HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAYS!















Sparklers on a cake? Why not....




















"It may not be my birthday, but I sure do like Chocolate Cake and Familla Ice Cream"















Feeling blue: Some photos are too perfect to pass up















Auntie Cheryl is home and looking stunning as always. (we miss her so much)















Big Bald Beaner and Beautiful Baby J......















I think you have to call this an instant classic!

The August birthday party was held at our house on the Tuesday night. If you noticed there are virtually no pictures of the kids. When the cousins are over, they seem to disappear. It was just awesome to have Aunt Cheryl home from Florida for a quick visit. She is an amazing woman and we were grateful to have her in our home. (Please give our best wishes to Uncle Gene). Another year has come and gone for the August birthdays and we are getting wiser and better looking as the time passes........alright, not wiser, but certainly the ladies are all getting better looking! See you all next year!

Stay tuned for California and Alex and Vanna (with two N's) wedding pictures. Their ring bearer is a little stud (so I hear).

Summer is "Slippin" Away














"If I hurry, nobody will see me"














It's not that hot, but the days are getting shorter and temperature is dropping














Gotcha! - I caught them in a Kodak moment.

It was warm enough to get out the slip and slide last Sunday. Summer is great, but it is coming to an end soon. For me, I am happy because that means football season is upon us! Not everyone in the family shares my excitement.

MAZ UNION















Battle of the beauties is ON! Kara and Mia square off for the Ladies Air Hockey Championship















"Okay dude - I love you too, I'm just trying to eat my hot dog...." (Thinks Aiden)




















Gabe is already a great catch! Uncle Jamie is "hooking" him up















"oh no Kara - girls can't fish"..... "oh Gabe you have no idea buddy"

Another year has passed and another reunion has come and gone as well. This year we decided to make it a home event (skipping the park idea). Aunt Kathy and Uncle Paul were gracious enough to open their beautiful palace to the family for the big party. Although many were not there we still had Paul, Pam, Aram, Joel, Hannah (from Scotland), Dena, Jamie, Chris, Aiden, Mia, Paulette, Karl, Aaron, Amy (with baby cooking), Jacob, Denise, George, Amara, 800-333-rock Suren, Dinana and if I missed any my apologies.

I made it there late after my journey from Glen Arbor, but was so happy to get to see my distant and not-so-distant family. To everyone who was not there - I hope to see you at the next one. It will be here before we know it!

GREEN WITH ENVY
















DD shows off mommy's creation




















I've heard of green, red and yellow peppers - but PURPLE???


I have to admit, when Noelle said she wanted to do a garden I was a little skeptical. I have come completely full circle in support of this amazing spread of veggies, fruits, herbs and flowers. Dinners and snacks are more enjoyable and it cuts down on the grocery bill. Now all we have to do is figure out a way to grow shoes organically and we will be all set!

It is amazing how she can work full time, take great care of the kids and still find time to make this beautiful garden. Kara is getting a great education and I can see her becoming the green thumb that her mother is someday.

GOOD NEWS ALERT: All of the hard work and dedication that Noelle puts in has earned her a well deserved promotion at work. We are all so proud of her accomplishment and ability to juggle so many things and be so great at all of them. Way to go Nobie!