Sunday, June 29, 2008
Ava & Val
What's a visit with Ava without pictures of them together. Ava was excited to wake up from her nap to see Wal Wal ready to play. And Val was excited to see that Ava was eating pretzels because that meant that Val would get some too. 
To the Weeee
We visited Bob, Mary, Ava and Luke and while we were there, Ava asked to go to the weeee. Hmmm - we thought that meant potty, but soon found out that meant 'park.' Mary told us that every time Ava gets on a swing, everyone says 'weeee' - so she thinks it's called 'weeee.'
We walked to the park, slid down the steamy hot slides, and went on the weeees - Ava kept asking Brian to join her. We had lots of fun!
We walked to the park, slid down the steamy hot slides, and went on the weeees - Ava kept asking Brian to join her. We had lots of fun!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Look Closely
Our front porch friend had baby birdies. All we see these days are beaks in the air waiting for their mom to bring them eats. We'll keep you updated.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Catching Up with Friends
After many scheduling conflicts, Devon and I finally arranged a get together in the city. We ended up in Northern Liberties and Kelli also joined us. And as an added bonus, a former colleague and friend of mine met up for a drink and I got to meet James for the first time. I love catching up with friends!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Welcome Luke Robert Kenney!
We got a call at 6:30 AM today that Mary's water broke and she would be going in for her c-section. Luke was born at 9:20 AM, weighing in at a healthy 8lbs, 15ozs and 21 inches long. We were very excited to meet him! The top picture is of him sleeping soundly moments after he was born and the bottom is his pose when the paparazzi are flashing at him.Mary is doing well and we thank her for going through it all so we could have Luke! Congratulations Mary, Bob, and Ava. Happy Birthday - 6/22/08.
Empty Gas
Last night was round 4 of the Kenney/Earhart cookoff. Brian and I were a bit nervous and spent much of the week on the Food Network website looking for something scrumpalicious, but since it was going to be a gorgeous evening, we opted for a traditional outdoor bbq of burgers and corn on the cob - we did tell Christina and Travis we would throw in something interesting - and I believe we lived up to that promise.
You may think that the appetizer Brian created of goat cheese stuffed pablano peppers or the dessert of grilled s'mores was that something interesting - but that was not the case.
As we sat down to watch Brian man the grill, it soon became clear that we had run out of propane. Now you would think that was the twist (unplanned of course), but that again was not the case. Brian and Travis drove around on the search for a place to fill it up. After a few locations, Brian called excited that we will indeed be able to have grilled burgers, but unfortunately (the twist) he had forgotten his wallet and so did Travis. Therefore, they returned to get some cash and soon enough we were sinking our teeth into juicy burgers.
So, if we get points for unpredictability and composure through it all, then I believe we could be tied 2-2. So to our friends...beat that!
P.S. Val enjoyed her visit from Harley.
You may think that the appetizer Brian created of goat cheese stuffed pablano peppers or the dessert of grilled s'mores was that something interesting - but that was not the case.
As we sat down to watch Brian man the grill, it soon became clear that we had run out of propane. Now you would think that was the twist (unplanned of course), but that again was not the case. Brian and Travis drove around on the search for a place to fill it up. After a few locations, Brian called excited that we will indeed be able to have grilled burgers, but unfortunately (the twist) he had forgotten his wallet and so did Travis. Therefore, they returned to get some cash and soon enough we were sinking our teeth into juicy burgers.
So, if we get points for unpredictability and composure through it all, then I believe we could be tied 2-2. So to our friends...beat that!
P.S. Val enjoyed her visit from Harley.
Monday, June 16, 2008
My Tennis Coach
I found out today that my high school tennis coach, Maureen Collins, passed away after battling cancer. I am extremely saddened by this news - I had just found out yesterday that her cancer had returned and she was in grave condition. I had tried to get in touch today and then found out she passed this afternoon. In honor of my coach, mentor, and friend...
I met MK (that was her name to us since she was Miss Kennedy at the time) when I was in 8th grade. She came to South Park Middle School to recruit for the high school tennis team. I had never picked up a racket and had no idea what I was getting into, but she must have been a good recruiter because I decided tennis was going to be my sport and to see me on the court.
