BuffaloMilnes

Let the brainwashing begin...

2012-01-24T17:32:00.001-05:00

The Bunkers Have a Metropolitan Look!

2011-12-23T13:38:00.016-05:00

This year's Ginger Bread Houses have a new look...

The bones
The building materials (leftover Halloween Candy comes in handy...) and the building begins...

And the finished Products! Holiday-Art-Deco-Rowhouse-Armories come to mind...

Ella's
Annaleis's

Natalie's
Mackenzie's
Clara's
These will be consumed slowly over the next couple of weeks...Urban decline via Digestion.

The Tree

2011-12-04T09:55:00.014-05:00

This would be the first year since Mackenzie was born that we actually cut down our own tree. We always go to a tree farm (except that one regrettable year (2002) that we hit up the Home Depot), but this year we put in the labor. Tree turned out great!

No snow yet...Not the easiest ground for Reid to navigate...

Sawing...

This is obviously one of the benefits of many children...gone are the days of me hauling the tree.

We made it...and Santa has no face!

The completed tree...bonus features include the badger, I mean the cat, and the unfinished walls...

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T21:22:00.008-04:00

We had a little smaller group this year. Our crew, Josh, Apryl, and Levi, and Matt and Cathy. This year's Halloween was brought to you by...

GEORGE WASHINGTON

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

CLOWN

MOMMA DOG AND HER PUPPIES

PINK POODLE

* Unfortunately, when copying photos we lost some (Reid the Tomato, being one, and the group photo...if and when I find them, I will update the post...technology can be a @!$$@!$)

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-29T10:39:00.009-04:00

The pumpkin carving stations remind me of large litter boxes...they made for great clean-up.

Levi's first Halloween. It's good to be oblivious...

The finished products.

Levi Micaiah Weixlmann - September 19, 2011

2011-10-24T20:13:00.008-04:00

We have another baby in the house...AND HE IS NOT OURS! We are happy to report that our niece Apryl and her husband Josh welcomed into the world their beautiful boy, Levi. It's great having another little one around, holding him, playing...and then leaving. The girls and Reid are thrilled with the new addition as well...

Levi...still in the hospital

Clara cannot hold Levi enough

Plenty of babysitters

2 boys now...they're catching up. Greenwoods, if and when you read this...the pajamas you gave Reid last year are on Levi...they grow quick!

Clara Begins Pre-School!

2011-10-06T18:54:00.007-04:00

Clara began her first year of pre-school a week after the other four (featured above) kicked off their school-years. The first day was a little rough, mostly because she thought she was going to join her sisters... but it has been smooth sailing since.

Clara wants to wear this outfit everyday to school (as her uniform)

Good to go!

Back To School

2011-08-31T20:27:00.009-04:00

And we are Back! Natalie 3rd grade, Ella 2nd, Mackenzie begins 5th grade, and Annaleis begins Kindergarten. Clara begins pre-school next week.

The "1st-day-of-Kindergarten-getting-on-the-bus-picture" Not pictured is Mom bawling because her baby is all grown up. Not sure if this is true, but it sounds right.

Cape Cod

2011-08-22T13:51:00.014-04:00

Had another great week on the Cape. Vacation started out a little overcast, but recovered by Monday and was pretty clear the rest of the way.

All the kids, From Left in back: Mackenzie, Iris, Annaleis, Ella, Clara, and Oliver. In Front: Reid and Natalie.
Ella and Mackenzie in the surf...Monday was warm, but really hazy by the ocean.

Ollie feeding Reid a lemon

On the bayside with the tide going out

Everyone

With Mom at Wellfleet Harbor

July Birthdays

2011-07-27T09:18:00.014-04:00

Ella, who turned 7, had a party at a place called Paradise Island...they had a water slide and pool, mini golf, and a climbing wall...best of all, no mess created at home!

Lisa made this cake... methinks a side business is on the horizon...
Clara's Birthday is on the 18th...it is a tradition that on the girls' 3rs birthdays they get a Build-A-Bear...Clara chose a dog instead...Katie is her name apparently...
Jell-O Cake!
We had a combined birthday family get together one evening...campfire with hotdogs, S'mores, cake , etc...
Cowgirl attire from Amber

Ella's Irish Dance Jacket

REID IS 1!!!! on the 27th. Our last 1st Birthday (sniff).

Reid was given a couple sets of wheels...red ones, not pink...or purple...or a combination of the two with lighter shades...

A Sunny Mother's Day

2011-05-18T20:33:00.012-04:00

Ella

Annaleis

Clara

Natalie

Mackenzie

Reid

Ella Irish Dancing

2011-04-10T12:21:00.010-04:00

This St. Patrick's Day week Ella was very busy participating in shows all over the Buffalo area. All in all she danced in 15 shows, from schools to retirement homes to pubs and country clubs and then danced in the parade downtown...pretty hectic but really fun too. Here is a sampling:

At Orchard Park Middle School (Ella is the dancer on the left)

At the Irish Center

This was at Buffalo Hearing and Speech...Ella danced "The Walls of Lymerick" with this little guy.

Having an Irish Coffee at the Delaware Club...parents weren't allowed inside...hence the beverage :)

The Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo.

In The Towne Ballroom after the Parade...Ella is 3rd from the left

Reid laughing at Annaleis

2011-03-19T15:12:00.003-04:00

Year of the Wheels

2011-03-06T11:17:00.005-05:00

A new car is always an exciting event and this year (2010/2011) has seen our family let go of a van we really liked only to purchase another van we REALLY like and just recently, purchase a car. The last time we did this it was all in one summer, so cars seem to come in bunches for us. Anyway...this summer we bought our Odyssey which is an 8-passenger. We thought about the 12 passenger bomber, but Lisa was able to convince me that that was a bit much...and just last week, we were able to get a Civic as my new commuter vehicle back and forth to work. Great on gas and something I've sort of always wanted...I really like Honda...and Mini Coopers...I'll save that one for the post where I talk about dreaming...

This summer picking up the van...Mom was home then. Miss you Mom! (and Dad). Pictured also is Vince, our salesman...nice guy who also hooked me up with the Civic.

The girls are waiting for me to pull up in the new car... and...

here we are...I would like an additional 100,000 miles please.

Snowshoeing

2011-02-27T20:10:00.006-05:00

As February break was winding down, we received a fresh coating (6 inches or so) of snow so Mackenzie, Natalie and I headed over to Tifft Nature Preserve to try out some snowshoeing. It was fun...and excellent exercise.

The beginning...by the end Natalie fell oh...at least 15 times. The old school snowshoes she had took some getting used to...Mackenzie and I were spoiled with more "modern" aluminum ones...Thanks Ian and Allison for your loan(of snowshoes) while you are in tropical DC.

Cheers!

Mack is 10!

2011-02-26T14:40:00.007-05:00

Yes...Mackenzie turned 10 a month ago...and I haven't posted the pics until now...I'm lazy. Anyway...it is hard to believe she is a decade old already. We are always told and reminded over and over and over by older couples how fast the time goes and it is true. We are so proud of her, she is an awesome daughter and older sister. Happy birthday Mackenzie. We love you!

