow-up shark. We just had to have a little fun with it!! He gets his stitches removed today and is expected to be just fine.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida - 2010

Cubed Flowers - July 17, 2010

You sent me a lovely bouquet of flowers in a cube because of something I said about how beautiful arrangements can be in a cube. Well, I got this lovely dozen roses for $8.00 at a local grocery store and they look stunning in my new vase!

Thanks again!
Katie

This past weekend, Ashley and Nicole (and Dan) surprised me w/ a Segway tour in Minneapolis as an early birthday present. It was so much fun. At first, I thought for sure I was gonna fall and break my neck. However, after a bit of instruction and some practice time, we all got the hang of it and it was easy. We went to the Stone Arch Bridge, to the Mill City museum (just on the outside), the river walk area then over the Hennepin Avenue bridge to Boom Island, Nicollet Island and back to the Segway store. It was about a 2½ hour event. We got rained on a bit, but all in all it was a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. Next time anyone is looking for a fun tourist thing to do, I recommend the Magical History Tour. Just go to www.humanonastick.com. We celebrated my birthday with brunch before the tour w/ our friends Andy, Erin and Andy’s dad Sid. It was a great morning to sit outside and enjoy brunch (at Lord Fletcher’s on Lake Minnetonka). Dan also surprised me with a new bicycle. I have been lookin’ at buying one for a while as my old one was over 20 years old. Now to get the June rains to subside so I can get out and try it. All in all a fabulous 40 something birthday.

Fashion on a Segway

We had a crawfish boil on Sunday to celebrate Savannah's birthday. She didn't get any crawfish but she loved her cake. When we took the family picture, she reached out and grabbed her cake. I just wasn't quick enough to keep her out of it! So we quickly sang and then let her dive into the little cake I had for her. She's walking and talking! She says "baby" and "hi" along with "mama and dada." She has hit all of her milestones before her brothers did. However, they were much better sleepers and I'll take that any day over advanced talking and walking!

The boys took swimming lessons all last week and are doing great in the water. Savannah and I got to get in with them every day and she loved it! She's a little fish. She kicks when you tell her to and looks like an adorable little frog!

Savannah Marie is 1year old

I can't believe my baby is 2! He was born the day after Mother's Day two years ago. I was on bed rest so didn't get to go to Katie's house to celebrate. Instead, Phil baked a ham and macaroni and invited his mom and sister over to celebrate with us. My water broke early the next morning, 8 weeks premature. He had some developmental delays, all attributed to his prematurity and we were told not to worry because he should catch up by the time he turns 2 and for the most part he has. I can't wait to take him for his 2 year old check up to see how much he weighs. He didn't make the "normal" growth chart until he was 18 months old and even then he was only 5th percentile. I have no idea how much he weighs, it's been a really long time since he's seen a doctor. I guess I will forever share Mother's Day with him and eventually his birthday will probably be on Mother's Day. This year it's not until Wednesday (the 12th) but I'm not sure how we'll mark it since he's already blown out his candle and opened his presents! I would like to get a picture of him with a 2 year old sign but he's not very cooperative for the camera so we'll see.

We had everyone over here to celebrate. Phil grilled burgers and we had a seven layer dip, corn salsa, cream cheese with pepper jelly on it, and a fruit salad. The cake was from our favorite ice cream shop, Coldstone Creamery. Katie brought some of her delicious potato salad and Amy made cucumber salad. It was a delicious spread of food and a lot of fun to have everyone here. Jackson gave us a concert with his electric guitar. He's really starting to be a good player. Angela was here with just Samuel and Savannah, Joey stayed home with a sick Luke. David Clayton joined us after work. We had great weather and it was a really nice day

Jude's 2nd Birthday and Mother's Day 2010

Jude's 2nd Birthday and Mother's Day 2010

We celebrated Wyatt's birthday on May 1st at our house. I was amazed that a year had passed so quickly. The events of April 30, 2009 are so vividly etched in my mind that it seemed impossible for little Wyatt to already be celebrating his first birthday. A year ago, we were at Patrick's 16th birthday party when I was pretty certain that I was in labor. I thought I did a good job of keeping my feelings secret but Grandma Ferrara (in town for Patrick's confirmation and birthday) read my body language and knew something was up. When we got home from the party that night I let Stephen know what was going on and Wyatt was born during the early hours of the 30th...just in time for Grandma to see him before she caught her flight back to New Orleans.

