At last!

Sometimes you want to go where things are comfortable. Where there’s a calm and peacefulness and this is it for me! There’s nothing better than this view

Or this one

Or watching this

Jim

And this

Jonathan

And this

Jacob

And then there’s the excitement of new things happening on the river. The towpath has been washed out because of flooding. For as long as I can remember, there's been detour signs taking bikers and hikers around where the path used to be. There's new signs, big ones too! Signs that construction is underway.

Should be interesting to watch the progress.

Can't wait to get back....til next time

Bird Magnet?

Yes, they're creatures God made and if you know me, you know how much that matters but I seriously don't like birds! I'm actually really afraid of them...they're flapping wings and God help us all if they get too close! Why then do they have to keep building nests close to the house? To try to convince me that they're not so bad after all? If anything could work the sight of little babies might do it.

Today, Jake and I were sitting at the table and I looked out at the tree closest to the patio. There was something paper like in the branches. Now for sure I was not going to investigate...way too much risk involved - there could be a bird guarding, so I sent Jake ;). He came back in to report that it is indeed a new nest made with a dryer sheet! Guess there's a shortage on twigs? Anyway - back out with the camera....he went!

First of all this makes me laugh! I took this from the safety of the house with my phone!

He did good! and for all of you wondering, he was not attacked or harmed...I would've have run to his rescue - really, trust me!

There are no eggs in the nest...not sure if we're too late or too early. 'We'll' check again in a couple of days!

Fifteen!

Happy Birthday Jacob! The baby is 15 today. In 9 short months he'll be able to get his driving permit...please say it isn't so! Hope you have the bestest day ever! Enjoy!

A different view

Jon was home for the weekend. Sad part about that is that an injured collar bone is going to keep him off the ice for a little while. (yes, again!) But since Jake's team was playing in a tournament this weekend, Jon got to see lots of games. At the last game, Jake's coach got ejected....so Jon got to spend a little time on the bench - just in a different role. He was offering a little coaching advice from his experience....and I think this picture is priceless!

Trick or treat!

I admit, I'm not a big fan of Halloween. But it is fun to see the little peeps dressed up in their costumes (even the furry peeps), going to the Mummer's Parade and handing out treats.

This year, Jake helped Julie with parade festivities. Each year her work participates and is always looking for volunteers to assist. Let's just say that Jake volunteered...with a little convincing. ;)

And instead of candy, Silly Bandz were in our basket this year. Thought it would be different and fun.

I think it was a hit but I admit that I'm missing sneaking a candy bar here and there....you know the one for them, one for me philosophy?! But guess my jeans won't be quite so tight. Ha!

So, Happy Halloween everyone!

His turn!

Hockey season has officially begun for Jacob too! Julie and I were there for opening night...and it was good to see him back out there. Lots of familiar kids...just a lot taller! A 3-1 win...great start! Good Luck this year to Tuscarora and Jake!

Good bye middle school!

Jake and his friends bid farewell to middle school! They still have a few weeks of school left but Saturday was their 8th grade formal. Apparently, it's not cool to have dates, so they go in groups....boys and girls. From the looks of things, I think everyone had a great time!

Contributing to society!

I joke with the kids about contributing to society...in other words GET A JOB! =) Julie's worked since she was 14 and Jon worked for a while at a local pizza shop and did some mowing two summers ago and now (cough, cough)....ummmmm BUT most recently, Jacob got his first pay check! He completed a hockey referee class last year and reff'ed his first game a few weeks ago. I think he was a little stressed about all of the responsibility of watching all of the players and remembering all of the rules - a lot different when you're the one 'in charge' vs. actually playing! ha! But I'm thinking he liked when the paycheck arrived! Congratulations Jake, we're proud of you!

Christmas in January, a goal and a birthday!

Duffy's Mom, Dad and Grandma visited this weekend to celebrate Christmas. We had a great time catching up and enjoying lots of good food. From the looks of the fridge it was too much food! ha!

So, Merry Christmas one last time...at least for this winter.

The boys played one of their last games of the season tonight. They lost 2 -1 but that one goal, oh how sweet it was! It was compliments of this little man! Good job Jake!

And a very special Happy Birthday to Miss Kayden! She was one on Friday and I'm sure celebrated all weekend long! Isn't she the cutest?! I know Luanne thinks so too! Right Gigi?

We knew him when... #

Jacob invited us to attend a skit that he and his friends in his Theater Arts class put together. Let me just say that I was honored to be invited - seriously! Jake doesn't always want adults attending his school stuff. OK - more to the point, he doesn't want ME to attend...something about embarrassing him at a field trip. I don't remember at all but he claims I was being too enthusiastic...me? Never! Ha!

Anyway back to his skit - Jake's a natural - he doesn't mind being in front of people and seems to thrive on the attention! I've written about it before, but his sense of humor is one of his greatest strengths.

I quickly noticed that I was the only person there with a camera and I'm sure you understand that I wanted to be on my best behavior so I'd be invited back. I only captured a couple pictures, but here's a peek at 'A Redneck Christmas'.

Jake is the one closest, with the hat on.

Jake - thanks for the show! Hope it's the first of many =)

He's fourteen today!

Jacob is 14 today! In some ways he seems older and in others I don't know where the time has gone. He's a thoughtful kid and can always make you smile! He's naturally funny and outgoing and I couldn't be prouder to be his Godmother!

So Jacob, we're wishing you the happiest of birthdays! You deserve nothing less than everything! We LOVE you! Enjoy your day!

fall festival at the ski slopes

This morning Duffy, Jon, Jake and I headed to Whitetail for their outdoor festival. When we got there it was pouring rain and windy! Thankfully after a little bit, it cleared and we had some fun outside.

We rode the lift to the top of the mountain and then back down. The views were amazing!

Oh yeah, I love this shot...

If you remember, last weekend we dug out Jacob's snowboard and found that he um...out grew it over the summer! So, he found a new board today.

He got to do a little rock climbing and paint balling too...

Between rain drops we looked around inside at the craft show and exhibits...

By the time we left, we could actually WALK to the car without umbrellas and running for shelter!

Growth spurt

It literally rained from Wednesday night until around lunch time today - no joke! I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever see the sun again. This afternoon it made a short appearance. Shew, finally!

Aside from my monumental trip to Hobby Lobby (still can't wait to go back!), it was a pretty quiet weekend. Jacob is very excited for winter to arrive. He loves snowboarding and the colder-than-normal weather lately has given him the bug. He wanted to dig out his snowboard to see how it sized up to him this year. Wow - he grew A LOT over the summer. His board came to his chin at the end of last season. Look at it now...

Guess I know what's going to be on his birthday list! Ha.

Is it really Sunday night already? Here's hoping for a good week! =)

Start 'em young

Being a Redskins fan takes a lot of courage lately! But this week as I thought about Wednesday's walk down memory lane, I remembered Jacob in his uniform. He was 3 in this picture and was so proud of himself. Hope he can be proud to be a fan again soon! Ha.

Bon Voyage!

Today, Julieanne and most of her family (including Jonathan and Jacob) set sail for Bermuda! We're hoping they have a great trip with perfect weather and calm seas!

She's a picture freak in training, so I'm hoping for some good ones to share! Stay tuned....

Is it just me?

Jacob's been at the beach; today is the first time we've seen him in a couple of weeks. I swear he grew up in that time. He looks and sounds (his voice changed) like a different kid!