New Bike...but alas, there is still a foot or so of snow on the ground. Delayed gratification builds character, he he.
Mackenzie's buddies Miah and Grace...plaid is in apparently?

A Rare photo of Us!

2011-01-27T16:19:00.003-05:00

Random Holiday Photos - Christmas 2010

2011-01-16T21:11:00.011-05:00

The rest of us were sledding...

Cookie decorating...we should buy stock in sprinkles and red hots

helmets made with bizarre toys...

Christmas Morning
Reid-Man
Clara, Papa's hat, and her cup of coffee (decaf)
Annaleis and Annalise Corey
With cousins at the Corey's in Saratoga.

Annaleis is 5!

2011-01-16T20:50:00.008-05:00

Annaleis turned 5 this January 10th! We celebrated by having a tea party...it was quite the affair as you can see and highly enjoyable, I should add. We ALL dressed up the affair, including Lisa who, because of my gross negligence, is not pictured. My only job was to attend to the affairs of the fine ladies and take photos...guess who I forgot to snap a photo of? Anyway...time flies and Anna is 5, very articulate, adorable, and gearing up for kindergarten. Happy birthday Anna...we love you!

What's Odd About This Picture?

2010-12-17T23:24:00.004-05:00

Not Santa...look closely...Mackenzie is wearing GLASSES, in case you didn't already figure it out. They look great and Mackenzie is very happy with them. She has some difficulty seeing things from a distance (like the front of the classroom), was experiencing headaches, so we had her eyes checked out and the rest is history. We are now on the watch for braces...

The Festivities Begin...

2010-12-11T00:33:00.006-05:00

...with the Gingerbread Houses (Bunkers). The ingenious thing about these creations is that while we do buy candy to put on the houses, most is left over from Halloween.
This will be the last year we will not have to worry about Reid and the tree.

December Snow Storm

2010-12-02T17:40:00.008-05:00

The pictures don't quite do it it justice, but we were unloaded upon yesterday evening and all day today. It's still snowing and we have had close to 3 feet of snow. The girls enjoyed a snow day and I'm really sore from shoveling...We all still love snow though.
Reid's first snowfall...Mack's a veteran

Oh yeah...we put in a new front door, a light, and some siding...they look really nice with the wreath and snow.
Coming to a Christmas card near you.

Australian October

2010-11-06T18:03:00.019-04:00

Our very dear friends, Nick, Kerri, Jonathan, and Emma Greenwood payed us a month visit this October. The story of how we came to know the Greenwoods is a is a bit involved and I won't go into it on this post, but it was really good to see them again after a 5-year hiatus. They stayed with our niece Apryl and her husband Josh downstairs from us and they packed in quite a bit of activity into 1-month with us: Strong Children's Museum in Rochester, Letchworth, Toronto, Niagara Falls, shopping, shopping, shopping, and other Buffalo things. Here is a sampling.
Ella, Mackenzie, Emma,and Natalie at a pumpkin patch...the Aussies make soup with their pumpkins...no comment.
This was also Reid's first visit to a pumpkin patch...
The Greenwoods visited the girls' school and talked to each of their classes about Australia. Their accents were a hit, but the Vegemite on crackers was not...there's a shocker.

Nick, Jono, and Ella carving their Jack O Lanterns...
Chillin

Lisa and Kerri at the Melting Pot.
The guys...
(Some of) The Girls
I may have successfully convinced Emma to switch over from tea to coffee

Halloween Night...Lisa and her little Dragon

Ready to Go! From Left...Clara = Skunk, Emma = Ladybug, Ella = Indian, Jono = Mario, Reid = Dragon, Mackenzie = Abe Lincoln, Annaleis = Tinkerbell, Natalie = Reese Wrapper.

Nick, Kerri, Jono, and Emma...when you read this, thanks again for coming to visit. We miss you and can't wait to see you again whenever that may be!

Tift Nature Preserve

2010-09-26T22:12:00.008-04:00

Black and whites taken by Ian...

Missed Birthdays...

2010-08-31T17:46:00.018-04:00

Things happened very quickly this summer and along the way I neglected to recognize on the blog Ella's 6th birthday on July 8 and Clara's 2nd birthday on July 18...sorry ladies.

Ella's birthday began this way...with fun and frivolity...
At the park for a picnic and swimming...
and ended this way...

...with a trip to the ER...Ella had a run-in with some monkey bars and fractured her wrist...we partied anyway.
Clara's birthday celebration was less violent...we celebrated at the Ortel family reunion.

A little help lighting the candles from Uncle Dale
New tricycle from Nana and Papa (noticeably not pink...bonus)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARA!

Back To School

2010-08-30T16:53:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again...Mackenzie is beginning 4th grade, Natalie 2nd, and Ella 1st grade. Annaleis will be beginning her second year of preschool next week and the rest have a few more years of freedom and bliss...

BAD ASS!!!

2010-08-29T22:11:00.001-04:00

Recent photos...

2010-08-04T16:40:00.005-04:00

Our niece Amber-Lee (pictured below) took these fantastic pictures. Thanks Amber!

HE'S HERE!!!! Reid Charles, July 27, 2010

2010-07-28T23:13:00.009-04:00

Before we move on, this is important to establish...

Our biggest baby...9 lbs, 6 oz (rounding up), 21 inches.

Lisa is always amazing...I feel bad being the first one who gets to interact with our kids first when Lisa does all the work...

I wouldn't trade my girls for anything...but having a boy is pretty awesome.
Lisa's Mom Jeanette...she came through for us this weekend watching the girls for us...Thanks Mom!

love this pic especially
buddy....this is just the beginning

Injury

2010-07-28T23:02:00.003-04:00

Ok...between Ella and I, we were at the Emergency Room twice in just under two days...I bent my finger beyond recognition on a water slide (trying to avoid hitting a little kid...hit him anyway...he laughed), and Ella had a run-in with some monkey bars on her birthday and lost...thus rendering her wrist fractured...here is the visual proof.

Jellystone - 2010

2010-07-09T12:34:00.013-04:00

We had to squeeze our camping week in before the baby so we chose 4th of July week, which is nuts as far as other campers goes...a very crowded over the weekend. We had fabulous weather though. Chilly the first 2 nights and then high 80s to low 90s the rest of the week...had a great time again...lots of swimming, fishing, frog hunting, campfires, boating and a first for us...a 3:30 AM wake-up from a skunk who managed to wedge its way INTO the tent where Mackenzie, Natalie, and I were sleeping. I woke to a rustling, saw her bound over over the sleeping girls and lay very still while the hand grenade sniffed about and then left the 6-inch or so opening in the door...dodged a bullet for sure. Lisa made it and is a real trooper to say the least. Additionally, I sprained my finger on the last day and could be looking at finger surgery (tendon damage) and other than that, we are looking ahead to our new baby! Stay tuned for Ella's birthday pics!
Lisa said Jiffy Pop could not be done over the fire...I did it AND it was delicious and unburnt.

Annaleis and Clara a waterslide

making hobo dinners

4th of July

Ella Graduates from Kindergarten!

