First Day of School

Chloe's first day of Second Grade went off without a hitch. She was extremly nervous however because "I have to take tests this year, and be very quiet because 2nd grade testing is very important". I had to tell her over and over that yes......there is 2nd grade standardized testing, but it doesn't happen until the Spring. I know there is always talk about "teaching to the test", but really....do we have to make these kids nervous 9 months ahead of time?

Thank goodness for her good friends Julia, and Truman. They helped her laugh and not be so nervous!!!

A Trip to New Castle, PA

Guess who these good looking people are? My grandparents....John and Vera Vargo who reside in New Castle, PA where they have been their whole lives. They met at Shenango China, a local pottery where they both worked for many years. They now reside at Shenango On The Green, a Presbyterian Assisted Living Center. My grandmother is in the convalescence wing, and my grandfather lives on the assisted living side. He goes faithfully everyday to visit with her and feeds her lunch and dinner.

My grandmother did not remember me and was actually quite nervous of me at first. She kept saying "are you taking my husband". I think she thought I was making the moves on my Grandpa, but she could remember perfectly the words to any song I started singing. Christmas Carols, or Daisy - Daisy...we sang for most of the 2 days I was there.

This is my Uncle John Vargo and his wife, Carla. They are amazing people and great examples of selflessness. They allowed me in their home for the few days I was there, and they take such good care of my Grandparents. I am so blessed to have the family I do!

This trip was one I hope to repeat again, especially taking my Grandpa out for Chili Dogs!!!

Big Bear*Day 5

It was our last day of vacation. It went by too fast. We stopped for a picnic by the lake and fed our sandwich crusts to the ducks. It was a great way to recognize the love our Father in Heaven has for us as we just enjoyed the beautiful scenery!!!

Big Bear * Day 4

A Day On The Lake

One of the highlights for Paul was renting a pontoon for the afternoon and taking it out on the lake. The kids loved being pulled on the raft.

Katherine did not particularly enjoy steering the boat. It is nerveracking!

Callista was so relaxed she even took a nap....something she hasn't done in months!

Big Bear * Day 3

On Day 3 we took a great walk/bike ride on a trail through the mountains of Big Bear. The kids were troopers. Ryan had a "runaway" bike incident that had us very scared, but Chloe saved him (literally) when she saw him barrelling down the hill by jumping off her bike and stopping him when he got to her. We were truly blessed that day with a guradian angel over him.

Our feet were tired....does it show in the picture?

The walk/hike begins and ends at a fun stautue of a Big Brown Bear which are found in the area. The kids had fun climbing on him.

Big Bear Lake * Day 2

Day 2 of our vacation was a fun day on the Alpine Slide. The kids all vote unanimous that Mommy goes too slow, and Daddy is more fun to ride with. Chloe got to ride all by herself this year.

After we finished there, we went for a walk through the village where they have these funny "hand" chairs. The kids got a big kick out of sitting in them.

Big Bear Lake*****Day 1

Our family took a summer vacation to Big Bear Lake, California. We stayed in some cabins owned and operated by the Marine Corps. We love thses cabins because they are right in the woods. Our first day there, we hiked the Marine Corps Trail.

As you can see, Callista was not too happy about hiking. Ryan did great, and Chloe and Paul made it to the top.

This was the view of the lake from the top of the mountain.