Blake's First Haircut

Since it was the first day of school, I seemed to have all the homework of filling out papers. As I was diligently filling forms out, Brad took Blake upstairs for his bath. Little did I know that he was receiving more than that. When Brad brought Blake down and asked for me to help him get his pjs on I was shocked. All of his little curls were GONE! Brad went to town with the clippers. I have no during pics, but aftermath pics.

Blake is grieving over his curls in Brad's hand. LOL....

OK, he is over it and loves looking so handsome!

Now Mom just needs to get through the grieving process. He looks way too grown up.

First Day of School 2010

Haley, Tyler and Chloe are growing up way too fast.

Haley did not want me to take her picture as she went into school. This is all I captured, but I couldn't believe I got anything since she tried to block her face. Never too old for a pic!

Chloe was so excited for first grade.

After we dropped Haley off and were driving to the elementary, Tyler said that he was starting to get that funny feeling in his stomach! As soon as he saw his friends it miraculously disappeared.

Happy Birthday Brad

HAPPY 36th BIRTHDAY BRAD!

Brad enjoys apple pie over a cake. There were 29 candles on the pie with the 29th candle being the number 8 which added up to 36! Kids helped with the math to make sure we represented 36 years.

Make a wish.....

I think he wished for another weekend getaway!

Weekend Getaway

Brad and I had a relaxing weekend away for our 15th wedding anniversary. We visited the Carlisle Inn in Sugarcreek and spent some time in Amish Country. The trip was all planned by Brad and a welcomed surprise for me. We would both like to thank Grandma and Grandpa Shadle for keeping the kids for the weekend so we could spent some time together.

The Carlisle was a beautiful place and the pictures don't do it justice. We would definitely visit again.

I enjoy Breitenbach wine so it was great to finally be able to visit, sample a variety of wines, and go on a tour. I learned that I love dandelion wine!

Brad would be in his glory if it actually worked!

Oaking the wine.

This was the machine that bottles, labels and corks the wine. The machine costs 1.5 million dollars.

The wine is being chilled which is one of the many stages before bottling.

This was the building where we toured.

Wrestle Time

Braden, Gavin, Brady, Chloe and Tyler had such a good time wrestling. The three little guys had a blast climbing all over Tyler and Chloe.

Cousin fun.... Braden and Gavin

Blake was staying safe in the corner away from all the action.

Haley's First Scrimmage

Haley made the 8th grade volleyball team. We are so proud of her. The following were from her first scrimmage. Haley wears lucky number "19" and is a setter for the team!

WARM UP TIME:

The following video shows Haley serving in the scrimmage. She made 6 points in a row during her time serving.

Happy 70th Birthday Grandpa!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!

On August 17th Grandpa turned 70 so all of us gathered to surprise him on the 15th. Of course it had to be one of the hottest days of the summer. Dad/Grandpa enjoyed the visit even though it was so hot.

Grandma supervising the homemade ice cream making session!

AHHH.....they are all waiting so patiently.

Chloe and Corinne

Happy 70th Birthday.

There are so many of us it is hard to fit in the house.

Haley spent the weekend with her friend down on the Ohio River so Blake was so happy to see Haley after over two days without her! She was just as excited. He-He

Niagara Falls, Canada

On our way to Niagara Falls from Lac Kipawa. We were almost there....

WHAT A SITE!!

The falls was so busy, but the rainbows were awesome.

Gavin, Tyler, Chloe, Whittney, Haley and Aleigha looking out over the falls.

Blake hamming it up

The family

Silly girls.....

Canadian Niagara Power building had beautiful architecture.

Leaving Niagara Falls for the final stretch home.

Last look at the falls as we cross the bridge into the United States.

Continued Fun in Canada

The entire group at the Grand Chutes.

Blake was so tired from the fun that he even was able to sleep on the boat ride back to the cabin.

Haley thought she caught a big one while fishing, but as her catch got closer to shore she realized it was big but not a fish. She wanted to compare her catch to Blake and as you can see he was not impressed.

Picture perfect......

It didn't take Blake long to fall asleep as he was swinging. The adventurous days in Canada were exhausting for him.

Gavin

Haley taking an evening dip.

The air was a little chilly throughout the week and Chloe was trying to get warm after just thinking about swimming!

Haley thought Blake needed to be hung on the hook, but as you can see he was not impressed yet again! That big sister is such a jokester! One day he may just be bigger than her.....

The boys in their matching shirts, what a crew!

Chloe's art creatures.

Tyler's creatures

Haley spent quite a bit of time molding creations using Model Magic. Alecia and I loved the details she added.

Whittney cooking a Ken McMuffin in the pie iron while the other kids looked on. Uncle Ken invented the special breakfast treat by buttering a piece of bread, adding cheese and an egg to the pie iron and slowly cooking it in the fire. They were a big hit with everyone.

The kids taking a break from swimming.