2010-06-30T09:05:00.008-04:00

Congratulations Ella...we are very proud of you! 3 down...3 to go...

Ella's teachers Miss Finn (on right) and Mrs. Brownsey.

4 For the Corp

2010-05-22T19:00:00.003-04:00

Ran my first road race since high school. It was a fundraiser for the Pioneer Corp which is an organization of teachers in the school district where I teach (Pioneer School District). What the group does is basically service projects in the community, help in the form of food, appliances, small construction projects or whatever is needed for families who could use some help within the district. The race was 4 miles and I managed to finish in 40 minutes or so and actually placed 3rd in my age bracket (30-39). Before you think I was super sweet, I was passed along the way by at least 4 older (like 70-year old) men. My buddy Andy (middle) and his brother Jay fared better and were not passed by older men who have nothing better to do in retirement than train for road races.

Trip to Washington D.C.

2010-05-20T19:42:00.010-04:00

Took a long weekend and went to visit Ian, Allison, Iris and Oliver...wonderful trip (I will never comment about the rides over oh...2 hours to any destination...this is not the place). Looking back we packed in quite a bit without it feeling stressful or rushed (my opinion). Highlights included getting to see and stay in Ian and Al's new home, which is great and has a finished basement where ALL the girls could sleep. Visiting destinations like the FDR Memorial, National Zoo, Lincoln, Vietnam, and WWII Memorials, Allison contracting her annual bout of pink eye (not cool, but it always seems to happen when she sees us...so funny, sorry Al), and getting together with some of their friends for a BBQ, which was great! Really looking forward to next year already...

FDR Memorial
Oliver is super cute (you too Mackenzie and Ella)...he'll have a wing man in July.

at the National Zoo
Neat sculpture of Albert Einstein

Iris has awesome hair and is adorable...
On the steps of the Lincoln

At the WWII Memorial...we had done a fair amount of walking.

Ella's Fèis

2010-05-11T15:50:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday, Ella performed in an Fèis, which is a traditional Gaelic arts and cultural festival. This was in a small auditorium and was a warm-up for a larger Fèis in the area that will be happening in a few weeks. She's doing great! Here is Ella performing the jig.

Happy Mother's Day Lisa!!!!

2010-05-08T11:44:00.004-04:00

Spring!

2010-04-20T19:58:00.009-04:00

Lots going on this time of the year...

Don't ask...

Visited Lucky, Natalie's Chicken. He won life's lottery. Hung out at our house for a couple of months (clearly awesome) and then moved to a beautiful farm where he has his own bed and is followed around by a harem of 4 or 5 hens...eats and sleeps when he wants...unbelievable.

Clara had eaten half her basket by 9:00 AM on Easter morning...

2 new bunnies (Marshmallow and Buttercup). I consider them a victory because we didn't get a puppy.
Just teaching our girls to eat right.

Ella in the St. Patrick's Day Parade

2010-03-20T19:59:00.009-04:00

Ella's Irish Dance school marches in both of Buffalo's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade's. She participated in the one held on Saturday in the Old First Ward...Ella did great and while a beginner still, comes by it naturally it seems. We had a good time, even when it started pouring...The loads of crap they throw at kids these days in unbelievable...beads, candy, rubber balls, matchbox cars...where was the free stuff when I was a kid?
Ella is in the green jacket and white hat, just to the left of the telephone pole

This was while we were still dry...Clara was with Lisa's parents...whew...
All of the following pictures contain zero sober people...

It's a MIRACLE! We're having a BOY (around July 23)

2010-02-26T19:05:00.004-05:00

At the Firehouse. East Glenville, NY

2010-02-19T13:12:00.001-05:00

Went home to Schenectady this past weekend to visit my Grandmother and to see other family and friends. The Bednareks (Peter. Becky, and Jon) were awesome and brave hosts...thanks guys. One of the days, Peter took us down to the Firehouse were he is a volunteer...
Main Street

Annaleis Turns 4!

2010-01-30T12:51:00.007-05:00

Way back on January 10, Anna turned 4...here are some highlights from school and home!
New bed!

Merry Christmas, Happy 2010!

2010-01-09T09:26:00.003-05:00

Well...A couple of weeks ago I had 2 new posts all lined up...one was title ANNOUNCEMENT. It was a video of the girls over Christmas letting everyone on Lisa's side of the family know that Milne baby #6 is on the way...probably at the end of July...and then I had a smattering of photos from Christmas and Christmas break all lined up, with clever captions, witty witticism and good cheer. Things happened, and before I could post them our computer decided it had had enough (probably from the number of pictures on it) and fired what my friend calls the "blue screen of death" at me, and we've been recovering the computer little by little ever since. So, this post has no pictures at this time...we're still babying the computer and waiting on further tech support from our good friends and family (Thanks Joe!). It's not a New Years Resolution or anything, but I hope to post here a little more regularly...if nothing else because I find it enjoyable and I know a few of you out there tune in from time to time. Things are going well for us. The downer is that Lisa has been feeling generally lousy, but the girls are healthy, doing well in school, and keeping us on our toes. I'm slowly warming to God's plan of #6...(the girls would prefer a puppy, but would take a brother please) I know what we're having, but to confirm it Lisa and I have decided to find out the sex of our new girl. We'll keep you posted. Peace.

SNOW DAY!

2009-12-10T15:26:00.003-05:00

It's rare around here for ALL of us to get a snow day, but the weather cooperated. The girls created gingerbread houses (more like bunkers)...The wind isn't forecasted to let up anytime soon, so a rare back to back snow day could happen, especially for me. We'll see...

27

2009-11-05T19:38:00.003-05:00

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T18:30:00.013-05:00

Pre Trick or Treating
Ella = SpiderNatalie = Octopus Clara = Baby Chick

Mackenzie = Jellyfish (Portuguese Woman of War)

Annaleis = A Pig in a Wig

Clara held her own...

Pumpkins...

2009-10-27T21:48:00.013-04:00

The Nieves, Heim, and Milne families, which total 13 children collectively, descended upon a pumpkin patch out in the Westfield, NY area this year. A simple field with Pumpkins...no gimmicks for once which was refreshing...along with the chilly weather.
The field...I mean patch
This was called for...it was chilly.

For the record...I think I am going to miss the backpack. We have put all 5 girls into it in all sorts of places and I love it.

Mike, Jonah, and Jill Nieves

Mackenzie and Grace

Goings On...

2009-10-21T16:58:00.014-04:00

September and October have been a blur with quite a bit going on. Here's a sampling:

3 girls in school now. Mackenzie - 3rd grade, Natalie - 1st grade, Ella - Kindergarten. It's hard seeing our girls getting so big so quickly...

Every 2 years or so, my good friends Peter, Chris, Kenny, and Skip (we missed you Skip) try to get away for a weekend of camping...we're getting weaker every time. This year we spent the weekend in a heated cabin with beds, a kitchen, etc...we decided we should continue to do this (stay in a cabin) everytime now.

