4th of July at the beach!

This year's 4th of July trip to the beach was a lot of fun. Sarah's friends, Annie, Emily and Cat were all already at the beach so Michael's friends, Ian and Michael Kelly went down with us.

As usual, our early riser Mike, got everyone up and in the car and by 5am we were well on our way.

This is the first photo of the trip, just as the sun is rising. The dogs were awake but Sarah was still snoozing away.

Later, Max felt he needed a nap but the daylight was too bright for him so he put on his sleep mask

Sarah and Michael - I guess the family resemblance goes farther than the hair.

The next day on the way home from the movies - all the kids including Emily Raymond who came back to the house with us afterwards.

It's a family tradition to go go-kart racing.

Here's Michael.

Mike with Emily Raymond.

And Sarah.

All the kids also had a great time with the boat. It stayed inflated this trip.

The girls - Emily, Sarah and Annie.

And the boys, Ian, Michael and Michael. Michael Kelly is in the middle there behind Ian.

The end of a good boating day. Michael Kelly, Michael and Ian.

Fourth of July fun! Here's a few of the boys messing around on the beach before fireworks.

Michael...

Los Tres Amigos

Michael Kelly and Ian Baker

I think this is their take on a new Chili Peppers album cover...

Recording Camp

Here's some pics from Michael's recording camp this past week.
The guy pointing in the photo below is Schylar, Michael's music teacher. The happy campers in the studio.

Sitting in the mixing room. Thomas is on the right there.

The mixing board...

A Fun Saturday Afternoon

The day after the wedding, we had such a fun Saturday afternoon.

We stopped by Aunt Sue and Tom's elegant, eclectic house for some burgers, and laughs.

I love the birdbath in the side yard.

I think this is the best, most creative bird bath I've ever seen.

I wish I had one too.

Hanging out on the covered porch after lunch.

Sherri, Aunt Fran and Moma.

Sherri brought over several photo albums; we all had a great time looking at them.

Sarah enjoys the old pics on the porch swing.

The nice lunch, gentle talk, confortable lounge and live background music provided by Michael all served the perfect setting for Aunt Fran to take a nap. (She is going to KILL me!)

Michael spent the afternoon playing a medley of music for us as we all caught up with each other under the ceiling fans.

Of course Tom spiced up the conversations with his hilarious jokes.

That WAS the punch line!A very enjoyable afternoon.
I just realized I never got a shot of Aunt Sue that day, that sneak.

More Wedding Photos

Here's a few more photos taken by my cousin, Sherri Ballard.

Sherri was very thoughtful and efficient

getting these to me as quickly as she did.

The wedding cake.

The venue, Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist

The Happy Couple!
Little Sister Sarah

A great photo of Aunt Fran!


My cousin, Rob Quimby, Sherri's brother.
Uncle Tom! Probably in the middle of telling one of his hilarious jokes.
No one can tell them better.
Lovely photo of Aunt Sue!
Aunt Fran and Uncle BillThe two Mikes. Helen and Clark Meredith. Helen is looking really good at 92!

Joe and Chrissy's Wedding!!

The big day finally arrived!

June 20th, 2008

Joe and Christina's wedding

We were all treated to a lovely, sweet ceremony on a beautiful day at the

Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church

Here's the family for a quick line up before the wedding began.

From left to right there's Mike, Michael, Nana (my mom, Marie),

Joe, Me and Sarah

Here's Joe looking pretty darned snazzy in his suit.

All dressed up and ready to go.

Walking down the aisle on the arm of her uncle, Steve McCarty,

Christina certainly looked a vision in her dress.

She is such a gorgeous girl inside and out.

We're so lucky and grateful to have her in our family.

Joe and Chrissy exchanged rings during a beautiful service performed by

Minister Emeritus Howard Box

Later, in the church reception hall,

Joe and Chrissy cut the wedding cake.
It was lovely.
The happy couple during their first dance as
Mr. & Mrs. Fitts.
Sarah, Michael and my cousin Sherri are in the audience.
It was a great day and a fun filled evening.

Congratulations Joe and Christina!

Steeplechase

It's Steeplechase Time in Tennessee!

Mike and Sarah went to Steeplechase this year.

Here they are looking very Steeplechase-y.

Don't they look great?! So does the yard! (Kidding)