It's Her Party

On Friday evening, a few friends gathered for the blessing and celebration of Jamalyn's birthday. Of course, we had to have cookies from Where the Cookie Crumbles. They are becoming a favorite family tradition.

Dave was busy grilling some juicy burgers. I think I recognize that beef.

And Margaret was busy greeting all the guests.

Jamalyn got a new camera for Mother's Day, and she was trying it out.

Margaret was doing a little cheesin' for the camera.

I couldn't resist these cute ones of Nathan.

Eating his supper.

Watching the kids.

Such a good boy!

Then he tried to make his escape from the back yard. Caught ya!

I tried to get one of Margaret and her best buddy Brittney.

Brittney's mom, Sarah, had the same idea. I'm sure her photos are much better than mine. You can check them out (along with lots more awesome pictures) on her blog. She was grand AND reserve champion at the Rush County Fair in the professional photo category. Maybe even with photos of some folks we know and love! (One was from Haleigh's newborn session, the other was of Jamalyn and Margaret.) Congratulations Sarah!

These three cuties were sitting on the wall at the back of the yard. Not sure we were all happy here.

Dave and Margaret had made Jamalyn TWO cakes for her birthday. (What a guy!) They lit the candles several times so that all the helpers could have a turn blowing on the cake, er, I mean blowing out the candles. :)

This is cutie pie Lily and her sweet mommy Chantel. Lily even got to practice her photography skills with Sarah's camera.

Next on the agenda was a cut-throat game of ladder golf. John Paul and Brad show some intensity in the competition.

Nathan offers some encouragement.

Jamalyn shows off her skills.

Followed by a victory dance. After all, the birthday girl always wins. It's her party.

Super Ring

The Saints received their Super Bowl Champion rings this week, in a private ceremony at the Roosevelt Hotel. Jim and I stayed there when we went to see them play last November. It's a beautiful place.

The rings are beautiful as well. They were made by Tiffany, and contain several features commemorating the Saints' special season. The diamond in the center represents their first Super Bowl win. There are 16 diamonds surrounding the face, which represent each of the 16 wins. Forty-four diamonds encircling the ring represent the 44th Super Bowl.

Flip the ring on its sides, and on one shank, there's the score, the Super Bowl XLIV logo, the game date (engraved as "02.07.10"), the location ("Miami, FL") and the NFL shield. On the other shank is the player's name, number and position as well as a city skyline design, featuring the Superdome, a Carnival float (complete with riders holding the Lombardi Trophy aloft) and a line of music notes from "When the Saints Go Marching In." Very cool.

And very beautiful.

I thought you would also like to see my favorite quarterback and his pretty wife showing the new ring. Hope I can see it in person next week when Drew makes a stop at Purdue. I plan to be there. And I'll probably take my camera. :)

Makin' a Splash

With the sun shining and no rain in the forecast, it seemed like a great afternoon to spend some time at the pool. Matthew and Riley were happy to be together since they don't see each other often during the school year. Spending the time in the pool made the day even better!

With a little encouragement, they even posed for a couple pictures for me.

Demonstrating their cannonball form.

Hitching the floats together.

Riley takes a Dilly Bar break. Thanks to Aunt Fer for bringing the treats!

Riley is ready to slide.

Jennifer caught this picture. I think he was smiling for her!

Matthew takes a turn.

He'll have to work on his slide smile. He's looking just a bit worried to me. :)

Carter got to spend the afternoon working with Gramps. We were shocked (not) to see him covered in black sharpie marker when he came back. Check out the legs.

And the arms.

And the hands. A dip in the pool didn't really help. I think there will be scrubbing involved.

He did get a nice piggy back ride from Riley. They all had a great time.

Riley and Carter had to head out to get to Bible School this evening, so after a short break at our house, Matthew continued his pool time at Nana's. He had some fun with the noodles.

And he tried out the swim ring.

He enjoyed soaking up the last bit of sun in Nana's warm pool.

Here he was using all his charm to convince Adam to get in the pool with him.

Adam couldn't resist his favorite nephew, or deny his inner swim instructor, and he was soon in the water. He was looking fine in Matthew's spare goggles, and not wanting me to catch him looking at the camera. But I did.

He helped Matthew learn to float on his back.

Success!

One more smile, and it's time to head home.

Tennis Anyone?

I watched Matthew's first tennis lesson yesterday, and snapped a few pictures while I was there. It was pretty cute to see the 5-7 year olds learning the basics of tennis. They rotated between four courts, learning the serve, forehand, backhand, and volley at each stop. Much of the time was spent picking up tennis balls, which seemed to be a fun part of the lesson for the kids. Such energy!

Matthew learned to put 10 tennis balls on his racket and carry them carefully to the ball cart. A bit of a challenge!

It was fun to watch, but sitting out there in the heat did make me remember why our kids were swimmers!