Pete at the OK Slip Falls overlook

Our niece Apryl was married in October to Josh Wiexlmann (he's ok). Annaleis and Ella were flower girls and I was honored to be an usher/groomsman.
I'm really glad I married into a good looking family. From left: Lisa (wife and sexy momma), Apryl (niece & the Bride), Cathy (Lisa's sister and mother of the Bride and Amber...will get mad at me if I write more even though it's positive), Amber-Lee (niece...looking sweet in red), and Laurie (Lisa's sister and I can't say anything here either or my brother-in-law Joe will kill me...he has LOTS of guns).

Amber-Lee and the crew

Natalie's teeth finally fall out...

2009-10-13T21:35:00.003-04:00

Natalie's top 2 front teeth have been sort of an amusing ordeal this summer...corn-on-the-cob, hotdogs, icecream, hamburgers, and whatever else you can think of have been consumed sideways so as to avoid bumping the extremely loose teeth. Well... this weekend, they, along with a loose bottom tooth finally fell out...the most memorable one being when I hit her in the face with a football...a well-timed throw that Natalie didn't look up in time to see...a Manning-esqu anticipation of the open receiver on my part...but this isn't about my accuracy with the football...1 weekend, 3 teeth...not bad.

Cape Cod 2009

2009-08-31T11:04:00.012-04:00

Ian, Allison and Iris along with Mom and Dad and us of course were able to spend a great week together on the Cape. The weather was pretty much perfect (not a drop of rain) and besides Ian's tooth trouble (sorry bro) and a bug that developed after we all got home...things went great! Hard to pick which pics to post for this one, but I did my best.
Anna finds a crab on the bayside

Ella found Horseshoe crabs

We took Ella, Natalie, and Mackenzie on a whalewatch off of Provincetown

Mom's birthday dinner

Cool & the Gang

Natalie skimboarding

New Addition...

2009-08-08T13:13:00.004-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, we attended a Pig Roast at Lisa's dad's Field and Stream Club...great time and awesome activities for the kids. One such activity was a chicken chase which Natalie performed handily...catching a chicken, of course. AFTER she catches it, we find out that "congratulations...it yours...to keep" My reaction was @%^&*.

After a few days, it's been ok. Lucky, named after a former deceased chicken we had for a weekend (if you are not familiar with that story, ask me sometime) is a very social bird. She likes to sit on your lap and fall asleep, she'll fly up onto my back and then onto my shoulder, she follows us around, and is more affectionate than our 2 cats (who could care less about her). She resides in our sunroom during the night and is outside in a kennel during the day. I put a couple of drops of liquid BBQ sauce (Chavette's) into her water from time to time ...I'm marinating her from within...just in case. Her long-term future is unknown at this point...tune in.

Movie Night

Our Clara is 1!

2009-07-28T21:16:00.013-04:00

On July 18, Clara turned 1...we had a series of celebrations. When we were visiting Ian, Al, and Iris in Washington, we celebrated. When we were in Jellystone, we combined Ella and Clara with Lisa's parents and celebrated, and then ON Clara's actual birthday, we celebrated with family at our nephew Cody's graduation party...Clara is an amazing, happy, and very active little girl who is a real joy to all of us. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARA, we all love you!

You have arrived in our family when you receive your first stroller and baby...this duo came in handy at Jellystone as it kept Clara entertained for just enough time to set up the tent, make dinner, etc...

A little aside here...Clara can now do, while not as many, one-armed push-ups like her Daddy...

Ella Turns 5!!!!!

2009-07-24T22:33:00.011-04:00

I'm a bit behind in our events here, but on July 8th, five years ago, we were blessed with Ella! Her party's theme was The Beach. Thankfully the sun came out and it was relatively warm, which is a rarity so far this summer in Buffalo. Ella had 7 friends over and along with our 4 plus help, we had a crowd. The girls played games, we did a cookout, ate cake and ice cream, opened presents and all done to the Beach Boys playing in the background (I never realized just how many Beach Boys tunes I know the words to). It was a great time!

Tube relay
This small pool was full of ice and the girls had to extract the ice cubes with their toes and place them in buckets. After the party I wanted to jump in with a Speedo on and do my best polar bear club impression...Lisa shocked me whan she said she was not in favor.

Sponge relay

Flip flop cake...Lisa's mother is a wonderful cake-maker.

There is a special place in heaven awaiting me.

4th of July

2009-07-18T08:49:00.002-04:00

To Washington DC and West Virginia and back again...

2009-07-07T20:23:00.014-04:00

To lay out all the details of last week would be as exhausting as our 7-8 hour car ride...twice, and I don't want to put myself through that again anytime very soon. So you don't get the wrong idea, we had a great time on our trip to Washington and West Virginia. We spent time with Ian, Allison, and Iris and as well as Joe, Laurie, Justin, and Elijah, took in some of the sites of Washington DC and the beauty of West Virginia...I still have Ella's 5th birthday photos to post and we're leaving for camping in a couple of days. I'll get these on as soon as I can. In the meantime I am crossing my fingers that the computer doesn't go beserk and vomit pictures all over me.

The Smithsonian Natural History Museum...to a child, they were all thinking, "Can we just go back to the hotel and swim in the pool?" THIS is the real reason we drove 8 hours.

We celebrated all the July birthdays...Iris, Clara, and Ella.
No one inside the White House noticed how tired and thirsty we were....oh well.
Our family photos can be like the weather in Buffalo...
See?

We hit up an amusement park on the way home from West Virginia to break up the trip...Laurie, Elijah and Justin came as well.

Peace out...

What a week...

2009-06-22T22:00:00.010-04:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks for our family. Natalie graduated from kindergarten last week which is a wonderful accomplishment for her and we enjoyed the ceremony and celebrating her accomplishments this year. That was on Tuesday. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we have soccer games. On Friday Mackenzie and her friends Camryn and Carly performed in the their school's talent show which was highly entertaining all around. They were fabulous as well and Lisa did a great (and patient) job as the choreographer. Saturday was our garage sale. We spent the evenings throughout the week dragging out lots of stuff we were ready to part with. Then on Saturday it poured...literally...from 7AM until about 6PM...yeah...awesome. Friends hooked us up with some tents, but it didn't keep everything from being generally damp. Not a real success. Anyway. Saturday was also our 11th wedding anniversary...which we spend making $45 in a morning and then we had a Father's Day spaghetti dinner at church in the evening, which I thouroughly enjoyed. That said...Saturday night we were exhausted. Sunday we went to Lisa's parents for the afternoon and evening. It was a beautiful day (of course) and we went 4-wheeling and had dinner...I got to read the paper for 30 minutes without interruption. Now Lisa has a sinus infection and we are gearing up for a trip to see Ian, Allison, and Iris in DC this weekend and then on to West Virginia to see Lisa's sister Laurie, her husband Joe and our nephews...I wish all this activity made me lose weight.

Mack, Camryn, and Carly

A rare photo of us...

2009-06-08T20:38:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we hit the town for a retirement dinner for our friend (and my fellow carpooler) Kathy Tevington. It was nice to recognize Kathy's many years in education as well get out for a few hours and enjoy a nice meal together and with friends. Kathy took this rare photo of the two of us...Lisa's still smokin...

