Valerie's Family

Here's what's been going on

2008-12-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

I took this shot of Saquore after winning his wrestling match Wednesday night.

Saquore going for the pin.

I guess these are a little backwards, but here's Saquore starting his match.

Tanishe at work in the drive thru

My adorable children after a stressful photo session for this year's Christmas card

Nela putting on or taking off an ornament

Kujo doing his part of tree decorating.

My children

Brayden hanging an ornament

Von after his Christmas play at church

Von taking off his apron after the church play

Von at Brayden's basketball game

Me and Miss Jacey Kay

Brayden's team

Von and Hanna singing during the Christmas play at church

I'm not sure but this may be a Kirby debut on my blog. Welcome!

Jacey

Von and Hanna

Nela sitting at Brayden's desk doing his homework.

It's been a while

2008-12-02T18:53:00.001-08:00

Here's the newest member of our family ... no, it's not Wendy or Dan, it's their little bun in the oven! We're so excited and happy for you both.

On Thanksgiving, I took Nela and Brayden to Ann's to crash their lunch. Here's Nela and Brittany.

We also visited Brayden's grandmother, Virginia.

Here's me and Javanna

Me and Jacey

Tanishe and Brittany working together to clean up after lunch

Rolland and Brayden

My pecan pie

Nela and Virginia

Nela eating off Grandma Goodwin's plate

Lauren and Hanna

Lauren and Derek

Jacey and me

Jacey and Hanna

Jacey

Hanna

Hanna wondering why I'm taking her picture

Derek

Caleb drying dishes

Brittany and Saquore with their feast

Brittany and Saquore

Ann and Nela

Dad changing a steamy one

Bathroom painting

2008-11-21T17:51:00.001-08:00

Josie came over yesterday and helped me paint the bathroom.

Here's Josie doing some trim work

Josie trimming around the window

Miracle on Main parade

2008-11-21T17:44:00.000-08:00

Von, Brayden, Nela and me at the Miracle on Main Parade

The boys watching the flag go by

The boys getting candy

Me and Nela snuggling to keep warm

I tried to get a nice photo of the kids. As usual, this is what I got

The kids waving at Santa

Jacey photo session

2008-11-21T17:41:00.000-08:00

Jacey

She's a good eater. Here she is having a little lunch

Brayden's team

2008-11-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

Brayden's basketball team - Black Knights

Javanna at Brayden's game

Javanna

Brayden is the one passing the ball on the left

Brayden is number 6

Brayden

My Jacey Kay

2008-11-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

I took these picks last night of Jacey. I thought this one was so beautiful

and this one

And this one too.

Today's game

2008-11-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

Brayden's team played two games today. They won both. Here's Brayden in action.

Here's my little sideline models ... Sage

Raine

Nela

and the team during a huddle

Annual Christmas shopping trip

2008-11-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Mom, Tammy, Wendy, Barb and me having lunch during our annual Christmas shopping trip. We left Coshocton at 7 a.m. and I didn't get home until after 11 p.m. It was exhausting, but fun.

Out with Ann and the kids

2008-11-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

On Halloween, Ann invited me and the kids to Coshocton Yard for dinner. Rolland wasn't happy about something.

Here's Saquore looking handsome

Ann and Saquore

Barb's pumpkin party pics

2008-11-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

Here's some pictures Barb took at the Pumpking Painting/Carving Party. They're wonderful shots, Barb. Thanks for being official photographer this year.

Basketball time

2008-11-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

Brayden started basketball last week. Monday was his first practice and saturday was his first game. I missed the game due to an annual shopping trip, but Barb took him and caught these pictures so I didn't miss everything. Thanks Barb! They're wonderful!

Halloween

2008-11-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a few shots from Halloween.I took the kids to the neighbors to get candy and then to Autumn Health where Kujo works.

Pumpking party part 2

2008-11-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

Here's more pics from last week's pumpkin party. I just got the ones from Barb and I will upload some this week. I'm sure her's are better.

Pumpkin Carving Party

2008-10-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

I'm having difficulties uploading party pics that I took. Here's some. I'll have to try again tomorrow night. I'm going to bed early.

Fall fun

2008-10-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

Barb stopped by yesterday and I asked her to take some shots of the kids in the leaves. Here's our photo session.

Education of Yesterday

2008-10-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon I took the kids to the Dresden crossroad for the Education of Yesterday.
Von wanted to go see the trains and there was other stuff to do.

