Amateur golf lesson

So, it's a beautiful day in New York today and Mykah decided to take her new golf clubs (courtesy of 8th b-day, Nana & Papa style) out for some practice. Growing up in a golfing family, I had to go help her with some things that I learned before I decided golf is an infuriating game and I wanted to throw the ball (and the clubs), instead of swing at it. As I was helping her, I did something I've never done before (that I'm aware of)... I turned into my dad, Max. Before I knew it, I heard things come out of my mouth that I NEVER thought I'd say. "Keep your eye on the ball!" "Don't try to kill it." "Keep your head down." and "Toe up!" Hmmm... all those times we say "I'll never be like my parents" only lasts until we're parents ourselves, I guess. And then, we sit & wish we could give that parent a big hug & kiss and say thank you for everything, even though I didn't appreciate it then... Love you, Max! Thank you for always making time to teach us things that we'd appreciate later in life and be able to pass on to our own children. What an honor for me to say "This is what my dad taught me when I was your age" to my own child. See you in just under 3 weeks.

TOE UP~



"Choke up on the club" was another favorite~



Head down, eye on the ball~



3rd Grade!! Here is Mykah on her 1st day of school. Our schools didn't start until 9-4-08. Why is it that we start to feel our age because of the grade in school our children are in?!



P.S. Big ultrasound on 9-26-08!! Get your vote in now for our boy name. Josh (j-o for Joe, s-h for Shauna, who is Joe's late Mom) is for certain (NOT Joshua, just Josh), but we can't decide on the middle name. Joe wants Thomas, because he thinks every child he produces should have as many of his names as possible. I want Oliver, for Shauna's maiden name, because I think it's stinking adorable... What do you think? Girl name remains Joey Shauna. Hopefully, we'll get full cooperation from the baby and will know what we're having that day. We are so thrilled that Mom & Max get to be there for the big reveal. We are also going to take Mykah~

My sister, my friend

My sister, Brooke, came to visit us a few weeks ago. Since I know she won't post any pictures of herself on her blog, I'm going to! When she got off the plane in Syracuse, I was overwhelmed with love and admiration for my long-time best friend. Not only has she changed her hair to brunette, which I think is stunning on her, she has lost almost 50 pounds since March. Although my sister has always been a vibrant, wonderful person, she was absolutely glowing when I saw her and reminded me so much of the Brooke of the past. She has always turned heads with her All American beauty, but she hasn't been able to see it for a while now. Discouraged by her weight, she stopped believing that she was beautiful and couldn't see what the rest of her family and friends never stopped seeing. This Brooke that came to New York was my "old" sister that I've missed dearly, but always knew was there. We had a fairly quiet, but perfect reunion. She bonded with Max, who still wants to call Aunt B on a regular basis. We just hung out and she gave me a recharge that I desperately needed. She kept saying we were spoiling her while she was here, but I think it was the other way around. She spoiled me with her presence alone, and while I miss her family so much, it was wonderful to get to see her and spend a little quality time with her. Brooke, I love you and admire you more than you'll ever know. You are the best sister anyone could dream of and I'm glad God joined us by blood. Sisters by heart...Friends by choice~

Taughannock Falls Lookout Point





Wine Tour...yes we found a wine she enjoyed!



MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER

June & July 2008

This is how Max entertains himself (and terrifies us)~ hitting Mykah's soccer ball with her old golf clubs backwards. We've discovered he swings everything left handed...Luckily, Nana & Papa got him left-handed clubs for his birthday.




On the way to Cleveland (5 1/2 hours from our house), we stopped at Lake Chautaqua and had a picnic and water play~




HELLOOOO, hottie!!




We had to say goodbye to Mykah for 6 whole weeks while she goes to visit her other dad in Idaho. Although it is my dad and nephew's birthday June 29th, I was not in a celebrating mood, as you might be able to tell... We miss you, sissy, see you in 3 more weeks.





All her "I'm flying all by myself today for the 1st time" stickers. She was so brave. We drove her to Cleveland so she could get a direct flight to Salt Lake City. Everyone reading this is closer to her than I am :(



Ready to go and as independent as ever. She wouldn't even let Daddy carry her bag...




Maxie's birthday trip to the zoo in Syracuse~we sure missed Mykah, but it was a fun outing for the 3 of us!





Blowing out his hockey stick candles...Of course, Auntie Jenn & Teya came over to help celebrate!



New sacketball hoop (that's what Max calls it)



This is the birthday crown his daycare made for him the day after his birthday. He took it to bed with him and when Joe went up to check on him, he had put it on & fell fast asleep as birthday king!!!