Nicholas, The Drama King

First up is an accurate representation of one of Mr. Nicky's fake temper tantrums. He can turn it off and on with a moments notice. He's such a "drama king"!!

A Cookout With My Highschool Gal-Pals

I have been friends with these girls for over 10 years! We were able to get together again for a fun little cookout in August. We missed anyone who couldn't make it!

Over the past few years I have come to realize -more than ever- how important it is to have good friends by your side. I am blessed that these girls have chosen me as their friend. Each one of them is special in their own way. We've all had our ups & downs but I wouldn't trade them for anything. It's so interesting to me how we're all able to remain such good friends... After all, I believe we're all quite different in many ways but I guess it's what we have in common that keeps us close! Either that or just a mutual respect for and acceptance of each other. I wouldn't be who or where I am today without each of their influences... big or small. I just want them to know that I love and appreciate them very much! (and that goes for anyone not pictured as well!)

My 26th Birthday-Party

I was able to celebrate my birthday with my family again this year. We headed over to the Denora's for a cookout and, if the rain hadn't gotten in the way, some pool fun.

These are the cupcakes that Kelly and I had made together!
We got Mikey & Caitlyn a little engagement gift -complete with a mushy card. It was due time that Caitlyn be inducted into our Mattson/Denora/Shumway/Walter Family traditon of reading mushy-gushy cards out loud! Do I detect a tear?? ;-)

Aunt Lois had a belated birthday gift waiting for her from us.

I think it got a little wet...

Now it's my turn for the mushy-gushy card reading (notice Mikey and Caitlyn in the backround offering no remorse! haha...)

Jer's card put that tickle in my throat and I let it loose with Mom's!

...as you can see...

Once the rain started outside, we headed inside for some Rock Band. LOTS OF FUN there! Ben even got all pumped up for some rock guitar playin'!

Chris wasn't able to be at my party (hard workin' guy) so we met up with him at a local diner once he got out of work. Ben was in heaven sitting right in between 2 of his favorite uncles!!

My 26th Birthday-Day

So, now I'm 1 year closer to being old like Sam, um- I mean 30. ;-) We celebrated by enjoying an icecream cake and, earlier in the evening, Kelly watched the boys while we got a bite to eat and I got a mani/pedicure!! Wowza, what a treat!

Sam got me the most beautiful white roses. I just had to take some pretty pictures of them.

Kelly's Visit

My dear, sweet cousin Kelly came down to our house again this summer. You don't know how much I look forward to her visit every year. I hope we didn't scare her away with our crazy toddler-filled house this year!

We had fun "skype-ing" with my brother, Jer... (and posing for a quick pic)

As always we had a blast cooking/baking together! We always have something to learn from each other.
Making my birthday cupcakes... home-made strawberry cupcakes! Kelly made this delectable meal for us! Parmesan crusted pork chops with roasted zucchini/squash.

YUM-O!
We had a fun night out at the Japanese restaurant.
Sam brought in one of our HUGE melon's from the garden. Ben was so proud of what he and Daddy grew in the garden together!
It was massive... unfortunately it was all rind and really hollow. We got about the same amount of melon you'd normally get... if not less! Still quite impressive though, right?
You can always count on some silliness at our house... We all took turns balancing it on our heads.

Leave it to Sam to give us the silliest picture.

I just wanted to finish this post by saying just how much I adore my cousin. Being that neither of us have sisters, this girl IS my sister! We're more than just cousins. Heavenly Father just knew that our parents couldn't handle both of us in the same immediate family -at the same time- so he gave us the second best spot! I became a Shumway and Kelly became a Denora... making us cousins forever!!

While Kelly's known for her classic "eye roll" and sarcastic tone (one way we are not alike, haha) she also has a sweet, nurturing side to her. I respect the young woman she is becoming and I know she has so much to offer anyone who has the pleasure of knowing her.

Kelly, you are so very important to me and I love you so so much!!

The Denora's Visit

At the beginning of August, Uncle Mike & Aunt Lois brought Kelly down to stay with us for a couple weeks. We really enjoyed their visit. One pretty day we went on a journey to find a decent Chesapeake Bay beach... I'm not saying there isn't one out there but I'll tell you we sure didn't find one that day! Atleast Ben enjoyed the water the whole 15 minutes we were there!

Nicky hated it...

Later on, we found ourselves playing a bit of Cranium... good times!

Laughing hysterically after I violated Uncle Mike and acted out "milking a cow"...

A few of our art projects... "Talk to the hand" by Aunt Lois

"Buffalo Wings" by Steph

"Cabin Fever" by Sam & Uncle Mike

"High Heels" by Kelly

"Solar System" by Sam

We really had lots of fun that weekend! Denora's: Please come back soon!!!!

Gramma comes to Maryland...by, Gramma. (aka Bopa, per Ben)

My time in Maryland was exhausting, frustrating, chaotic, crazy.....and most of all as you can see by the pictures Stephanie took of me....it made me extremely happy and fulfilled to be there and finally have some real time with Sam, Steph and my two beautiful and energetic grandchildren.

What am I thinking about here.....probably how truly bittersweet it was going to be to have to leave all of them and go back home.....sweet to get back in my own bed......bitter to leave this very special family and no longer have this positive and special time with them.
It felt good to be so loved......I love you too Stephie.

Am I on the verge of lunacy......nope....just acting silly for the camera!!!

Look at that face...many nights the boys played outside with Gramma, until it was time to go in for bathtime......I enjoyed our playtime outside.

Getting ready to play Farkle.....I look tired and annoyed in this pic....only because I didn't want to be in the picture!!

Sam, the thinker.....a great Dad, exceptional husband....and a great host to his, I'm sure, sometimes annoying mother-in-law.

Uncle Jer (aka Uncle Gay per Ben) and Batman snuggle up as they dream about their adventures together.

Shopping for food with Steph and Nicky....we had some good times...even the simple things were fun.

Nicky HAD to have these special Eggo waffles.....'cause Gramma said so!!!!!!!!!

.....And great pizza for dinner one night....and a movie at home to boot.

Silly Benny smelling his own stinky feeties....what a trip!!

There we are mother and gorgeous daughter.

And the ever constant Sam......long drive bringing Gramma back home ahead.

These two special people have a great life together......they weather storms and chaos like pros....there's a lot of love to go around in this sweet family.