Summer Means Soccer

2009-06-03T19:43:00.006-04:00

For the 5th year now, we begin soccer. I coach as many of the girls as I can. This year Natalie moves up a division (officially) into the 6-7 division and Mackenzie moves up into the 8-9 division, both of which I am coaching. Natalie will also play with the 8-9 year olds...we'll see how things go. Ella is playing her second year in the 4-5 division and a family friend is coaching her. This is my first year NOT doing 4-5s and I think I am going to miss it...mostly because for the kids and especially the parents...it's purely fun. Once they move up to 6-7, it's a little more game on, winners and losers (which I am all for).

The girls have all been asking for weeks when soccer will begin and we're all glad that the first practice is tomorrow and games begin next week. Last night, quite on her own, Clara began kicking the ball around the living and dining room...we're thrilled! Check it out.

Ella Graduates from Preschool!

2009-05-28T20:25:00.010-04:00

Last week Ella graduated from pre-school and is very ready and looking forward to Kindergarten in the fall. We love her preschool, but unlike like things such as carseats and diapers which we can't wait to be rid of...it's one of those things that Lisa and I are thankful that will continue and be there for Annaleis and Clara. Congratulations Ella...we love you!

New student next year...

Ella's class performed songs for the proud parents

Ella, Nana, and Clara
Ella and her teachers Mrs. Draear and Mrs. Stark.

We are so close to nothing being safe...

2009-05-07T17:22:00.004-04:00

...and what's having a baby around without a bath photo sprinkled in?

A quote worth reading...

2009-04-21T21:56:00.002-04:00

I came across this quote today while reading Searching For God knows What by Donald Miller. It was said by one of my favorite historical figures, check it out:

"I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force! Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him."

Napoleon Bonaparte

Clara is thinking: "Sheesh...a lifetime of this?" Sorry kiddo.

2009-04-17T10:01:00.003-04:00

Why do we encourage this (Clara, 8mo)?

2009-04-14T11:27:00.003-04:00

Easter Weekend Hodge-Podge

2009-04-10T19:56:00.010-04:00

Mom and Grandma joined us this week/weekend. Mom arrived by plane from London on Monday and Gram via train from Schenectady on Wednesday and it's been fun spending time all together. On Friday we began the day by decorating eggs and then visited the Botanical Gardens which are just beautiful this time of year. We don't go often, but when we do I always wish we went more. Their collection of flora is impressive and very beautiful...especially after a long winter. Grandma has to go home tomorrow, but Mom will be with us until next Thursday. Tomorrow and on Easter we will be seeing Lisa's family, which is always a good time. I'll get around to posting some of those epics next week. Happy Easter everyone and Hi Dad (Poppi)...we miss you!

This (standing together) is harder than it looks

There are many unusual plants at the gardens, but this Trumpet Plant caught my eye. Mom thinks it looks like something out of a Dr. Suess story.

I took the Easter Bunny out back after this...

Ahhhh...the Annual Egg Hunt!

2009-04-05T16:30:00.008-04:00

This Saturday our church put on our annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. For a couple of hours usually the weekend before Easter we host an egg hunt open to our community here in Buffalo. Our program is catered to kids where we introduce the meaning of the Easter holiday in a fun way, and of course the Easter Egg hunt featuring over 3,000 Eggs hidden in our building. In the past we have brought in entertainment like a professional juggler, magician, musician...you get the point. This year for our program we decided to stay in-house and I think it went well. We had skits, kids singing, and a troupe of clowns, of which I was one. I decided to be FRODO THE CLOWN (would you like my Frodograph?) Now...being a clown did not come as naturally as I thought. And I'm glad I looked at myself in the mirror AFTER the program was over, because I think I looked a little shady...less like a clown and more like a guy with rainbow hair, a top hot, and an ulterior motive...that's just what I think. The kids, however seemed to enjoy my bad juggling, my frodographs, and general tomfoolery. We had a great team of people who were fun to work with and an awesome turnout for the event despite the monsoon outside (over 170 kids and 80 adults). We here hope you have a blessed Easter this Spring!

Natalie & Bethanie

Part of the Main Event

I believe I am telling the audience that I need some sleep because Easter is all about going to church in the morning...collectively, all the clowns had much to learn...

One of my favorite little guys, Ty Laun.

Keeping Pace...

2009-04-02T21:04:00.005-04:00

Now...not that this is a competition, but Mackenzie had her second grade awards assembly this Wednesday and was recognized four times as well. Mackenzie earned awards for Enrichment - Highest Achieving, Character Trait of Responsibility, Highest Achieving in Math (doesn't take after Dad here...) and Highest Achieving in Computers. Again...we are so proud of Mackenzie. She's an awesome kid who works very hard in school...we love you Mack, great job!

Our Natalie

2009-03-26T21:59:00.004-04:00

Tonight Lisa and I proudly watched as Natalie received 4 awards at her school. She was recognized for her Responsibilty, Most Pages Read, Overall Achievement in Academics, and Highest Achievement in Physical Education (here is a case where I've made an impact)...Lisa and I are thrilled...Good job honey!

We Did Our Part in Stimulating the Economy...

2009-03-01T21:55:00.003-05:00

Well...our (old) mininvan had been showing signs of getting tired as of late, you know...nickel and diming us to death, most noticebly...no heat. Then last weak when it started (ironically)overheating and our mechanic diagnosed that the head-gasket was on the fritz so we knew it was time to look into getting a new van...FAST! So...last week, Lisa and I spent every waking moment it seemed reading reviews on every minivan known to man and I spoke to several friends and family who own vans to garnish their opinions on theirs. Well...we made a decision and quite unexpectedly purchased a brand new Kia Sedona. We love it...riding in a brand new vehicle is AWESOME! We were obviously not prepared emotionally to buy a new vehicle, but we got through and between our tax return and generous family we were able to make a purchase that we feel great about and is a wonderful addition to our family...one we really needed! Unfortunately for Mackenzie, we weren't able to purchase a Jeep...but I told her maybe one day she could buy me one...The Lord really provided for us on this one...we couldn't be happier.

Our Beauties

2009-02-21T13:18:00.001-05:00

Iris & Clara, February 2009

2009-02-19T09:44:00.009-05:00

Happy 8th Birthday Mackenzie!

2009-01-30T18:31:00.009-05:00

It's hard to believe for us, but Mackenzie turned 8 on January 27th...8 years ago the Giants lost to the Ravens in the Super Bowl and I didn't care (ok...I cared a little), but that's not what is important here. Mackenzie is a joy to us in more ways than I can come up with right here on this blog and we thank the Lord daily for His gift to us...

That said, I am not usually in this frame of mind when it comes to birthday parties, but I have to say, this one was very enjoyable and went off smoothly. In the morning the girls went swimming at the YMCA...after swimming the girls took showers while I hung out in the hot tub with a couple of 75 year-old men...I feel so fit when I'm in there with those guys. After, we went back to the house for games, lunch, and make-your-own-sundaes...Mackenzie has great friends and they all had a great time. Lisa...nice job planning and thanks to our good friends Chad and Jenna and Missy for watching Ella, Annaleis, and Clara (hence more independence and a smoother party). Once again...Happy Birthday Mackenzie...we love you!