Brad and Wendy's Bday bash

2008-10-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday we celebrated Brad and Wendy's birthdays
Party was during the OSU game and both decided to skip candles on their cakes

Nela, mom and Jacey

Derek and Jacey
Kids playing in Brad's future pond
Nela
Tammy and Nela

Jacey wasn't feeling well ... here's her photo session

Last soccer game of season

2008-10-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

Barb caught most of these shots during Brayden's last soccer game of the season. After the game, the parents played a little game against the kids. I was in on that game (believe it or not)

Raine
Rolland

Sage and Shade

This week with the Boatengs

2008-10-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

We took our annual outing to the pumpkin patch today. It was tough getting the annual family pictures .. as usual
But I thought they were nice shots to remember in the future
They enjoyed sitting on the pumpkins.

Brayden and Jacey
Tammy and Jacey
Nela checking out the mums
and picking out her pumpkin

Von ... eating the mums

Brayden
Von
Nela
Hanna and Jacey getting posed
Hanna and Jacey

Brayden
Von
Nela
Wednesday was date night with my dad again. We went to Saquore's football game. Here's Monica and Ann with Nela

I got to use my new golf umbrella. I was so excited. I wanted one and got it for my birthday. Guess who was afraid of the umbrella ... Nela! So, I got wet

Dad got stuck with the girly umbrella

Saquore with the ball

Naming ceremony

2008-10-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today was a special ceremony held in honor of Omari and Kay's daughter, Angel. Here are some pictures from the celebration.

Beer tasting at Josie's

2008-09-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

We have a new member to the blog, Josie's significant other, Tim. He was a great sport with the camera, we had a couple laughs when he was caught unexpectedly.
As you see by the title, we had a beer tasting party at Josie's place ... sports were on the television and at half time we started our own game. I was the official photographer. Here's Josie and Nicole.

Josie and Trevor
Josie and Taylor
Von tries to tackle Josie

Josie and Trevor in the important huddle
Josie and Nicole

Von and Brayden
again
I think Trevor and Josie were trying to get Von to give up the ball.

Tim during the beer tasting portion of the afternoon. Don't worry, we had six samples equivalent to about a half a shot glass each. Me and Nicole weren't getting all loopy with the kids.

Josie made some really good chili and that soaked up our drinks :.)

Trevor and his woman peeking over his shoulder. I'm sorry "woman" I just can't remember your name .. Ra something (sorry again)

Trevor, Woman and The Tonya from work. She mostly waved everytime I tried to take a picture. She must have thought it was a video camera.

Woman and Tonya
Woman and me had a camera war. It was quite fun (to me)

Tim and I tied for first place in the first beer tasting party. Tim won the tie breaker and got the big prize. I like my levy mugs. Thanks Josie.

Nela in her second outfit. She had too many cookies and chocolate to keep this one clean.

Nela and her mommy
Nicole
Taylor
Von not liking the chili because it was too hot.

My kids

2008-09-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

It was a photo session morning and here's what I got

oops, this was yesterday at Brayden's Punt, Pass and Kick party
I actually was able to braid Nela's hair this morning (which prompted the photo session)

This was a couple hours later, no more braids.
This was yesterday also during our trip to the grocery store.

Little League night

2008-09-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

The Little League Football teams were introduced prior to Friday's Coshocton vs. Claymont football game.
Here's Brayden with his classmate Dakota giving the peace sign.
Apparently the other team didn't want to be peaceful since they broke out fighting with us on the field and one of Claymont's players was removed from the game. Here's a nicer picture of Dakota and Brayden ... I think!

They had a good time making the tunnel and cheering the guys on.

Brayden got the hang of standing up after touchdowns since the cheerleaders threw footballs and t-shirts into the crowd.

Brayden and Ann (it was a joint effort) caught a ball and I later caught one and sent it home with Ann for Rolland.
Ann was doing her football mom duty of working the 50/50.

Dad was my date for the evening. Kujo stayed home with the little ones.

Football fun

2008-09-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Nela was trying on some friends glasses at Brayden's football game Wednesday night.

Here's a picture of Dad, Me, Kujo and Nela

Kujo and Nela on the track
Nela pointing out features on Dad's face
Kujo takes a drink of Nela's milk
Nela smelling clovers
Brayden practicing earlier in the week

Saturday afternoon ... Air Show

2008-09-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

This afternoon was the Wings Over Coshocton air show. I took the boys while Kujo stayed home with Nela. I don't know why Von was holding his ears, this was probably the quietest location at the air show.
Here's Brayden and Von in line for one of the blow up slides. It was about a 20 minute wait for everything in the kids area, but it was nice, the kids had fun and it was cheaper than the fair.
Here's Brayden on his rock wall climb.
And Von on his.
One of the Misty Blues Skydiving Team members handed out stickers after their jump.

