Fun with Inflatables

Someone please explain why this activity was taking place in my kitchen and not out on the lanai?

Henry and the Webelos earn their Scientist badge

I went with the Webelos a couple of weeks ago to the Science Center here in Orlando.  My mother-in-law was in town visiting, so it was kind of nice to go without the other kids.

For those of you who know my sister Emily

She got married last weekend, in Schaghticoke, NY.  This is where the Knickerbocker Mansion historic site is.  Kinda fitting since she married a Knickerbocker, don't ya think?  Here are a couple of pictures.

My brother Matt (far right) filled in as bridesmaid for his wife who couldn't make it.  What a good sport, he walked down the aisle holding a flower and everything.

My sister Jennifer's boyfriend engineered the decorations.  My mom and sister made 32 cloth pomander balls in 5 days.  The rest of us hung them and did the crepe paper.

Matt in the kitchen.

It was crazy hot...about 100 degrees.  There's cousin Kris cooling off.

The happy couple:  Emily Paine and Jon Knickerbocker

From free pallet to cool sign

Here is what the kids and I worked on the other day.

Please note the circular saw that was used after not much success with the hammer.

Fun with Grandparents

Henry and Grandpa Paine working on the pulley system that Henry came up with.

The pulley system-to be used between the top bunk and bottom bunk.

Grandma Gillis makes awesome forts!

I guess it was too much fun for Grandma Gillis

You can always count on Grandpa Paine for ice cream.  YUM!

Samuel's Baptism

June 25th was Samuel's baptism.  We were lucky enough to have 2 sets of grandparents and 2 aunts and an uncle come.  Uncle Mike and Aunt's Emily and Jennifer (Gillis) came.  Unfortunately, when Grandma and Grandpa Gillis got to the airport, only Grandma had a ticket, so she got on the plane and Grandpa had to fend for himself.  He ended up flying first class at the very last minute.  Care to guess how much that ticket cost???  We are so glad that they came though.  Thank you!

Samuel Pitching

May 5th, Samuel got to pitch in a baseball game.  It was his one and only turn and I missed it.  Henry had a game at the same time in a different park, so we had to split up.  Here are some pictures though.

St. Augustine

Back in May, May 17th to be exact, Henry invited Ben to go on his field trip with him.  It was Ben's birthday, and Henry thought he deserved a break.  They went to St. Augustine, which is about 2 hours away.  Henry had so much fun, and learned so much.  All of the 4th graders in Orange County go to St. Augustine, because they spend all year learning about Florida history.  Henry really wants to go as a family this summer so that he can tell us all about it.

Ben's Job is ending

That's right.  Tomorrow is the last day with a company he has been with for 13 years.  He has not yet found a replacement job.  Right now he is concentrating on his MBA, his new calling as Young Men's president, and getting to know his kids.  He will also, of course, continue searching for another job.

In an effort to be somewhat smart with our savings, I have cancelled the trip that I was going to take with the kids this summer.  I will, however, still fly up to NY to see my little sister get married.

We are all happy, healthy and thriving.