Introducing......Baby Girl

These are just a few of the ultrasound pictures. It was comical to see her pout, then wind up to cry. We had to laugh at the "drama queen" covering of her eyes with one hand during the "photo shoot". I think she just wanted the technician to leave her alone!

Father's Day 2009

On Friday, June 19th, the girls picked me up for "lunch" (at least that's what Ray and Tim thought we were doing). Actually, Jen had an appointment at 1 pm for a 4-D ultrasound at her doctor's office. The resulting pictures were a Father's Day gift for the grandpas, Ray and David, as well as daddy, Tim. It was an awesome experience for me to meet our granddaughter and for Ang and Steph to meet their niece on Friday. At this point we know that baby girl has chubby cheeks, a pretty little mouth and a good bit of hair! (Oh, and they clearly confirmed it is a girl.) Ray and Tim received their pictures during lunch on Father's Day. It was fun to see their faces as they also met baby girl. We can hardly wait to hold her in our arms!!!

Girls Night Out - June 18th, 2009

For Mother's Day, Ray gave me a "girls night out" at Ristorante Divino. It took almost a month for the girls and I to coordinate a date that all four of us were free, but we finally scheduled the event for June 18th. It was so much fun to dress up and the food was great. Thanks, Ray!

Sun bathing: June 15, 2009

Ray, mom, Jen, Ang, Maleah, and I met for breakfast on Monday, June 15th. The food was really good, and afterward we went back the house to swim. The girls sunbathed - Maleah was a really cool dude in Jen's sunglasses (upside down because they fit better that way!). Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Mom that afternoon. She'll be back soon, though, when the baby comes.

Celebrating June 14, 2009

On June 14th, we celebrated both Ray's and Jen's birthdays (June 14th and 15th, respectively). We spent the afternoon swimming with Jen and her boys, then had a delicious meal with the family, Ron and Bryce. Afterwards, we went to Angela's for dessert and an impromptu photo session. We really had a fun time hamming it up for the camera.

We spent the afternoon of June 14th poolside with Jenny's "boys". Ray and Otto enjoy a swim together. Otto loves the water.

A trip to the Putple Lotus and a star is born!

On 06142009, we headed over to the Purple Lotus to watch as Ron got another tattoo. Mom and Shavon hit it off and before you know it, mom was going to be the star of the Purple Lotus' new website site slogan - "A place that you would take your grandmother for a tattoo!". (Their idea, not ours.) A photo shoot ensued and mom will be on their home page in a few weeks to a month. By the time we left, promises to exchange cheese from Pennsylvania (Shavon heads there in July) and Wisconsin (mom heads back for the baby's birth in late August to early September) were made and a new friendship forged.

Jenny's first baby shower - June 13, 2009

Angela threw Jenny her first baby shower on June 13th. Ray and I flew my mom in on Friday so that she could attend the shower. I wish that I had recorded the looks on the girls' faces as they arrived one-by-one on Saturday for the shower! It was a real surprise to them and I know that it meant a lot to all of us to have her here for the shower. The shower was well attended by family and friends. A good time was had by all - some enjoyed just visiting indoors, while others enjoyed a swim. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day, especially considering that every other day that week had, at some point during the day, produced a torrential downpour. The "baby shower season" has begun.

Getting back on track.....06202009

On 06112009, we experienced a severe thunderstorm which, along with a good bit of rain, caused another casualty. It took out our internet! After several calls to Time Warner (and I do mean several - after a while some of the customer service reps were on a first name basis and recognized my voice) and three separate service visits, I am pleased to say that our internet is back up as of late this afternoon (06202009). I really enjoy keeping up with family and friends through email, Facebook, and the blog. These past 9 days have been tough! So much has taken place in the past 9 days - I will try to recap and catch you back up on what's been going on.......

My, how, the girls have grown!

I was going through some pictures this afternoon and came across an old one of the girls at Niagra Falls when they were small. What a contrast to the women that they are in the pictures from a recent trip they took together (over Memorial weekend) to New York City. Seems like yesterday, well, you know the rest!

The girls at Niagra Falls in the early 1990's. (From left to right: Stephanie, Jennifer and Angela.)

Impromptu pool party for the kids and their dogs - June 3

Jen, Tim and Steph, along with the 6 dogs (our 3, Jen and Tim's 2 and Steph's Kylie) had a refreshing afternoon this past Wednesday. While 4 of the 6 didn't have any desire to hop in the pool, Kylie and Otto had a blast from the looks of it.

Otto enjoyed a swim with his daddy!

Kylie enjoying a cool dip in the pool.

Steph's pool party - May 31st

Last Sunday, Steph and several of her friends joined our family for a pool party and cookout. Jen and Ang were able to join us and I think everyone had a fun and relaxing time swimming, eating and just visiting with one another. Ray manned the grill and turned out some scrumptious hamburgers and sausages. I don't think that anyone went away hungry! Ray and I ate off of the leftovers for at least a couple of days, but I'm not complaining. Grilled food is always yummy!!

Nicole and her "little man", Bubbles. He really was the cutest and well behaved little fella.

Stephanie and her girlfriends, Christiana (her roommate on her left) and Nicole (on her right). Oh, and Nicole's dog, Bubbles, is in the foreground looking up at the girls.