My Saturday morning

2008-09-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

First thing on the agenda today was getting Brayden to Punt, Pass, Kick at the high school. Yes, it was football, and yes, he's wearing his soccer gear (we later headed to his soccer game)

The event was nice. It took about an hour, but we don't get results until next weekend.
He did pretty good punting, alright passing, but he knowingly pretty much crapped out when it came to kicking. To his defense, he really hadn't practiced kicking with the little T thingy.

Here he is at soccer doing his thing.
He's not in this shot but I liked it of his team.

Game night

2008-09-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here's Brayden at his flag football game last night

Josie in an Ohio State chair, a rare sight
Shaelyn and Sheridan

Saquore's football game was after Braydens
Here's Saquore laying down after diving for a touch down

Today's activities

2008-09-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Punt, Pass, Kick - canceled. Soccer - canceled. Autumn Days at Autumn Health Care where Kujo works, closed down early. We got there just in time to get a balloon and tattoo for the kids while the clowns were leaving.

Nela did not like the clowns.
These are a few pictures of Brayden playing football taken by Fun Barb. We stopped by her house after the Autumn Days let down.

Homecoming night

2008-09-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Brittany, Tanishe and a few of their friends stopped by tonight before going to the Coshocton Homecoming dance. I thought everyone looked great!

Woo hoo! Back online

2008-09-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

This has been a tough couple of weeks because my computer was down again and I resorted to using the slow laptop. Here's the update on our lives. Last night we celebrated Hanna's birthday (along with me and Uncle Paul). Here's me, Nela and Kujo.
Aunt Mary made my favorite chocolate eclair cake and I shared it with Paul. We recycled the candles from Hanna's cake so we only got four.

It was a Hanna Montana theme and boy did we have a good time.

Yes, my eye was a little swollen so I do look a little dopey.

Look at all the Hanna Montana stuff I got! ... Just kidding. Hanna about freaked out when she seen me with all her stuff.

Here's a couple with Hanna and the cake.

Sweet Jacey Kay
Hanna's Grandpa Tom lit her cake

Me and Jacey Kay

Going back a week, Here's Aunt Barb on her actual 60th birthday.

Dan's always holding Wendy down in pictures I take.
Grandma and two of her girls.
Grandma and Nela

Earlier that day Brayden had his first soccer game.

Earlier that week the eighth-grade football team was victorious. Here's Saquore ringing the bell.

Javanna got to ring the bell too. She's the official water girl and gets to go to all the games and gets to ring the bell too.

Football! Here's some shots of Brayden's first football game and some practice shots.

The Erman girls, Shaylyn and Sheridan, love taking Nela for walks during football practices.

The girls are twins and I'm still trying to figure who is who. I'm learning to tell by their voices, but can't do it in the picture.

Fun Barb came to Brayden's game and took some shots so I took some of her.

Brayden after practice jumping at the track

Brayden at Saquore's game after practice.
Brayden and classmate Dakota at practice.

Amber, Blake and Betty at the birthday party
Here's friend Monica. I joined her and Ann at the Yucatan for dinner last weekend. We were going to an auction, but it was canceled so we decided to go out and eat and have an adults night out. The night ended about 6:30 p.m. but it was fun while it lasted.

Here's Monica and Ann
Here's me on my actual birthday. For those of you who read my Tribune blog, you know what this is about. For those of you who have not read my blog, I suggest you do.

Here's me and Barb's shadows. Thought it was neat.

Party with Paul and Mary

2008-09-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

A cookout at Aunt Mary and Uncle Paul's house was a perfect time for some family shots. Here's Kujo with his niece Jacey.
Me and my husband
Mom and Jacey
Von and Hanna
Kujo, Hanna, Von and Nela

Four wheelin fun

2008-09-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

A cookout at Aunt Mary's ended up in four-wheeler rides on the grounds. Marianne was the official tour guide. Here we are on our ride
Here's when Paul was teaching her how to drive. She did very well.
Marianne and Mom after their ride
No, they didn't ride like this. It was just a photo opp of the three amigo's after the ride.

Cornhole Champion

2008-09-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

At the annual McCormick Cornhole Tournament, I took first-place honors while Josie's brother, Mike, took second.

It was a hot day for cornhole so Josie grabbed a pot, filled it with water and let Von and Nela cool off.
Some grown ups cooled off by holding Nela after her dip in the pot
Josie taught Von how to play
Friends Janette and Trista (with the little ones) in the spectator area after their rounds

Birthday boys

2008-09-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Brayden and dad celebrated their birthdays recently. Brayden turned 8 on Aug. 26. Von and I made him ice cream cone cupcakes for the celebration.

Dad got his favorite - German Chocolate Cake. Are there 61 candles on there?
Here's Hanna enjoying her cup cake
Brayden showing off his Nurf gun and gear
Brayden opening presents

Von decorating with Aunt Mary watching over
Hanna, Jacey and Derek posing for me
the birthday boys
Uncle Paul got a workout entertaining Hanna
I thought this was cute of Brad and Tammy looking at pictures they took of Jacey

Just look at us

2008-09-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post these couples shot .. Me and Von

Tammy and Jacey

Me and Jacey

MMMM yummy!