I should also tell you that MK was my 9th grade English teacher. My tennis coach being my English teacher made 9th grade English a piece of cake. I was never bad in English but I will say that I did get special treatment, and I didn't complain.
MK was a bit of a worrier - as a freshman, I didn't really get to play so I'd have to keep MK from getting nervous before a big match. I gave her a quote that helped me to stay calm, "Today is the Tomorrow that worried you Yesterday, and All is Well." I went back to visit her in 2003 and found that quote still on her desk in South Park High School. She said she never moved it since 1992.
MK soon became MC (Mrs. Collins) and through those 4 years of tennis and working my way to the top (well almost the top, some young tennis phenom joined the team during my senior year so I ended up at #2) MC became more than a coach or teacher. She was a mentor, cheerleader, and friend.
When I look back in life, there are a handful of people that stick out as having a tremendous impact - they are the ones that saw something in me, pushed me to go further, cared, and helped me along the way to meet my goal. For those people, I owe so much because they helped me become who I am today. MC was one of those people. Everything from making me a better tennis player, a better team captain, and a better person. She gave up her free time to make us all better. There is a quote she always said when we played doubles, "United we stand...divide and conquer!" That was her spirit - caring, yet fiesty. I can still hear her say it and how she said it.
I Googled Mrs. Collins tonight and actually came across an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune that showed her being one of the 101 local teachers in Pittsburgh to be recognized as Teachers of Excellence in February 2008. While she retired from tennis coaching a few years ago, it is evident that she continues to be the respected coach/teacher in the classroom.
I'm going to add two pictures - one from senior recognition day 1996 and the other from 2003 when I came back to SPHS to visit. She had just gone through her first fight with cancer and was in remission. I will miss her, but will hold all she taught me in my heart forever!
I met MK (that was her name to us since she was Miss Kennedy at the time) when I was in 8th grade. She came to South Park Middle School to recruit for the high school tennis team. I had never picked up a racket and had no idea what I was getting into, but she must have been a good recruiter because I decided tennis was going to be my sport and to see me on the court.
I should also tell you that MK was my 9th grade English teacher. My tennis coach being my English teacher made 9th grade English a piece of cake. I was never bad in English but I will say that I did get special treatment, and I didn't complain.
MK was a bit of a worrier - as a freshman, I didn't really get to play so I'd have to keep MK from getting nervous before a big match. I gave her a quote that helped me to stay calm, "Today is the Tomorrow that worried you Yesterday, and All is Well." I went back to visit her in 2003 and found that quote still on her desk in South Park High School. She said she never moved it since 1992.
MK soon became MC (Mrs. Collins) and through those 4 years of tennis and working my way to the top (well almost the top, some young tennis phenom joined the team during my senior year so I ended up at #2) MC became more than a coach or teacher. She was a mentor, cheerleader, and friend.
When I look back in life, there are a handful of people that stick out as having a tremendous impact - they are the ones that saw something in me, pushed me to go further, cared, and helped me along the way to meet my goal. For those people, I owe so much because they helped me become who I am today. MC was one of those people. Everything from making me a better tennis player, a better team captain, and a better person. She gave up her free time to make us all better. There is a quote she always said when we played doubles, "United we stand...divide and conquer!" That was her spirit - caring, yet fiesty. I can still hear her say it and how she said it.
I Googled Mrs. Collins tonight and actually came across an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune that showed her being one of the 101 local teachers in Pittsburgh to be recognized as Teachers of Excellence in February 2008. While she retired from tennis coaching a few years ago, it is evident that she continues to be the respected coach/teacher in the classroom.
I'm going to add two pictures - one from senior recognition day 1996 and the other from 2003 when I came back to SPHS to visit. She had just gone through her first fight with cancer and was in remission. I will miss her, but will hold all she taught me in my heart forever!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Fathday Day!