Wyatt wore a little birthday outfit that was passed down to me from Christina (I believe) and he looked adorable. We had some dips for appetizers and Texas BBQ with fries for dinner. My sister's girls were here for the party and all of the toddlers ate at the "kiddie table." Nonnie volunteered to make Wyatt's birthday cake and it turned out perfect! She recently took a cake decorating class with her friend Delphine and as you can see, it paid off. I was so grateful and the cake looked fantastic.

Wyatt did very well opening and sharing his gifts with his 2 year old brother. Barrett inherently proclaimed, "MINE!" after each gift was opened. He thought for sure that all of those things must be for him.

Wyatt devoured his cake like a champ. He knew exactly what to do and all but inhaled the piece he was given. I am planning to investigate what he has been eating at Miss Beverly's.

Wyatt is excited about all of his new toys and books...we just have to keep Barrett at bay so Wyatt can enjoy them. Ugh!

Wyatt's First Birthday

Wyatt's First Birthday

Last week (4/12) was Dan’s 50th birthday. He had wanted to spend it with friends in the British Virgin Islands (since we had such a good time before), so that’s what we did. We used the same charter company we used in 2006 but because there were 8 of us, we chartered a bigger boat. (47feet). It worked out perfectly. Everyone had their own state room and bathroom (a must) and there was plenty of room outside to lounge in the sun (or not if your name is Carol). We were able to do some snorkeling, beach walkin’ and general relaxing. It was super windy so the snorkeling wasn’t the greatest as the water was cloudy because of the waves, but still I saw a sting ray and other various “pretty” fish. All in all it was a fabulous way to spend a birthday; good friends, good food and plenty of laughs. Here are some photos of big day.

Ahhhhh

We got a late start and made too many stops today. The end result was we had to deal with a lot more traffic in and around the French Quarter, much bigger crowds, and full parking lots near the action. We ended up parking a lot further away than we wanted and we didn't get to stay as long as we would have liked. It was cheaper to park miles away, though, so there's that. Turns out this was probably a blessing. Patsy's sister, Bobette, parked near the Aquarium and ended up paying $40 for event parking. We paid $7.

Gorgeous day. We set up our chairs under a shade tree at the Louis-Louis Pavilion, had some great food, and had a good old time. It was too short a time but we'll do better next year. Love that festival.

French Quarter Festival - April 9, 2010 - Marc Stone Band - They were excellent

Last weekend we celebrated Easter at Dan's parents' home in Walker, MN. Mom and Dad joined as they live only 40 minutes from Dan's parents' home. The day was a beautiful spring day. Here are a couple photos from the day. Then on Tuesday I took Nicole back to school (in St. Paul,MN). Ollie (aka Oliver) decided he'd like to try out college life (but I had to make him stay home). Here's a photo of that goofy dog.
Carol

Nicole,Ashley & Grandma & Grandpa Bye

Nicole,Ashley & Grandma & Grandpa Bye

Ollie wants to go back to school with Nicole

Silly Sisters

Jon Stinchcomb came to my school two weeks ago. His nephew (by marriage) is in my class and Jon was in town visiting his family so he decided he would come and visit us. He got his start here. He played at Parkview High (where Stephen will be teaching next year) and he played for Georgia. It was so much fun to have him at school. He was great with the kids and such a nice guy. He did a little inspirational talk to our class, signed some autographs, and took some pictures. I even got one with him by myself! He looks much chubbier on TV then he does in real life. He is very tall though! I was amazed by his height. What a great year to know him!

Uncle Jon in door

Patrick's junior/senior prom was Saturday night. He went with a friend who is a fellow diver on the team with him at Collins Hill. There were 10 in their group and Patrick only knew one guy out of the group. They went to eat at an Asian Bistro in Atlanta called The Goldfish. Patrick had an Angus beef burger and his date had sushi. The prom was at the Fox Theater downtown. He said he had a very good time. That's pretty much the extent of the info, and that is with me, Kellie and Brianne conducting the inquisition.