2008-09-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

First of all, I would like to thank the United Way of Coshocton County for the opportunity to have a double date (with all the kids.) Tammy, Brad and kids and Me, Kujo and kids all attended the Taste of Coshocton last week. We had a really nice time. Here's Brad and Hanna sharing a moment.
Not sure what was going on here. Brayden took this shot while I was in line getting food. I have a feeling Von was just not wanting to have his picture taken at that moment.
Kujo is such a great husband. I was bossy as usual and when we got there I volunteered him to sit at the table with the kids and baby Jacey while we adults went to get the food. Thanks honey!

Kujo and Brad with the little ones
This was probably my favorite moment. Miss Jennifer's dancers were up and I looked over at Brayden and it looked like he was in love. I wonder if there will be a Hasseman-Lewis wedding in the future???

Not such a fun day

2008-09-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Tammy and I took all the kids to the Mid East Career and Technology Center's Family Fun Day in Zanesville a couple weeks ago. It was a nice event, but it wasn't so fun with five little ones .. in the heat.
They had a little petting zoo and here the kids are looking at the camel.

And the donkey.

Biker babe

2008-09-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

I was taking a couple pics recently at the Uncorked poker run and here's comes Uncle Paul and Aunt Mary. I've never seen my Aunt as a biker babe.
They're such a cute couple
Sorry Trevor. When you mess with my camera you set stuck under unusual headings on purpose.

Football time

2008-09-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

That's right, I said Football time. Brayden is playing flag football this year. Here he is with some friends at practice last week.

OK, so he may not look like a football player in this shot, but he's actually pretty good. If it was tackle football, he is fast and can wrap those long arms around just about every size player, even Dakota (the boy pictures in the first shot)

Soccer practice

2008-09-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time again .. soccer season. Here's Brayden at practice being silly during break.

Miss 17 years old

2008-09-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Miss Tanishe turned 17 on Aug. 20. She stopped by after taking Rolland to his open house and we had cupcakes ready for her and we all sang Happy Birthday. I didn't have my camera ready then (sorry T) so I got this shot as we watched TV and filled out homework in my room.

Third grade

2008-09-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

Brayden is a big third-grader now. That means no more "baby" folders as he called the SpongeBob one I showed him the other day. Here he is on open house night for his annual photo in front of the school.

Here he is the first day as we left the house.

Pretty girl

2008-09-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Just thought Nela was looking so cute

Angel girl

2008-09-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we made a pilgrimage to Columbus to visit family. Here's baby Angel.
Nela, me and Angel
Nela wiping off Angel's head
Angel with her parents, Omari and Kay
Von just loved Angel

Parade finale

2008-08-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you McDonald's for the post-parade treat of ice cream. After the parade mom invited us to her house for supper. After supper we cashed in on our ice cream certificates. Van after van in front of us cashed in too. The woman at the window wondered who's idea it was to hand out 500 certificates at the parade, LOL. She was having fun and was a great sport about it.

I thought this was a pretty picture of Nela, before the ice cream.

I love my niece(s)

2008-08-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

I had another photo session tonight with Jacey and I ended up getting Hanna, Von and Nela in a couple of her shots. Enjoy!

Isn't she just beautiful!

We loved the parade

2008-08-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

I must have had a crazy moment as I voluntarily had seven kids at the Canal Festival parade tonight. It was a really nice parade and the kids enjoyed it too.

It was Klein's first parade. He was surprised to get a flag and a bag full of candy by the end of the parade.

He even remembered Leroy from Mom and Aunt Barb's surprise birthday party the weekend before.
Valerie Miller makes her debut on the blog. Thanks for the big handfull of candy for the kids. Poor things didn't get any candy (yeah right. We were at the beginning of the parade when the buckets were full)
Von doesn't care for the loud noises of the parade. Particularly the bands and the loud vehicles.

Shockingly he didn't mind the clown.

Hey Barry.
Oh, I did say seven kids and you're probably wondering who. It was Shade and Sage (pictured here with Brayden) Von, Nela, Hanna and Klein.
Here's the trio again

and again
Hanna seemed to enjoy the parade too

This week around town

2008-08-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

We got to keep Klein an extra week so I tried to do something special each night while he is here. One night we went to Lake Park to the Playvilion, we had a water play day in the back yard, soccer practice one night, movie rental night, and tomorrow will be parade and other activities. Here's Nela on the swing at Lake Park.