Mackenzie & Natalie

Mack with Miah

Mackenzie, Grace and Stephanie (in background)

A long overdue apology...

2009-01-19T22:20:00.004-05:00

Since I began doing this blogging thing about 6 months ago (thanks to my brother, Ian) I have enjoyed it much more than I ever thought I would. Tonight, for some reason, I had a flashback to all those times a few friends of mine and I would pick on one of our mutual friends Kenny (pictured above). Kenny is great friend of mine who I wish we could see much more often. He and I met at Northern Frontier (summer camp in the Adirondacks) where we were both campers and counselors. In fact, Kenny was my counselor when I was a Counselor in Training. Thanks to his tutelage, I went on to a few more years of leading (gulp) cabins of boys during weeks at camp and on a few trips. Anyways...Kenny had a blog where he commented on work, family, literature etc and we made fun of him for being a cyber dork artist...it turns out he was far more progressive than us. So officially...sorry Ken. Also...congrats again to Kenny and Kate and their two daughters Erin and Abby on the birth of your son and brother Keene...Ken, we need to discuss how THAT (having a son) works some other time.

Sledding...

2009-01-19T07:52:00.010-05:00

Yesterday (Sunday) was a great day! After church we headed out to Lisa's parents to go sledding. Recently, Lisa's brother Dale took Lisa's old horse Tawny home with him to Ohio. This now has freed up the hill in Mom and Dad's backyard again for sledding. You could do it before if you had really wanted, but there was the a) electric fence and, b) the unpredictable Tawny...we sled elsewhere. Anyway...it's been a snowy winter and the sledding was awesome. The hill is long and just steep enough to make the ride fast and relatively safe. Temps were in the low 20s, the snow was falling steadily, but with little wind. We all had a really good time together as well as some exercise. Sledding was followed up with hot chocolate, a nap (for me...it was my birthday yesterday...I was allowed), and a great dinner with a great desert mixed in was playing with the kids and watching football. A great day all around...

Happy 2009! (and a note on New Years Resolutions)

2009-01-06T19:00:00.009-05:00

Happy New Year everyone. I really need to do this more often. It seems lately that a recap is required because I'm posting only once every 2 or 3 weeks...oh well.

We had a great 2 weeks off from the normal routine of school, etc. I am sort of rushing this because we need to get the kids to bed and then I'm going to the gym. Lisa and I sort of had a New Years Resolution. She initially proposed the idea that since we have a membership to the YMCA we should use it more for ourselves (the kids are fairly involved in activities). I was opposed, no, not opposed, I just didn't want to reflect on my level of fitness...now I am having second thoughts and would like to have more energy and just feel better...I didn't have butter on my bread tonight. Here's my issue...I like organized team sports...a little competition, some pickup hoops or soccer is the exercise I enjoy. I abhor running in circles and weight lifting is depressing. I find myself nodding and smiling to guys (and girls) and rehearsing my "yeah, I'm rehabing my back...that's why I'm only benching the bar (45lbs)" excuse in my head, just in case they ask me if I need a spotter. Organized team sports are a little harder to come by these days, so I need to find alternative ways to exercise (swimming's alright). Lisa does aerobics and pilates, and without exercising FOR WEEKS...she can keep up...I look like an idiot doing that stuff...

Long story short...

I have never really had a whole lot of use for New Year's Resolutions and this is evidenced by the fact that I have never had one...which means I lied when we had to do journal entry's about them in High School. In 2009 I'm backing into one...it's good for my hamstrings.

Enjoy this while it lasts Ryan...

Merry Christmas Mimi & Poppi!

2008-12-25T18:21:00.002-05:00

We are so proud (Seriously!)

2008-12-22T22:16:00.006-05:00

Lis and I love this...now just imagine how good Natalie could be if she has some music...

This is not news to anyone...

2008-12-18T19:33:00.012-05:00

...but we have been BUSY. Since Thanksgiving we have been doing quite a bit. Everyone in the house has been sick in some way, the kids have had Christmas events, the girls have been practicing for the Christmas program at church(which Lisa is helping to direct), my parents came home from England for a 10-day visit, Lisa turned 34, and the Giants have lost 2 games in a row and look pathetic...I could post a myriad of pictures, but don't have time...I still have some shopping to do tonight...sheesh...

Here's Ella as a Shepherd in her school playMimi and Clara

Papa and Natalie

Many historic things have happened in 2008...The Giants won the Super Bowl, our country elected our first African American President, and most importantly...the Milnes had their LAST baby dedication.

Decorating Christmas cookies

Lisa's birthday was on December 17th...Happy Birthday Lis! I happened to buy a vacuum cleaner and I busted it out on her birthday...it was not a gift.

Clara and Iris

2008-12-04T17:19:00.007-05:00

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T22:24:00.012-05:00

Let me just begin by saying that we had a GREAT weekend! Ian, Allison, and Iris made it to our house from DC on Wednesday night and it was awesome to see them as well as get our hands on Iris...and I mean that in the most literal sense. To Iris, she probably felt like she was being ragdolled by her cousins, but Iris was great and Ian and Allison turned and looked the other way (a most admirable trait). This would be the first year that we have not driven across state to Schenectady and we missed seeing Grandma, Aunt Joan and Anna, Aunt Jenny, my parents, and the rest of the family. That said...it was nice to not have to drive this weekend.

Thanksgiving Day morning began with the girls and Allison making rolls. Ian and I left to go play football...which was fun...and when we returned Lisa was firing up breakfast, the Macy's Day Parade was on, things were going well. We managed to all roll out of the house around 1:30 and make our way to Rochester for dinner. The total number for dinner was about 20. Here they are at 2 separate tables.

The young, "hip" table

The wise table (with Annaleis)

Dinner was great! Thanks Kathy (Lisa's sister) and Matt for hosting. I didn't do dishes this year. I explained to Apryl's (our niece) boyfriend Josh that if he had any shot of being part of the family, he better step up and do some dishes...and he did. Although, I think it was mostly to escape a conversation that had the potential of going on for awhile. It was great to see everyone, but not so great watching football...will someone in the NFL get Detroit off of Thanksgiving Day?

Upon reflecting it is difficult to account for all the ways God has blessed our family this year. The birth of Clara and Iris comes to mind right away as does our children's health and, given the economic difficulties in recent months, the fact that I have steady, reliable employment at a job in which I enjoy. I have a wonderful, beautiful wife to share my daily life with and a heavenly Father that cares more about me that I can fathom, despite my inattentiveness to Him and tendency to become distracted. That said, I hope you're weekend was as great as ours...Oh...and one more thing I'm thankful for, and is fleeting for sure...the New York Giants are 11-1...

Swimming in Lake Effect

2008-11-25T22:05:00.007-05:00

This past weekend the girls and I joined Lisa in Ellicottville for the last evening and morning of her scrapbook weekend. The resort where everything was going on had an indoor heated pool which connected with an outdoor heated pool. On Saturday night it was snowing pretty good so the girls and I swam outdoors in the 20 degree weather along with the snow. It was great...an experience I cannot see being duplicated anytime soon.

