Spirit Cheer Nationals

Alissa and Hudson waiting for "show time". There's a lot of waiting. It's much more fun with your friends around you.

Happy Birthday Alissa

Alissa and her friends met in Dover for Pizza Hut. Then moved on to Hill Top for a game of laser tag. They ended up at home for cake, presents, a few games of Quelf and a movie. Alissa is sweet 16!

Happy Birthday Kyle

We went up to Gorham to celebrate Kyle's 19th birthday. We took Kyle and his roommate, Seth, out to dinner. They chose the Olive Garden in Portland. They were glad for some "real" food.

They do not seem overly fond of the cafeteria food. It was nice to see them and life is good as a college coed.

Kyle finally got a hair cut! Mom was happy.

Kathryn & Kyle

February Break 2008 - Saddleback Mountain

The view outside our condo. An absolutely stunning sunset.

February Break 2008 - Saddleback Mountain

Grabbed a quick snapshot of Carol just before going in for a break. Saddleback Mountain was beautiful and refreshing. We had a wonderful time.

February Break 2008 - Saddleback Mountain

Alissa & Hudson taking the lift up to the top of the Mountain.

February Break 2008 - Saddleback Mountain

We could not resist taking a picture of Carol infront of the Loony Bin Variety.

February Break 2008 - Saddleback Mountain

Rangeley, Maine had 2 feet of fresh snow on Monday, 2/23/09. Tuesday morning, it was sunny and a crisp 25 degrees. The skiing was fabulous and the vision glorious. I fell several times in the soft powdery stuff and was very thankful for the newly fallen snow. This picture was snapped by Carol. I was too busy trying to survive on skis!

At one point, I actually gave the term "Tree Hugger" an all new meaning. I was getting the hang of Hudson Highway by day 2 and became over confident. That lead to me being unable to stop the momentum. So, before everything was completely out of control, I looked around for a nice place to slide off trail. Unfortuanately, it was not as graceful as I had hoped. I had quite a slide going and quickly was buried in all that fluffy white stuff. I eventually slid right up to one of those beautiful snow covered trees and pocketed it right in my arm pit. Finally, I came to a complete stop. I gave Jeff quite a fright but all was well and best of all.... I stopped. Not very gracefully, but without injury to my person! Jeff was not sure how I was going to get out. But, I was able to get out and start out again. This time... with more snowplowing.

February Break 2008 - Saddleback Mountain

Alissa & Hudson pose for a quick picture after butt boarding down Hudson Highway. They are waiting patiently for mom to get down the mountain. Thanks to Aunt Carol for taking advantage of the photo opportunities. Everyone seems to be down the mountain and hanging out but ME...

February Break 2008 - Saddleback Mountain

Ski lessons for Linda from instructor Jeff. I like the wide and winding trails. Unfortunately, the top of Hudson Highway was just a little too much for the first day. But, I made it through in one piece to enjoy the lower leg.

February Break 2008 - Saddleback Mountain

Jeff is making sure Linda gets down the mountain. Lots of snowplowing down Hudson Highway.

February Break 2008 - Saddleback Mountain

Jeff is just hanging out waiting for pokey Linda to get down the Mountain. Carol takes advantage of the photo opportunity and snaps a quick picture of Jeff, the ski instructor. He is a very patient man when in the glorious mountains of Rangeley, Maine.

Christmas 2008 - Carol's Party - Norm & Carol

Christmas 2008 - Carol's Party - Sean, Hellen & Randy

Christmas 2008 - Carol's Party - Sean & Hellen

Christmas 2008 - Alissa's Christmas Party

The girls are getting ready for the big Christmas party. We decorated the basement with lights, greenery and mistletoe. The girls pose in their Santa hats.

Christmas 2008 - Alissa's Christmas Party

The girls get ready for the big Christmas Party. They are certainly a beautiful bunch!

Thanksgiving 2008 in Virginia Beach

Emma is enjoying this wonderful experience. She looks to mom to make sure this guy is for real. Katy tell Emma, "Yes, it's true. " Ralph just waits. He knows he will earn Emma's trust. Because everyone loves Uncle Ralph!

Thanksgiving 2008 in Virginia Beach

Katy is very sweet with Emma. And, Emma certainly likes Katy.

Thanksgiving 2008 in Virginia Beach

Beth & Sid get a few moments to sit down and relax. It took Ralph and Katy to capture Emma's undivided attention so that they could rest. I believe I remember Beth saying, "Ah, this is how it's supposed to be (at family gatherings)."

Thanksgiving 2008 in Virginia Beach

Carol & Mom get together for a quick party pick. They only look a little releated!

Thanksgiving 2008 in Virginia Beach

Mom & Debbie taking a quick moment from doing the dishes to pose for a "picture please" moment. There is even fun in cleaning up when we all get together.

Beth, Emma & Katy

Thanksgiving in Virginia Beach. The O'Connells threw a party featuring Krista & Derek's band. It was an awesome good time. Emma loves blueberries!