Klein was stuck asking me for help. He now knows better as he laughed and asked not to take his picture because it was embarassing. OK Klein, sure.

Von was having fun in the swing.

Here's a nice shot of Klein at Brayden's soccer practice. He always looks handsome in every shot I take.

Water play night.
Yeah, Brayden's soccer practice and I think Von and Klein did more running around. I even got out there and kicked the ball a bit.
Nela at the park
Nela trying to figure out the water gun.

Nela and Von at the Playvilion

Surprise

2008-08-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

We did it! Tammy, Wendy and I successfully threw mom and Barb a surprise 60th birthday party. Mom turned 60 in June, and Barb will leave her 50s behind in September.

Mom thought she was coming to a family reunion and Aunt Jane and Uncle Bill Albert's cabin.

Barb thought Larry was finally taking shopping in Zanesville. Sorry Barb.

They were surprised. Barb's comment was she would have done something more with her hair had she known. Mom cried when she figured it out. I guess the 60s and birthday signs all around wasn't obvious that it wasn't a reunion.

Here's Aunt Barb with her card. Tammy made baskets f0r each birthday girl which contained candy from the 1960s. It was a hit.

Hanna gave each a necklace
Mom wished they were a big pair of ear rings because she loves big ear rings.

Here's Klein and Von
Kujo and Jacey
Lauren and Nela
Nela
Wendy

Brayden and Klein
Casey and Brayden
Hey Georgia, this is a family show. Nice camera lens.

Marie getting giggles out of Jacey
Klein made smores for the first time

Nela and Daddy

2008-08-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures of Nela and Kujo tonight at mom and Barb's 60th birthday party.

Look how big my nieces are

2008-08-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

I had a little photo session tonight with nieces Hanna and Jacey. Jacey is still a bit too young to do too many fun things, but she sure looks cute.

VBS carnival

2008-08-09T19:46:00.001-07:00

Vacation Bible School and our week ended with another carnival. It was nice that the church invited all the kids who spent the week learning about the Bible back to the church for food, games and water balloon fun.

Here's Brayden playing water balloon catch with the grocery bag. If they missed, they got wet. Brayden and Klein both caught theirs, Von got wet.

Klein is in the blue striped shirt on the left. He was about to get soaked by Pastor Rod on the right.

Von was a good big brother and fed Nela some of his ice cream.

Carnival fun

2008-08-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

The Coshocton County Realtors held a carnival for a Red Cross fundraiser. It was a nice evening for the kids. They played a variety of games and won candy as prizes ... we will be sending dentist bills to the Realtors :.)

Bible school fun

2008-08-05T09:35:00.001-07:00

On our way home last night we noticed a sign and people at Bancroft Park. I pulled over to find out what was going on and they were holding a Vacation Bible School that evening and invited us back. So we came home, ate supper quickly and walked down to the program.

This is Brayden and Von singing a song with hand motions. I was so surprised that Von picked up on things so quickly.

Von wanted to be with Brayden most of the time. Here they are doing crafts.

I feel so lucky because most parents don't get the opportunity to take pictures of their kids at events like this. I decided to stick around and take pictures for the paper. You can see more on the Web site, www.coshoctontribune.com.

Here they are again making a craft together.

Praying at closing.
Doing an activity.

And Brayden sliding down the pole.

Rolland water fun

2008-08-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Sunday we had Rolland, Caleb and Javanna over to play. We filled up the pool, wet down the slip n slide and had the sprinkler ball out for their enjoyment. Believe it or not these are the only pics I've really taken this past week (besides stuff for work).

Weekend in Cincy

2008-07-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

Part of my vacation was spent with family in Cincinnati this weekend. Geralyn's son, Hunter, was celebrating his first birthday. It was a big bash and Tammy and I were recruited to help out.

The pictures are in no order. Here's Nela.

Nela and Hunter on our trip to the mall.

Tammy and Nela

Me and Hunter

Grandpa John and Hunter
Grandma Marianne and Hunter
Great-Aunt Mary and Hanna

Mary, Janie and Marie

Here's the other trio, mom, Marianne and Mary

Hanna and a little girl from the party show off their treat bags.

Hunter and the hat he wouldn't wear

Hunter and Geralyn with the cake

Hunter and Hanna

Hunter and daddy Jamie

Brad and John on cornhole
Twins Caroline and Emily
Hula Hoop King Conner

Hanna hitting the pinata
Hanna and Brad

Look! I'm famous

2008-07-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

Your eyes aren't tricking you. That's me on the billboard leaving Coshocton at Ohio 16 and 83. I've become a little famous .. no autographs, please.

Water play

2008-07-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

While on vacation I treated the kids to waterplay outside. Von got quite a few outdoor toys and we played with them all. Here's Josie after running Nela through the sprinkler ball.