Stephen and Kellie went to the photo op because Scott wasn't sure he'd get there in time. Stephen was going to take the pictures. Instead, Scott got there in time and Stephen and Barrett went back to our house to get Patrick's date's corsage which we forgot. The pictures were not being taken at the house in which the group was picked up by the limo. They went to one of the girl's aunt's house because she had a pretty backyard to take pictures in. Stephen came back with the corsage to the hosue where we started off and where Kellie, Wyatt and I were stranded because Stephen took the car with the car seats in it. We delivered the corsage just as they were about to leave in the limo.

Stephen and Kellie went out with friends from there and Scott and I babysat Barrett and Wyatt for the night. Brianne was out with friends so I had bathtime duty by myself. Brianne usually does this. They went to bed so easily and seemed to wake up pretty easily at 6:45! Patrick brought them down to me since I didn't hear them. Barrett ate his big breakfast and then ate breakfast later when I ate breakfast and then when Scott ate breakfast and again when Patrick ate his breakfast. He gets up to the table and anticipates each person sharing with him, which we all gladly do.

He continues to love Scott's motorcycle and all things having to do with it. He wears that bicycle helmet whenever he comes over. He also wears some black gloves of Scott's. He sat on that toy motorcycle that morning and I am so happy I could figure out how to turn on Stephen's camera to take his picture. He was moving along with it and making the vrmmmm vrmmmm noise too. It was very funny.

Prom Night

Tracy, Mom and I boarded the plane for New Orleans 3/7/10 looking forward to seeing all the cousins, Aunt Ginnie and sights of the city. None of us were disappointed! What an amazing trip it was. My mom (Aunt Catherine aka Cathy) thoroughly enjoyed her special birthday trip thanks to everyone who put their lives on hold to make time for us. My mom got to see her sister, her nieces, nephews, their children and various sites of New Orleans that she had wanted to see. Tracy and I were privy to an excellent tour guide (Katie & Kevin) to show us the French Quarter and 9th ward. Sue and her family made the trek from Atlanta to see us and that was an added treat, ‘specially for my mom. All in all it was a fantastic trip and your hospitality meant the world to us! Carol

Family

We haven't updated you all about our boys lately. Barrett just turned 25 months. He is fully potty trained and has been for almost two months now, he is spending a good amount of time in his bedroom due to his two year old behavior, and he is working to become a gymnast it seems. On Saturday, he had his first haircut. We went to Mr. Tom, who is the son of the man that cut Grandpa Clayton's hair. Mr. Tom cut Mr. Scott's hair and did David and Patrick Clayton's first haircut too. It was only appropriate that we continue the tradition. Miss Sue brought pictures with us to remind Mr. Tom of David and Patrick's first cut. He enjoyed the walk down memory lane and was ready to start on Barrett. I thought he was great but unfortunately Barrett didn't feel the same. He screamed through the first half of the cut and calmed down a bit when he saw "shrucks" (trucks) sloshing through the mud on the TV. You can tell from the pictures that Mr. Tom gave Barrett a lollipop and he had a death grip on it the entire time. I am surprised that he ended up with an even cut but he did and he looks handsome. It really made him look like a big boy to me. I think he looks a lot like Stephen now too.

Wyatt just turned 10 months and is such a happy baby. We have been calling him "Happy Feet" because he does some of the funniest things with his feet. I cannot describe it but it cracks us up. Wyatt is waving bye-bye, clapping, and...he took his FIRST STEPS last night!!! He is looking like a mixture of Frankenstein and Charlie Chaplin. You'll have to see that too. Hopefully, Stephen will post some video footage. Oh, Wyatt and Barrett are playing together a lot more and enjoying each other which is nice for us. Wyatt loves to push this truck but every time he starts Barrett jumps on and jets off like Fred Flintstone. Wyatt has been doing a good job of keeping up...that may be what has expedited his walking.