More Family Photos

Chris and Matt

Sam's Aunt Chris

Sam with her Uncle Matt

Sam's cousins: Ryan, Taylor, Alexa

Sam, Ryan, Taylor

Joseph and I really enjoyed our weekend with my brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and nieces. By the last day here Taylor decided she liked all the dogs, except Jedi. Jedi was his usual self but, he got to enjoy a few moments with everyone Sunday night during our s'mores making session at the fire pit. Joseph managed to get a few games off Alexa on the tennis court while I took photos of everyone. I wanted to take Alexa and Ryan for a ride in the canoe, but between swimming at the pool and playing tennis it never happened. Samantha loved her cousins and fought to stay awake all day to be with them. I literally had to take her next door to Patti's so she would take a nap. Thank you Patti for watching Sam and for getting her to take a nap :)

Tennis Phenoms

Here are my nieces and nephew playing tennis during their visit to our house. I think Taylor blows me away the most b/c of her strokes and focus at the age of four. Check them out.

Alexa Goetz (age 8)

Ryan Goetz (age 10)

Taylor Goetz (age 4)

Matt's birthday

It looks like Matt turned 3. It's hard to see the candles.

Are there 12 candles on this cake?

My brother, Matt, turned whatever age today. Can't keep track. He is the last of the June birthdays I have to remember. I searched through a few of the old family albums and found these pictures. "Happy Birthday Matt. Looking forward to seeing you in a few days."

Rescue Friendly

Tex (Chihuahua mix found 8 months old near a car wash in TX) 22 months. Fiona (followed home on a dog walk Aug 2007 and George wanted me to keep her) approx 5 yrs; Carmen age 56; Turbo (found in Dallas on a car engine thrown out of a car at 8 wks old) is 9 months; Sassy at 15.

My friend, Carmen, loves animals as much as I do and is a big supporter of rescue groups. She has a huge heart. If only more people could be like her, friendly to animals and people. Here she is with all of her furry friends. Thanks Carmen for loving life, people, and animals.

Dad turns 70

Triple Falls, Dupont State Park

My dad and Karen; May 2007

I never thought I'd have a parent that was 70 years old. I still feel like my dad should be in his 50's. Aging is just a weird concept. My brother Greg tried hard to get us all together to celebrate this milestone. Unfortunately, our independently minded selves are too wrapped up in our own lives and we couldn't make it happen. Happy Birthday anyway, Dad :) Hey, at least we all remembered to call my dad . Happy Birthday, too, to Dave (my dad's friend) and congrats on turning 70.... Dave and my dad were born at the same hospital, just two days apart and have been life long friends. Very cool!! (This post is a day late. My dad turned 70 yesterday, the 17th).

Summer Swimming

Sam having a post-swim snack (watermelon)

Sam and Sally

Sam swimming with Bailey and Maggie (our canine friend).

Samantha loves water so we have been going to different pools. This past weekend we were at my friend, Sally's, pool.

Our neighbors

Christine

Joseph, Sam, and Grandma S. (the neighbor's grandma)

Jamie crushing a boy in ping pong!

Christine using her graduation gift

Christine, Patti, Sam

Here are a few pictures of our awesome neighbors. They continue to be the BEST neighbors in the world. Christine just graduated from high school and is on her way to University of South Carolina. We were invited to celebrate Christine's achievement with the family. The celebration consisted of eating fried catfish (caught from the family's pond/property up north), slaw, and other southern dishes. Thirteen years ago I would never have touched any part of the meal, but after thirteen years of living in the south I've come to appreciate and enjoy some southern cuisine.

Mississippi trip June 2010

Niece, Cameron

Nephew, Drew (before his hair cut), Cameron, Drew,

Kathy, Sam, Ash

Kathy's new wheels!!!

Here are some pictures of our Mississippi trip. Joseph's mom was in a car accident (she's alright). The accident was not her fault. Some goober pulled out in front of her and she did not have time to stop. Her truck was totaled so she had to get a new car. She's always loved the look of a PT Cruiser, so that is what she got. It's sooooo perfect for her.

The pack on a summer day

One day last week I exhausted the dogs by hitting tennis balls for them to retrieve. It was quite hot and after several minutes they all wanted to sit in the shade. I joined them for some relaxation. The dogs sat around my chair on their own. I did not strategically place them. Knowing that makes this picture even better, in my mind. (Note: The Nuttall Oak tree in the background, on the left. Joseph planted that a few weeks ago. Hopefully it survives.)

Happy Birthday Greg

Today is June 4th and today is my oldest brother's birthday. I've stopped trying to keep up with how old all my friends and family members are. It's too depressing b/c it just means I'm getting older. So, Greg, I hope you have a wonderful birthday today.... The above picture is of Greg and my mom at Disney World. I love it.