Here's Nela enjoying the bubbles from the bubble maker.

And Von wearing his new helmet to ride his new scooter from Ann, James and the kids.

Three wasn't enough for Tammy

2008-07-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

When I told Tammy I had a photo session with Jacey the other day and for her to check out my blog to see what I got, the response I received was "there were only three." Well, here you go big sister. More than three shots from tonights session. I can create a photo package for $99.99.

More today

2008-07-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

We had a pool party for Von's birthday. It was more of a slip n slide party, but we did have a pool and we all got in for this picture.

Earlier at home, Von enjoyed a good bit of time with the Playdough from Leonard's family.

Slip sliding good fun

2008-07-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

We took Von's slip n slide to grandma's for his birthday party. It works a lot better going down a little hill than it did in our flat back yard.

All the kids had fun.
Yep, Brayden busted through it.

Grandma pushed Nela down it.

Von couldn't wait his turn and crashed into Hanna a couple of times.

Party with the family

2008-07-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight we celebrated Von's birthday with the whole family (minus Dan and Wendy).

Here are the cake pictures.

Nela ate about all of Great-Aunt Barb's dessert.

Here's sweet Jacey Kay.

Then Nela moved on to Great-Uncle Larry's dessert.

Uncle Brad and Aunt Tammy made Von homemade ice cream for this birthday (all I had to do was make two trays of lasagna)

Making lasagna

2008-07-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

It's July 21, a day after Von's birthday, but we usually spend a one on one day to celebrate, and that day is today. We got up, dropped Brayden and Nela off where they needed to go and we stopped by Buehler's for a quick breakfast and shopping for lasagna ingredients. After that, we came home, unloaded, put a load of laundry in and started our day of visiting and picking up presents. First stop was at the Tribune where Leonard's family bought Von a nice bag of gifts. He's excited to get the Spiderman squirters out and play them with Hanna.

Next we headed to Zanesville to have lunch with Josie at the Olive Garden. At the TR, he got $10 from Kathy Thompson and is ready to spend it. Josie got him a nice puzzle book. Lunch was great. It was a great afternoon.

When we got home, we started assembling the lasagne. Von did most of the work. He placed the noodles and spread the cheeses, layer after layer. I took care of the sauce.

He even helped put it in the oven.

Von's big birthday

2008-07-20T16:51:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrated Von's 4th birthday. It was a family day with Kujo, me, Brayden, Nela and Von. We went to let him pick out his gift which was a Cars slip n slide, then we came home, cleaned up the yard and got the pool filled and the slip in slide ready. I also made cake and grilled out for supper. Here are some of the highlights from the day.

Nela was walking all crazy in the yard. I'm not sure what she was trying to be.
Here's Von's birthday jammies which he couldn't wait to put on.

Von made it! He's 4 today!!

2008-07-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I had my doubts that Von would make it to his 4th birthday, but he did. So far today, we've had a great time. Here he is this morning opening his cards that came in the mail. We went to buy his birthday present (he picked a waterside for outside) but it's been a bit rainy which has kept us from mowing the lawn today. We're still having fun. We're going to make a cake and have some more family fun.

Jacey's photo session

2008-07-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

I took some photos of Jacey yesterday at mom's house. Isn't she just precious. She's about 7 weeks old now and changes every time I see her.

Laken's birthday party

2008-07-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

I was trying my best to upload the pictures in order, but it didn't work ... at all. Saturday I took the kids and Barb's kids to a birthday party. Leonard (from work) was having a party for his niece and he invited us to come. Here's a picture after a water balloon fight where a bucket of water was dumped on the kids

Nope, he wasn't upset over getting wet, he was upset that all the balloons were gone.

The party was at a park in Zanesville. Here's the kids
Nela was making music
yummy cake
It was really hot and all the seats were in the sun in the play area. Rainy found some shade.
Here's me and Rainy enjoying a cupcake.

Here's the birthday girl, Laken. She turned 6.

Here's Lake with her sisters.

Rainy held Nela so she could hit the Dora pinata.
This is the girl known as the Moo Moo.

Von gathers candy, candy and more candy.

Here's Leonard and Lucy hanging Dora.
And the birthday girl beating her.

Race to Recycle

2008-07-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday I kept Barb's kids and we went to participate in the Race to Recycle at Wal-Mart. Here's my pal Jeff teaching the kids about recycling.

Here's Von taking his turn.

Brayden was disqualified for placing the wrong item in the bin.

Sage took too long.
Shade won a $5 Wal-Mart card with a time of 45 seconds.
And Rainy won a $5 gift card too for coming in under 60 seconds.

The event was fun and educational. Thanks Jeff and Wal-Mart.

