Friends

The kids and I took a drive up to visit Sherry and her family a few weeks ago...

(Cokie got left behind this time to spend her first quality time

with Nana, Uncle Teddy and Grandpa)

What can I say..?

Sherry and I go way back to college days.

She has been my true BFF ever since.

The kids have known each other since birth.

Lotsa good times and great memories.

(l-r) Allie w. Peter, Kelsey, Amanda and Jake in 1999)

Our kids on our very first camping adventure. Ten years ago - almost to the day.

(l-r) Peter, Allie, Jake, Kelsey aand Amanda 2009

I know the dates - not because I diligently date photos like my Mom.
(Hey, I don't even know how to the spell the word - yet alone follow it).

But, because Sherry's daughter Allie was celebrating her 11th birthday in the top photo.
Yogi Bear came to our campsite to personally wish her a happy day.
It was sooo cool.

The bottom photo - well Allie was just a few days short of her 21st birthday.
I don't think that Yogi was on the guest list this year.
Happy 21st to Allison!

One of these days, I have to write more about our "Yogi" adventures.
Priceless.

Quality Time

Everyone is home for dinner tonight.

This is so rare with their work schedules.

Jake is now working two jobs as he was re-hired by Best Buy.

Ooops. did I post that he was laid off last spring due to the economy?

July 4th in Wausau

Jake, Hannah, Amanda, Cokie and I took a drive up to Wausau

for my sister's annual 4th of July party.

Amanda, Luke, Craig, and Jake

(My son is the "short" guy at 6'2")
Trampoline photos: Candy's granddaughters.

The whole gang: Amanda, Luke, his wife: Amanda, Craig, his girlfriend: Tara, Jake, and his girlfriend: Hannah.

Another random trampoline photo.

Candy's granddaughter: Keeley

Shooting off the fireworks.

Candy and sons.

Sparklers for the grandkids: Kiarra

Candy and friend

Coke never misses a good party.

The Fireworks

Candy's fireworks....

...were AWESOME !

Coalie

I took Jake and Hannah over to my friends Judy and Tim's house

to visit the famous puppy from West Virginia - "Coalie".

Reunion with the orphan pup that Hannah rescued.
Coalie - now known as "Lady" is happy, healthy and loving her new family.

I don't think that this was easy for Jake and Hannah, but the pup has a perfect home.

2nd Annual Volmar Family Picnic

The second annual Volmar family picnic was held in late June this year. Aunt Marge and family were the hosts and it was a wonderful day. Good weather, good food and good fellowship.

The Volmar's

(l-r) Russ, Evelyn, Ted, Mary, Bill, and Marge
Teddy Bear enjoyed the bubbles.

Candy and Ron - down from "up nort"

I'm pretty sure Aunt Evelyn peeks in at the blog -

so I'll post a couple of photos of her fam.

Here she is with son, Todd.

Mom and Dad

Joey in the pond.

Cousin Renee and family

Teddy and Kathy

Next year it's Uncle Bill's turn to host!

Moving - over and over.

Long story short.

After arriving at the new home....we discovered that the previous occupant's dog and cat had used the carpeting as a toilet.

We had to empty out the living room, hallways and then each bedroom to replace the carpeting.

Right after having moved in.

Bummer