Mr. Kenney, Bob, Mary, and Ava came over to celebrate Father's Day. We got the below brownie for dessert from Whole Foods. There were a bunch to pick from and I saw one didn't have a crossed 'T' so I made sure I got the one with the crossed 'T.' I guess I should have read it...we didn't notice until we got home that it said, 'Fathday' instead of 'Father's.' So this year we celebrated Fathday Day! The next picture is of all of us after our brunch. We used the timer so we all could get in it. 
But in honor of Father's Day...or shall I say Fathday Day, below are pictures of our Dads. They are amazing men, loving fathers, mentors, and spiritual guides. We appreciate them for their love & support, encouragement, generosity, and thoughtfulness. We love our Dads!
But in honor of Father's Day...or shall I say Fathday Day, below are pictures of our Dads. They are amazing men, loving fathers, mentors, and spiritual guides. We appreciate them for their love & support, encouragement, generosity, and thoughtfulness. We love our Dads!
Above is Brian, Jimmy, Mr. Kenney, and Bob a few years ago at a celebratory event for Mr. Kenney. 
Above is a picture of me, my dad, and David. Every time we get a picture of the three of us, my dad makes us get one of us kissing him on both cheeks. It never gets old. Below is a picture from my rehearsal dinner.
Bonjour
Well, back from a quick trip to Paris this past week. Left on the evening of Sunday, June 8 and returned the morning of Thursday, June 12. It was actually nice to get out of the Philadelphia area since in felt like we were living on the sun around here - it was so incredibly hot. My boss and I flew out of Newark -- the flight over was relaxing (business class on a nice big 777) and I think some of the "relaxing" had to do with the fact that we cleaned Continental Airlines out of their stock of Bombay Gin -- and we didn't even finish a can of tonic between the two of us!
It was a pretty exhausting trip -- never thought I could stay up so many hours over the course of several days and still manage to somehow function. A very successful trip from a work standpoint, although we really didn't get to do much in terms of sightseeing.
Eiffel Tower was quite impressive -- pictures below. Would have liked to have gone to the Louvre. If you go, bring plenty of money -- Paris is expensive. Oh, and by the way, the French are incredibly mean people.
It was a pretty exhausting trip -- never thought I could stay up so many hours over the course of several days and still manage to somehow function. A very successful trip from a work standpoint, although we really didn't get to do much in terms of sightseeing.
Eiffel Tower was quite impressive -- pictures below. Would have liked to have gone to the Louvre. If you go, bring plenty of money -- Paris is expensive. Oh, and by the way, the French are incredibly mean people.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Sweet Mercy
Brian and I got massages this morning at a spa. It was a perfect way to end a week and begin the weekend. We both are now extremely relaxed and enjoyed it tremendously, but Brian can't stop saying, "Sweet Mercy!" Hmmm...
What To Do With A Pillow
Ava knows what to do with a pillow. In case you are wondering, it is Uncle Brian that is tossing the others on her. She'll get him back someday...
Hello?
We spent the afternoon over at Mr. Kenney's house. It is blazingly hot here in Philadelphia. While enjoying fresh squeezed lemonade and soft pretzels, we let Ava entertain us inside in the AC.
Manning the Porch
Over the past few weeks we have noticed these long strawlike branches on our front porch. We kept sweeping them off thinking it was from our neighbor's cat. But everyday more and more appeared and it soon became clear that a little Robin Red Breast was making a home. He was very tenacious - day in and day out he would bring new sticks to his nest. It took him about two weeks. He'd leave his post everytime we came onto the porch, but now he must have another mission. He finally stayed long enough for us to capture him. 
:(
Val had her surgery on Monday to extract the three teeth she broke. She did very well during the surgery and is back to her normal self. The first night after surgery was rough though...she was not herself. Being heavily drugged, she accidently wet the bed. Now I know how my mom felt back in my early days when I would call her in the middle of the night after I wet the bed. She would clean me off and change the bed and then I would get to spend the rest of the night in my parents' bed. I loved it. While that is a fun memory for me - being on the other side of things sucks. I guess I owe my mom a big thanks!!!Above is our toothless Val. She is all better and should be back playing ball in no time.
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