Stone Harbor 2010 didn't disappoint even though the weather was a bit miserable. Tons of family time, relaxation, and good old ocean air. As always, we enjoyed: family dinners, cocktail time, riding in waves, bocce ball, kite flying, games, walks, riding bikes, and watching Val swim. Pictured below are some highlights of the vacation.
Grandma & Ryan enjoying the last evening at the shore
Brian & me
Josh, Jessa, John & Alexa enjoying the sun that poked through on Saturday
Aunt Charlene & Uncle Charlie
Brendan & Colton
Marissa, Colton, & Kristen
Brian, Ryan, and John - Aunt Marilyn stew night
Uncle Rick & Cris
Grace & Kylie
Lovebirds Dad & Mom
Nancy & Kylie
Grandma & her girls (and boy)
3 generations - Aunt Marilyn, Jessa, and Alexa
Mom, Dave, Ellen, & Gavin
Alana & Marissa being goofy
It was Colton's first official day - his baptism. The family traveled in to celebrate, along with his Godparents' Jessie & Craig Doman. We had a nice weekend, but the baptism day was extra special. We believe Mrs. Kenney was there with too, as one of the girls getting baptized along with Colton was named Madeleine. The message was clear on that day from Monsignor Flood - your children will learn religion by example. It empowered me and also stressed me out. A lot of responsibility to raise a child and make sure they are well rounded and learn the words of God. So we will try our best and hopefully Colton will be a kind, loving, and faithful boy someday. That's all I wish for. Colt loved getting baptized as he loves his baths. He smiled so big. We love him so much!
Colt's weekend festivities began with the family arriving and us enjoying time together. Glenside had a Halloween trick or treat fest at the local shops where the kids got to go. We had to be creative and made Alana into a mummy. Pictured above - my favorite brother Dave & Colton, Dad & Colton, Mummy Alana, and Gavin enjoying his lollipop.
A few weeks ago we went to Pumpkin Days at Tyler Arboretum with Bob, Mary, Ava and Luke. We walked all around hoping we would arrive at the most amazing tree houses ever known to man - but there was nothing like that there. I believe I may have created something in my imagination of what I would have hoped for at this place called Tyler Arboretum. We enjoyed our time with the family and ran into a college friend and her family - which was a nice surprise. Pictured above - Luke, Ava, my friend's boys - A.J. & Will, the Kenney Klan, and our precious little man.
Our little pumpkin in a pumpkin patch. Having a child is fun. Reliving fun events in your own life and seeing their reactions is what makes it special. Colton's first Fall brings a trip to a local farm where we picked out our pumpkins, drank apple cider, plopped Colton down for many photo ops, and then called it a day. Next year we will do the hay ride when he is older.
We attended the blessing of the animals the last day we were at the shore. Ever since we attended it last year, we have been praying the prayer of St. Francis every night for Val. We believe that was one of the contributing factors to her getting better, so we continue to believe in the blessings and the prayers to keep her whole and healthy. We love our Val.
Val-e-val
Alana
Grace
Gavin
Alexa
We planned a professional family photo shoot, but since the weather was so unpredictable with clouds, rain, and wind, we opted to cancel the professional shoot and try our hand at our own photography. It turned out to be clear when we all headed to the beach, but as you can see the wind was a bit of a challenge. We like some of the photos, but the entire family shot we will chalk up to a good old college try. Enjoy.
Not sure what it is about kites, but the guys were captivated by them. These pictures make me happy to see how excited and interested they are in a simple toy.
Jimmy, Mike, Mike's mom, and Abby came up to Philadelphia for a whirlwind of a touristy visit. We chowed down on pizza, enjoyed some cocktails, and had a nice evening. Looking forward to a longer weekend with the crew. We miss Jim.