Dryer times

A Quality Read...

2008-11-24T09:57:00.002-05:00

I'm sure Giants fans will disagree as to what team in the NFC East is their least favorite, but mine is without a doubt the Dallas Cowboys. Even when the Eagles were good 4 or 5 years ago, I disliked Dallas more. I am currently reading Boys Will Be Boys by Jeff Pearlman, and I have to say...it's a great read. The Giants were aweful during most the years that are discussed in the book...you remember the Ray Handley, Danny Kanell, Dave Brown, Dan Reeves, etc years. Pearlman is a journalist too, so it's not terribly written like most of those books written by athletes...I can't even begin to describe some of the stuff in this book...highly entertaining (and sad)...

Dad (and Papa)

2008-11-12T19:00:00.004-05:00

This is Lisa's Dad, Bernie. While we have a few similarities, mostly we are very different. For example: He is very good at math, to me, one and one equal 11. He likes to wear camouflage clothing...I prefer solid colors. He likes to cook and is quite good at it actually...I, well, have you ever read A Man, A Can, and a Plan? But the most glaring difference between Dad and I (besides he kills his own food and I buy boneless), is that he can fix anything, and I mean just that.

Now...Dad will never read this because he has no use for computers, so I can be a little mushy here...Dad, if Lisa prints this out for you to read in the future, we agree now to never speak of this, just like we don't speak of your little foray with the tractor...anyway...

I really appreciate Dad. Three times this week he has been to our house. He fixed a plumbing issue with our kitchen sink, put some ice barriers on our roof to prevent death by ice during the winter, and is skim coating our bedroom walls for us so we can paint. On top of all this, he brought us steak...how can you beat that? Dad helps us out as much as he can (and so does Mom...thanks Mom) and we really appreciate and love you for it...Thanks!

Fun with Black & White

2008-11-09T16:13:00.007-05:00

I was sitting in the living room the other evening fiddling around with the camera and decided to take some pics with the black and white setting on the camera (took me awhile to find it...not fond of manuals). I think they turned out pretty well. Here's a sampling:

We Miss You

2008-11-07T18:48:00.002-05:00

We were thinking of you today Mom and Dad...we miss you and love you!

Star Wars

2008-11-03T15:21:00.005-05:00

I have a feeling I saw this on someone's blog before, but it came across my path again today. What song do you suppose they are playing?

Halloween 2008

2008-11-01T19:00:00.008-04:00

Mackenzie (clown), Clara (bee), Ella (tinkerbell), Annaleis (skunk), Natalie (bunny kissing the scarecrow...Natalie worries us sometimes)

Halloweens Past

2008-10-29T20:18:00.005-04:00

My most memorable Halloween was so for 2 reasons. First, we trick or treated at my grandmother's in Rotterdam, which meant there were houses in abundance and therefore, more candy. At the time, we lived on Paisely Road in Ballston Spa, which was rural and we had three neighbors. No kid gets excited about 3 to 5 pieces of candy...sorry. The second and was that for the first time, I wore a store-bought costume. I am not sure how old I was when this ocurred, but I can accurately say that before this year and everyone after it I was in some sort of homemade getup (like a clown, cowboy, bugman). Now, my parents didn't buy it (that would never happen) and I'm not sure who's it was, but I remember loving my costume that year. I was a devil, complete with pitchfork. It was red with 2 horns. had a pointed tail, and a weapon...perfect. Frankly, I'm really surprised I was allowed to wear it, but I was, and it's a fond memory, so Mom and Dad...thanks.

Before we had the girls, I could really take or leave halloween, but now that's changed. Our girls love Halloween and every year Lisa and I enjoy it more and more as well. Lisa gets obsessive compulsive about making costumes, but every year our kids get wonderful reactions from the people we meet and see when trick or treating. We go up and down our street which, if you haven't been to our home, is quite a long with homes close together on both sides. There are plenty of side streets as well. Typically, Lisa's parents come for dinner and then we, along with our friend's the Smiths, hit the streets. It is a great neighborhood event. When we're done, we sort through the candy and razor blades and then have to listen to kids asking for a their candy until Christmas...it's wonderful. I pop a candy bar or two into my lunch every day as as a sort of tax. Below are Halloween pics from the last 2 years...we hadn't gone digital yet in 2005. Notice the farm/agricultural theme.

2006 - Mackenzie (pig in a wig), Annaleis (tomato), Ella (sunflower), Natalie (Tinkerbell)

2007 - Ella (skunk), Natalie (pig in a wig), Annaleis (chicken), Mackenzie (Indian)

I'll post this year's edition soon after Halloween!

Haygrounds & Random Autumness

2008-10-16T17:32:00.007-04:00

Ok...for all 2 or 3 people that check in on this blog. Remember back when you were kids or (Mom and Dad) when Ian and I were kids? Going to a farm to get apples meant getting apples. My parens would buy us a candy stick usually and that was awesome...I am confident in saying that I looked forward to the apples, and more importantly the candy stick and all was well.

Ok...fast forward to 2008. When you go to a "farm" in the Fall these days its less of a farm and more of a gimmicky hayground (combination bales of hay and pieces of wood shaped liked squash, witches, Freddie Krueger, and scarecrows. Haygrounds also sometimes contains pig races, spud guns that launch pumpkins, haunted castles, corn mazes, and slides in mounds of dirt). Haygrounds are not free. A Hayground can run you about $5 to $7 a person. Of course haygrounds are put right where the kids can see them...usually next to the apples, or the bathrooms. To just get apples (which were really expensive this year due to a hailstorm, rising gas prices, and the threat of the apocalypse) it was pretty pricey...to the tune of about $12 a half-bushell, which I really don't have a problem with. I am happy to pay farmers for fresh produce, but I'm still iffy on the hayground. We frequent a couple of farms each autumn, and as it is turning out, each farm comes with its own version of a hayground. Luckily...these farms still have some free things, like parking and animals to pet, although the price of hay pellets has gone up from 25 to 75 cents...of course. Now, we have a great time with the kids, but I do sometimes miss the Sunday drives (I can't believe I just said that) with a bag of apples and a candy stick at the end of it. Enjoy the pics!

Anna and some goats. By the way...did you know that even goats hate Necco wafers?

Becker Farms...the ultimate Hayground.

When was the last time...

2008-10-10T20:07:00.000-04:00

THIS was the case?

As of week six in the NFL...The Giants lead the NFL in total offense (431.0 yards per game), rushing yards (181.3), yards per carry (5.8), first downs (24.2) and points (31.7).
Defensively, New York is second in points allowed per game (12.3), third in total yards (236.0) and second in passing yards allowed (154.0).

These are not my father's Giants.

Clara Shots

2008-10-06T19:50:00.007-04:00

The Giants are 4-0 not another craft fair....

