Back to school!!

For years we have always bought additional school supplies for the local schools to hand out to those who don't have the resources to purchase their own. This year at the request of a friend in the system, Donna and I provided something different. We provided the means to feel normal to some kids in unfortunate circumstances.

Champlain Valley Fair

One of my favorite memories as a kid with my dad is going to the Champlain Valley Fair. Now as an adult I do my best to make it there each year and spend some time with him. This year I even got to give him his birthday gift that Mary helped me get this AMAZING image of Tiger Woods. Dad was beyond happy!!

We could not have picked a better day to be at the fair! Hands down this is the best fair in Vermont! I always have so much fun, it is sooo clean and where else can you get Al's fries!!

something old turns something new

Look familiar??? Yep that is right the most AMAZING table cloths that Hazel made us for the reception held at my dads are now our bed quilt!

At the end of the wedding day, Doris asked Brad and I if we would like her to make something with the table cloths.  OF COURSE came flying out of my mouth!!

12 days later we go over to my dad's to pick up left over wedding stuff and SURPRISE!  We had this breath taking quilt and monogram pillows with GoodHale on them.  LOVE LOVE LOVE that Hazel made the table cloths and Doris made the quilt. Symbolic of the blending of our names!!

Inspiration

What happen to the scrawny BOY that just graduated from Hallmark??!! I tell you what happen... he turned into a KICK ASS photographer, inspiration to all of us and certainly scrawny no more!! 

Well Matty is all grown up now. He is officially on the speaking circuit, he did his first presentation to Vermont Professional Photographers on his self portraits.  Check out the slide show below.  Matty you ROCK and I am proud to be your home girl!!
Matt's self portraits

Lake Monsters 2012

  The tradition keeps on.... A Lake Monsters game.
                     p.s its $0.25 hot dog night

  Field of Dreams eat your heart out, its not Iowa,
                                Its Vermont!!!!

             Our buddy Champ, we call him Bob!

          Kevin, Bob, Christine, Donna, and Brad

West Coast of NE

          These are not seagulls......we're lovebirds!!!

                           This is a Seagull! lol

Another summer ending adventure. A Champlain Lake cruise

Headed out rounding the lighthouse.

Touring the lake

We heard a fabulous term while aboard today.  Lake Champlain is the West Coast of New England.
Truest thing we've heard in a long time.

            Don't waste time  experience it now!!!

Hampton Beach

             Final attempt at rescuing summer,
                                                       a day at the beach.

                     Gettin' sun and rest

     Nothing like the cool breeze off the ocean

                         Posing by the water

                 Cocktails overlooking the strip

                         Dinner and a Show

                   Its official, summer can end.

National Judging

Finished with my birthday celebrations I hopped on a plane to Atlanta, GA. I had the privileged to be invited to judge for Professional Photographers of America at the International competition.

Oh the fun we do have, but trust me we also work our brains to fried eggs.

I think we found the perfect combination for roommates.  Now trust me there was A LOT of hesitation heard by my roomies, but I kept telling them to TRUST me. Sure enough everyone meshed well, saved a bunch of money and had the most kick ass room in the hotel!  Please don't doubt me!! As Brad has learned, I am just plan right most of the time. LOL!!

Birthday Celebration

It was a little bit of a disappointment not to be with Jelani on his actually birthday! It certainly made me feel better when I talked to him on July 25th and he said "Ninang don't be sad, I will see you on your birthday and we can celebrate both of our birthdays together"!

Uncle Vinny and I got our BIG man an iPad.  I think he was a little happy!!

Ninang was A LOT happy to see Jay!

Sarcastic or not, I still LOVE it!!

See I even had my superhero put it up right away!!

What more could make a girl happier then a Michael Kors purse, iTunes cards, sapphire necklace, salute to the Queen and a night out in Burlington with some great friends! Nope, nothing more needed!!

50th Anniversary

I received an invitation from my father's family about a 50th Wedding Anniversary of my Aunt Nellie and Uncle Fred.  I have had little interaction over the years with them as my father died some 43 years ago and was thrilled to hear from them.
                          
              Married 50 years and still dancing!