Halloween Fun with Maddie and Eva

I had the pleasure of spending several days with Maddie and Eva this summer, however Clyde was not able to accompany me. This October we traveled to Tulare, Ca. to visit the grandbabies. Grandad Clyde got to see Baby Eva for the first time! We were able to spend some quality time at home with the girls, Ash and Courtney. We also went trick-or-trunking with them at Ash's workplace, Prestige Assisted Living, as well as trick-or-treating in their neighborhood. Baby Eva was dressed up as a duck and Maddie was Dorothy. Nana and grandad also visited the pumpkin patch where Maddie rode the train and both girls got their faces painted. There is a new park in Tulare that we checked out as well. We had a wonderful time and are just amazed at how quickly the babies are growing up.

First Fall Snow

Nothing compares to the colors of fall in New England. The only thing more beautiful is adding snow to the landscape, which is what happened this October. I woke up to the largest snowflakes I have ever seen! What a sight!

Ashley, Courtney, Maddie and Baby Eva

Oh the joy of being a Nana and Grandad! We are so proud of Ash and Courtney as they parent their two little girls. They are tackling the job of parenting with confidence, humility and lots and lots of love. Two year old, Maddie and six month old, Baby Eva are two of the biggest blessings in our life.

Marty and Sweetie

Clyde and I have been traveling this fall and enjoying every minute however, our faithful companions have not. Marty and Sweetie, our two Wheaten Terriers have spent those weekends away in a kennel. They are always very excited to see us when we return and add lots of joy to our empty nest.

Sweetie

Marty

Weekends in DC

Georgetown Softball! Yes, two out of the passed three weekends have been spent in our nation's capitol watching Mackensey and her Georgetown University softball team play ball. We also enjoyed Mackensey's first GU softball banquet where several players were recognized for their achievements on and off the field for the 2008-2009 year. As many of you know, Mackensey was the first GU softball player to win Big East Conference honors for her hitting last season. She was awarded Third Team All Big East as a freshman! What an honor for her and for GU softball in their first season in the Big East. Mackensey was also recognized at the banquet, along with 13 of her teammates, for the Big East All-Academic selection. We are very proud of Mackensey's work ethic and her passion for doing her best in all she does!

Trip to Kansas

Clyde and I decided this summer to visit some of our family in Kansas. He took a few days vacation this month and off we went. Heath and Thais joined us as well which made it an even sweeter trip. We stayed with my parents for most of the trip and were able to spend some time with each of my brothers and sisters. We ended our time in Topeka with Clyde's sister and her family. We had a wonderful time catching up with everyone. After taking a peek at the pictures that were taken I have learned that I need to be more diligent with taking photos for the sake of telling the story on the blog. :)

Our lunch at Houstons at the Crowne Plaza in Kansas City.
Brittany, Heath, and Clyde visiting at Daddy and Connie's house.
Our nephew Sterling.
Our nephew Timber.
Connie and Ryan.
My dad, my sister Mary and Courtney.
Our nephew "little" Michael and Timber with the whole group in the background.
Aunt Tracey coloring with Courtney and Clyde looking on.
Tracey and Connie getting ready to watch the infamous Tomlinson/Carter football game.
My dad playing football!
Ryan and Tyler.
Clyde taking a break from football. He rocked! Us women-folk looking on.
Yes! The game!
Courtney and Kayla, good buddies!
Here they are three very important people to me: Clyde, Thais and Heath.
Clyde's sister Cherie and our niece, Amber at lunch with the McGinnis' at the Blind Tiger in Topeka, Ks.

Amber's friend Thomas, Amber and Thais.

Cherie and Ed.
Clyde and Ed.


Heath and I.
Heath and Thais while we were visiting Clyde's stepdad, Peter.
Peter and Cherie.




Last stop on our trip; dinner with my brother John and his wife Renea.
John and Renea.
Me and my brother.