Labor Day in GA and NC - September 2009

We spent the Labor Day weekend this year in Big Canoe, GA and Asheville, NC.

We spent one day at Chimney Rock State Park just outside of Asheville.

"Rock climbing" at Chimney Rock State Park

One of the falls on our hike at Chimney Rock.

This is the rock slide at Big Canoe. The kids love it. It's not exactly S. Florida temperature water.

Diane's ride down the slide.

Ryan's turn.

I had to chaperone all the sliding.

1st Day of School - August 2009

Ryan and Mia ready for 3rd Grade and Kindergarten

Ryan and his friend Mickey ready for the 1st day.

Mia in class for the first day.

Douglas Lake Trip - July 2009

Our summer 2009 trip to Douglas Lake was another great time. I've included some of the highlights below...

The week started off hanging out with Ullery cousins. L to R - Brandon, Ryan, Connor, Mia and Michaela.

4th of July tradition - stomping on "poppers"



Mom always loves lighting sparklers with the kids.



First bonfire of the season...

Quite a site when you're halfway across the lake and can see your "campfire".

Grandpa and Mia fishing

Mia had more fun picking out worms than fishing.

Always lots of great times just hanging out. Around the table, Aunt Kathy, Dad, Uncle Don, Mom and me.

View of the dock and Douglas Lake.

The kids have their chairs lined up and ready for fireworks. We can usually see different fireworks shows from the surrounding towns.

Ready to board the boat to Mackinac Island

We choose the top deck on the ride over. It wasn't the warmest ride note the long sleeves post July 4th.

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

We have our bikes rented and we're ready to ride.

It's an 8 mile bike around the island.

The Mackinac Bridge in the background.

One of my favorite hobbies at Douglas Lake.

Mia caught this turtle.

Back to the lake.

We always need a picture with Ralphie the Bear.

June 2009

Mia's birthday cake with the whole family.

Stacy and I took a trip back to our honeymoon spot (Swept Away Resort) in Negril, Jamaica in June for our 10th anniversary. The resort was as beautiful now as we remembered it. We had great food, gorgeous views (see below), and an overall very relaxing trip. We went SCUBA diving for the first time in quite a while which was a blast as well.

May 2009

Ryan wanted to go to a Marlins game for his birthday this year. We took him and 5 friends to the Marlins vs. Rays in Miami.

Mia's Graduation from Pre-School

Mia and Maggie

Mia in her cap and gown.

Mia had a very small class, all girls. (left to right: Emma, Sophia, Maggie, Abigail, Mia)

Ryan's Baseball Season

I've attached some video's from Ryan's baseball season.

Ryan had a nice hit down the first baseline in this one.



What a scoop at 1B! (Props to the camera woman too!)