Take me out to the ballgame!

During the rest of the weekend we caught up with family on my Dad's side. We had a family yard sale; I think everyone ended up making out fairly well...not to mention they had some incentive to clear out all that unwanted stuff from the basements and cupboards. Unfortunately, I was a slacker and I forgot to pull out the camera...I think I was drained after being at the park the entire day before and then getting up at 5:45 A.M. to get the yard sale set up. So, unfortunately, I don't have updated pictures of Aunt Jonelle and Uncle Rich, Aunt Jeanne, Rachel, Adam, Aunt Janice, Juliann, and John Michael. Next time. But, it was great to catch up with everyone...we had a little picnic and made a few bucks while we were at it. Thanks for coming everyone! Miss you all!

Saturday after our yard sale we went to catch a baseball game. We were fortunate that my cousin Nathan was pitching, so we got to see him in action! Unfortunately they didn't win, but he did an awesome job just the same. I know the game of baseball, the rules and all, but I don't know a lot about pitching. But, Bickley does coach (he coaches Olentangy HS's summer team), so I got his expert opinion and he confirmed what I already believed - Nathan has a great arm and is an awesome pitcher!

Nice job, Nathan! Keep up the great work! We wish we could come to your games more often!

Kennywood Fun!

Well, our summer would not be complete without a trip to Pennsylvania. Most of you know they're famous for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Primanti Bros., Heinz 57, and Rolling Rock...Kennywood Park is another claim to fame for the Steel Town as well. It's no Cedar Point, but it does have the only dueling/racing roller coasters in the world ("the Racer"), one of the fastest roller coasters in the world ("Phantom's Revenge"), and another top roller coaster - "the Thunderbolt".

Greg and Emily pose in front of the martians. Greg tries to hide his smile; we all know he loves the camera!

Emily and Jaime take on the "Pitt Fall". Greg catches a breeze on the swings.

Say, "Cheese!", everyone! (Josh and Jaime, Bickley and Jennifer, Jamie and Allan [aka Mom and Dad])

I don't think Greg knows what he's getting himself into here, but Josh did promise him "Dippin' Dots" so we'll see...

Who do you think is the best shot? Josh? Allan? or Bickley?

Even the "big kids" had a good time!

Josh, Jamie, Bickley, Jamie, and Emily take on Kennywood's newest ride, "Cosmic Chaos"! Go, Mom! You rock!!!


The group poses for a picture after the Raging Rapids. We're just a little bit wet! Greg gives a thumbs up after getting soaked by the "Pittsburg Plunge" in Old Kennywood.

At the end of the day a great time was had by all. Thanks for an awesome day, Mom and Dad!

Welcome, Mackenzie!

Christina, a friend I first met back at OSU in 1992, just welcomed her second daughter to this wonderful world!


Isn't she precious?!?!? I called an early arrival, although with Christina's track record it was no surprise that she delivered early. Mackenzie Lee was expected to arrive the beginning of August....

but, much to our delight, she decided not to wait! Mackenzie Lee was born on Thursday, July 12th, at 5:15 P.M., weighing in at 7 pounds and 1 and 1/2 ounces, 20" long. She's perfect in every possible way!
Big sister Julia holds the new arrival.





Mom, Christina, watches her cutie-pie sleep. Too bad she's not this quiet during the wee hours of the night! Below, Dad (Todd) holds his brand, new baby girl...I have a feeling he's going to spoil her rotten. I couldn't blame him!


Julia wants her fair share of photos as well, hey, I can't blame her either...check out her great smile!
Congratulations, Christina, Todd, and Julia! We're so excited for Mackenzie to finally be here. We look forward to spending more time with her soon! Hang in there, and get some sleep when you can! Best wishes!

Congratulations, Brittney and Brad!

We have sooooo been looking forward to this special day, and I knew that it would be all that Brittney and Brad had hoped and planned for. The day was perfection from beginning to end. (1st picture, Brittney and I; 2nd pic., Brad awaiting the ceremony; 3rd picture, Brittney and Brad exchanging vows)

(next picture, just pronounced husband and wife....Mr. and Mrs. McDermott!)
(1st pic., applause for Mr. and Mrs. McDermott; 2nd pic., Shannon, friend from OSU, and her husband Ryan)

(Mandy, friend from OSU, and her husband Tim; below, Bickley and I)

The Women of Ohio State - Shannon, Mandy, Sue, Jennifer, and Brittney)
(the beautiful St. Alphonsus Church in Chicago)
Okay, those of you who know me know I'm addicted to taking pictures....one of these days I'm going to upgrade my camera to one of those professional ones and, then, watch out! But, because I do love pictures so much, I figure everyone else does as well...so for me (for my wedding at least) I wanted to see photos of every detail of our wedding, so these are some of the maybe not-so-normal wedding pics I took to help Brittney remember all those little details (that only she knows how hard she worked on) years from now.

Brittney and Brad cutting the cake...and a what a beautiful, stunning cake it was!

There's the Brittney I know....enjoying herself on the dance floor. The next photo is their "first dance".

BJ and Mandy...the photo says it all!

Isn't she absolutely gorgeous! What a beautiful, breathtaking bride!

This photo also doesn't really need a caption, but if I was going to give it one it might say...."A Public Advertisement for Why Bars in Chicago Should NOT Be Open Until 4 A.M.!"

Lastly, our CONGRATULATIONS once again to Brittney and Brad! We're so excited for both of you; you are two amazing people who together are even more spectacular, if that's possible. We wish you both a lifetime of love and joy filled with all that makes you most happy. Always remember the love and happiness you felt on your "special day". Thank you for letting me share in your wedding as well, I was flattered to do a reading for both of you.

We hope you're enjoying your honeymoon! We're looking forward to seeing all the photos when you return!

Love to you both,

Jennifer and Bickley