visit with aunt Joanne

We enjoyed a beautiful drive up to Easton, Pa to visit with Aunt Joanne.  We started off the visit with lunch at Red Robin, then off to do some miniature golfing, then ice cream time, then off to Aunt Joanne's house for present time and water fun in the backyard.  It was a fantastic visit and here are some pictures!!

more summer candids...

We've had soo much fun this summer - and we still have another month of fun to go!!

Kimberton Fair 2011

So, the evening was rainy, but all had a great time.  The best part of the rain was that the rides were deserted, so the girls probably did about 20-30 rides over the course of the evening... what a fun night!!

elyse our "goat"






NJ State Triathlon 2011

The 2011 NJ State Olympic Distance Triathlon is now in the books!  Whew, and it was a HOT one.  We were thankful that it didn't take place two days before bc it was 105 that day, but definately warmer than we were accustomed to.  The race took place at the Mercer Counter Park, the temps were about 80 degrees and 75% humidity at race start.  We got into the water, and it was 88 degrees - NOT refreshing at all.  We completed a one mile swim, then 25 mile bike ride, then finished up with a 6.2 mile run.  The temps had reached the low 90's by the time the races had finished and the sun was blazing.  Luckily the race officialls had fire hoses, ice stations, and ALOT of water on the course to prevent heat exhaustion.  In the end, we did well.  And after checking the finish times at home, I am proud to say I came in 7th in my age group and bettered my time by over 8 minutes from last year - so that made me happy!! Now to prepare for the rest of our season!!!







post race



Reedell Candid Time...

Just a few pictures that I have snapped and thought were cute.. Enjoy!

they don't always cooperate this much - I promise!!

this is comfort - Oscar knows what relaxation is!

our "big fish Angela"

scuba elyse

having a great conversation on her pink blackberry



testing out the "new cabana" for the beach...



7-11 - LOVE free slurpee day!

I am not a fan of this surgery drink, but the girls (and Scott) think they are great.  Luckily we live right down the road from the 7 11, went in and the girls were happy to pick out a nice cool treat on a HOT day!!

Angela got cola and Elyse got melon...

greetings from Deutchland

I am lucky to have some of the BEST friends in the world!!  Months ago, I commented to my friend Tanja that I loved her kids birkenstocks.  She said "oh yeah, my parents bring them over when they visit from Germany".  She remembered my comment and asked for her parents to bring along two pairs of really cute printed birks when they visited recently.  The girls were soooo excited!  And here they are... they look very european...

Thank  you sooo much for thinking of us Tanja!!!! 

The Mom Update

So, my mom has been enjoying some time at her house since July 1st.  She is very happy to be home, and seems to be doing ok health-wise.  Still is dealing with some GI issues, which the doctors are stumped by.  We had several appointments at Fox Chase yesterday (thursday, July 21st) with her docs, and we got some news.  According to the routine blood tests she gets whenever she goes in, the tumor is very actice again and is growing.  Dr. Igor (her medical oncology doctor) said, it is imperitive that we begin round two of chemotherapy in two weeks.  As of now, she will begin an on-going series of chemotherapy starting on August 4th.  This will be administered at the hospital every two weeks for two hours, then she will go home with a pump for another 48 hours.  Sounds like the side effects could be a challenge.  We have no idea what the living arrangements during this time will be.  We will have to wait and see how she does with this new treatment. 

So, please, please, please keep her in your prayers.  We pray she has the strength to make the decisions for what is best for her.  We love her and support her on every step of this difficult journey. 

Hey Batter Batter....

 This past weekend we made the short trip to the Trenton Thunder.  They were playing the Reading Phillies, and as luck would have it, two Philadelphia Phillies were playing that day (rehabbing).  We got to see Shane Victorino and Brad Lidge close-up.  It was soo much fun.  And it was even more fun since we went with friends!!  The Rapones (Jeff, Kim, Megan, and Justin) met us there and cheered for the Phillies!!!  It was definately the most packed I have ever seen the stadium - but that is to be expected on a day like this!!!  Here are a few pics of the fun!!

Angela, Elyse, Megan, and Justin




ready for batting practice...



posing with Strike

Victorino sliding into third base



victorino batting



Lidge Pitching

Then after the game, Boomers kids club members were invited to run the bases... so we did.  Elyse put her batting helmet on, just incase she needed to bat for some reason, and they were off!!


Angela heading to second (looking like an thelete out there!)



Angela bringing it home!

Elyse heading for home - with batting helmet in hand!

It was such a fantastic day... we look forward to doing this again soon!!