Knox Farm

2008-10-06T19:09:00.009-04:00

In my opinion, you can never hike enough and whenever we are able to hike as a family, it's very special. This weekend Mackenzie, Ella, Annaleis, our friend's Russ and his son Luke and myself were able to get out and do some trails at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora. The day was pretty much perfect...sunny with a sparse cloud, cool, but not frigid, and a pleasant breeze. We did a little over a mile. The kids did a scavenger hunt and lots of running, which when you have big fields is great! Unfortunately, Natalie had a fever so Lisa and Clara (as well as Nat) were unable to go. The leaves are about a week or so away from peak, so the views were great!
Anna, Mackenzie, Luke, and Ella
Catepillars were in abundance Electric Fences are of no consequence

Happy Birthday Ian!

2008-10-02T17:37:00.003-04:00

Ian turned 28 on October 1. Happy birthday Ian...We all love you here and miss you (and Allison and Iris)!

End of September

2008-10-02T17:12:00.005-04:00

Our last week of September was an eventful one. We headed home (Saratoga Springs) to attend Damian and Susannah Beltsmith's (formerly Corey's) wedding. It was great! A beautiful setting and church in the village of Skylerville (sp?), a lovely Fall vista for the reception, and of course...Susannah was a beautiful bride. Damian looked great too...

We were able stay with Becky, Peter, and John Bednarek for a couple of days as well, which was very enjoyable and so much better now that both the Giants and Bills are 4-0...this does wonders for Pete and mysel's relationship...at least the Bills are keeping up with excellence this year. Anyways...we celebrated Natalie's birthday on Saturday (she turned 6), saw family, and had a great weekend. Ella and Annaleis were in Rochester with Lisa's sister and had a great time and while we missed them, we enjoyed the extra van space.

Clara & Iris

It's been a awhile...

2008-09-22T19:33:00.000-04:00

Well...we are into the full swing of our new schedules. Before I continue I should add that the views and content of this post are my own and are in no way (but may be) the opinion of Lisa. I need to lay that out...just in case. Anyway, things have been going well I think it is safe to say. We continue daily to adjust to life with Clara, not being mobile and all. I love her to death, but will not be sorry to see the carseats go, the diapers go, the wipes go...although as I type this I'm thinking when the girls reach their teen years I may find myself drifting into sweet nostalgia and envision a carseat and pull-up. Anyway...lots going on. Clara went to the doctor today and weighed in at 13 pounds, 9 ounces and is a handful of centimeters. According to the doctor she was off the charts. (off to go make egg salad...) ok, I'm back.

Clara continues to sleep like a champ, but hates the car. She gets hot quickly (like me), starts sweating (like me) and begins crying to the point where she can barely breath (I only cry at really sad movies, like Nell, and I breath fine).

We've been doing quite a few of activities. Been to Becker Farms and picked apples as well as fed a variety of farms animals, celebrated Natalie's 6th birthday a week early with a bowling party...most of her friends, I realized are boys...slightly disturbing but nothing to get to worked up about...yet. I did notice that she takes particular delight in kicking and tormenting them, which is fine. Awana at church has started, school for 3 and Ella has started up ballet again at the YMCA. Lisa is the greatest wife ever. Last Saturday in 1 hour alone with 4 of them, I was besides myself...frustrated, impatient, and acting like a 6th child (except I'm a male) and about to walk 2 blocks to Mercy hospital and get a vasectomy, when it struck me what a blessing Lisa is, how patient and loving and clear-headed she has to be on a daily basis to get through the day. She enjoys being with our children pretty much 99% of the time. I was not having one of those mornings. I breathed a word of thanks to God for her...put Annaleis in time-out, and then didn't follow-up. Lisa corrected me...this is how things go sometimes.

Anyways...we have health, jobs, and loving family and friends and for this I am thankful. I will post some pics of the above described when I find our camera.

Jason

School...at LAST!

2008-09-11T19:23:00.000-04:00

Ella is beginning her second, and last, year of Pre-school and really looking forward to it. Ella, the social butterfly, has had to watch Mackenzie and Natalie leave for school the past few weeks so she's READY...and next year it will be kindergarten which is hard to believe...just think 12 years until prom...

In Defense of Their Title...

2008-09-07T19:24:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, the New York Giants successfully began their Super Bowl title defense in typical Giant fashion. Dominant defense, and frustrating offense. While I think they have an excellent offensive line that can pass defend as well as run block, as evidenced by Brandon Jacobs going for over 120 yards rushing as well as contributions from Ward and Bradshaw, after the first quarter, they fizzled. Eli threw a bad pass that was intercepted and they just looked really happy to hold on and play conservatively. Thankfully, Washington played, and looked, terrible. A wins a win though. Giants will repeat. Here's to LT and Mark Bavaro...my favorite players and authors.

Back to School

2008-09-03T19:00:00.000-04:00

Yeah...it's that time of year again...Mackenzie and I go back to school and Natalie begins a new adventure. Mackenzie is entering 2nd grade, Natalie, kindergarten, and I am entering the 8th year of 40 until I retire. Mackenzie is very excited to return and has several good friends in class with her. Natalie was excited as well, and informed Lisa when she got home that Mommy wasn't necessarily missed...whoops. A new wrinkle for us this year is that the girls began taking the school bus. For the last 2 years, Lisa has put ALL the kids into the car at 7:45 each morning, rain or shine or snow and driven into school...this year we decided to take advantage of the school bus and the girls are part of a nice group of neighborhood kids that all get on together. Lisa will still pick up Mackenzie and Natalie from school mainly because it gets the girls home an hour earlier. Anyway...my first few days before the cherubs showed up were fine and so was day one, which was a Friday...I won't comment about work on the blog.

Hmmmmmm....

2008-08-27T19:09:00.001-04:00

Summer's End

2008-08-26T13:14:00.000-04:00

To say the least, it's been an eventful summer for us. Jellystone for a week, lots of picnics at various parks, birth of Clara, summer work at school for me, home to Schenectady, soccer beginning in June and ending in August. This past Thursday we went with our church to Fantasy Island which is a great little theme park near our home. I love it because you can bring in your own coolers with food and drinks. They have a whole section for younger kids and gradually you move up to rides for teenagers and adults. They have a great water park section too! We brought Lisa's cousin Jeremy along. We love him for him, but also because he's a human punching, wrestling bag so I don't have to be...Thanks Jeremy! We had a great day...here's a small sampling...

On the boats...an extremely wild ride

Jeremy on the Merry-Go-Round (what a dork)

Clara Update

2008-08-23T08:51:00.000-04:00

Clara was one month old 5 days ago! Time has been going by very quickly and for some reason I thought things would slow down... Clara is an amazing baby. She pretty much sleeps through the night, something I can't really confirm because so do I. Lisa says its true. She is up to 11 pounds now (birhtweight was 9lb, 4oz). Here is her 1 month photo:

So Lisa and I got to thinking the other day, of the 4 other girls, who does she look the most like at this stage? What do you think? Mackenzie Natalie

Ella

Annaleis

We're conflicted.

2008-08-16T22:52:00.000-04:00

My good friend Kenny emailed me this picture of an Appalachian Trail marker this evening and it sent a little pang of longing for the trail into me as well as memories of time spent with good friends and family. I spent my day golfing today, which was quality time outdoors with the guys, but golfing can't hold a candle to a good hike. Thanks Ken for photo.