Caught by Barb

2008-07-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

Barb gave me these pics of Brayden swimming in a pond near their house during a sleepover yesterday. Here's Rainy helping him in.

Shade was a big helper and put a life vest on Brayden since he doesn't know how to swim.

It looks like he's starting to get the hang of it.

and he had a really good time.
Barb really got some nice shots I thought.

Drying off.

Picnic on the courtsquare

2008-07-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

The paper held a community picnic this week. Von's class stopped by for a free meal and fun on the courtsquare. I'm the coolest mom because I got them all balloons!
Here's Trevor with the Coshocton Rocks flying disc, cool stuff.

Tammy, Hanna and Jacey stopped by too.
And here's Kathie carrying another watermelon to slice.

Pool time with Hanna

2008-07-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

Hanna came for a visit this week and while here we had a little pool time.

Aunt Val didn't have a swim suit for her, but she fit into one of Nela's skirts and a swim pull up nicely.
She ran and jumped in the pool over and over
and had a lot of fun

It must have looked deeper than it really was because she started to hold her nose a couple times.
The real laughter for her began when Von joined in. Nela wasn't much fun because she just stand there and splashed the water.
Here the cousins are working together to clean up when Hanna was too froze to get in the water anymore. It was heavy and Hanna was so funny she made me laugh.

Sunday fun with my crew

2008-07-13T19:15:00.001-07:00

After work today I hurried home to grab the kids so we could watch the parade down Main Street. It was the Coshocton County Antique Power Association's parade of about 35 tractors. Sadly, there weren't many people, I counted about a dozen (and we were four of them) on Main Street. There may have been some on Seventh Street or further down Main Street, but I don't think it was a great number.

Here's Brayden showing off his new hair cut. He's been begging for a mohawk forever. We compromised on this temporary do. It's more of a military cut since the hawk part doesn't go on the back of his head. He actually looks kind of cute.

Yes, Von wore his PJ's to the parade. It was his outfit of choice.

I just thought this was pretty.

After the parade we came home and had another cookout in the back yard with pool time.

They didn't mind running and jumping in the pool 0ver and over again for photos. Brayden wanted to know if I was going to put it on the Internet.

I thought the water was cool in this shot.
Nela opted to play in the puddle ... again, I thought the water was cool.

Here he is (in the pool this time) tasting the water after spashing in it.

We had a good time. Now I need to get Von out of my bed and into his. Night!

Smores anyone?

2008-07-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday after work the kids and I spent some time with Ann and the kids. At the end of our evening, Ann made a fire and we all made smores (before the rain came).

I can't believe he's my son, but Brayden really did eat the blackened marshmallow. I prefer mine not burnt. I'm not sure how many he ate that night, but Fourth of July Ann said he had seven.

Here's most of us around the fire in their yard.

Oh Ann, she's always good for a funny picture.

Caleb was loving the smores.
Brittany just got off work and brought a donut and shared it with Nela.
Here's Tanishe and Rolland bonding by the open fire.

Images by Barb

2008-07-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

Barb took these few shots during Brayden and Von's sleep over the other night.

We had fun noticing Von's hands in this picture and how different he is from Brayden who keeps his fingers straight.

I don't know if he was leaving a trail of rocks in order to find his way home or what.

Family fun

2008-07-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

Last night Von, Nela and myself had some bubble fun in the back yard. Here are some shots I got of Von.

Nela watched from her swing.

Von had his first sleepover with Fun Aunt Barb (work people know her as fun Barb, and family know her as Warsaw Barb since we have another Aunt Barb in the family). During his sleepover he overcame his fear of cats. He still doesn't like dogs, but he did walk past them a lot on the porch when he went outside the play.

Here's fun Aunt Barb.
Here's Nela and cousin Rainy (Barb's oldest daughter at home. Sister Jaime is married with her own tot running around).

Here's Rainy, Nela and Shade who's showing off his birthday present. I'm a terrible aunt because I had no clue he liked model cars.
Here's Rainy holding the kitty for Von to pet.
And here's Shade again checking out the features on the car.

During the camp Brayden is going to at Hopewell School they had an archery day.

Here he is shooting the arrow.

Baseball season comes to an end

2008-07-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

Brayden's last baseball game was Monday night. The tournament game was close. Brayden hit a good ball ...

and scored one of 6 runs for the team.

Now Von is in training. He really wants to play ball on the field.

Family outside time

2008-07-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

After work today I decided to fire up the grill for the first time .. that meant cooking and being outdoors and you know how much I love those two things. While I was working on the grill, the boys filled up the pool and Nela enjoyed some swing time.

They all were in the pool for a few minutes, but Brayden is getting too big and didn't like the close quarters. He wanted to get the ot her pool out, but it has had some problems keeping air. We sat in the back yard for about 50 frames of the kids yelling cheese to get these couple group shots. I thought the neighbors were going to bring over some cheddar or provolone.

Von and Nela had a good time splashing. Yes Tiffany, if you're looking, that is the turtle ball pit, sand box, pool that you got Von a couple years ago.

Here's Von throwing water in the air.
Nela was just too cute in her swim suit. I had a hard time picking a couple out. Look how happy she was in the following pics

Brayden took a turn on the swing.

The boys wanted to eat outside so they washed the table and ate their burnt chicken and potatoes and loved it. (OK, neither are big fans of the potatoes on the grill and barely touched them, but they did eat the burnt chicken and yogurt).

Here's my husband enjoying every bite of the really burnt pieces that didn't go to the kids.
Here's our big girl. She's learned to climb on chairs and beds now.

And here's my handsome husband.

Today was a wonderful family day.

Too much 4th of July fun for one entry

2008-07-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

It's becoming an annual tradition to have Fourth of July at Ann and James' house. We have usually celebrated together, but they celebrations just keep getting better and better. This year Ann and James had a rib cook off with a full spread for dinner, including James' famous beans; desserts for as far as the eye could see, swimming, basketball game, and fireworks. Here's Brayden with his sparklers.

We tried to get a family photo. I thought if me and Brayden both held sparklers it would give enough light ... but Von was afraid so the photo is dark on me and Von's end.

Look closely. I bought Von and Rolland little lights for their fingers and Rolland is shining the light on Von's forehead.

Here's another family shot.

Here's Caleb with his sparklers. I love this one of him.
And this one too.

Here's a shot of Ann's mom and dad with the little ones while we did our entertainment.

James lights a sparkler for Brayden. I wonder how many packs he went through.

No Von.

It's dark, but here's me and Ann.

More sparklers
Brittany and Saquore take a break after the game.
And I couldn't forgetting Brittany's bunny. Isn't it cute.

Fourth of July with Ann and James

2008-07-05T16:22:00.001-07:00

Fourth of July for our family was celebrated at Ann and James' house. Kujo was working, so he missed out on a good time of food, friends and fun. Here's Trevor (Ann's nephew), Rolland and Von in the pool.
I love this picture of Caleb coming up out of the water.

Here's Trevor, Rolland and Von again.

Here's Nela, Ann and James.

Nela and Tanishe
Rolland
Rolland and Von

Chef James (Ann and James had a rib cook off. They were yummy! Ann declared it a tie but she knows who I think makes the best ribs. James is hands down the beans king.)

Javanna and Brayden
Javanna and Trevor
Nela wanted to get in the pool too.

Nela, Ann and James again

Brayden, Javanna and Saquore in the pool
Looking cute, Brittany and Tanishe
Brittany and Tanishe again

Caleb and Brayden
Ann's Dad, Nela and Ann

Beth's 29th Birthday Bash

2008-07-05T16:15:00.001-07:00

This is Beth. I don't know why (must be an inside joke) but her husband held a birthday party for her but everyone said she's 40. Surely they're mistaken. She doesn't look a day over 29. Happy 29th Birthday Beth!
The Tonya was at the party. Here she is checking out some pictures of Beth in high school a few years back.
It was a rainy day and Von was happy that he got to play with his umbrella.

And here's Nela playing in the rain without an umbrella.

Here's Nela making a new friend (sorry girl, I can't remember your name)

And here's Scooter (the nephew), Maryanne (the mom) and Duff (the husband)

Here's Von and Nela playing with Beth's balloons. Beth told her mom they were no good, but the kids had a lot of fun. A day later, Von is still playing with the one he took home.

Here's Stacy, Beth and Tonya looking over more photos.

Sorry everyone else, these are all the shots I got.

Last regular game

2008-07-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

Brayden's last regular season game was last week. He did AWESOME! He had three hits and scored a run. He had a good play in left field as well.

Here his is on first.
And coming home. I was sitting at the fence as some of the players cross the home plate and I didn't get there fast enough to get in position and this is what I have ... Brayden before plowing into the fence at home plate.
Coach gives praise for a good play.
Von wanted to play so bad. He put one of the helmets on while the team played.

Snappin turtle

2008-07-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

Here's Nela checking out a baby snapping turtle at day care.

Here's Miss Emily showing it off

Funny faces

2008-06-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

Nela was in bed and the boys decided to have a little funny face photo session

and Brayden tried out some new wrestling moves.

This is Saturday morning before Brayden's baseball game. Von wore a Tribune hat which was his verson of a Diego animal rescue hat.

Nope, it's not the beach. Von is burying Diego in the fine rocks at Union Schools ball fields.

Nela enjoyed some suckers...
and bonded with a few friends.