The college stops Penn State and JMU

First stop - Happy Valley, PA - the home of Penn State University.  We did a simple self guided tour hitting the big points and really just getting a feel for the school.

Parked right in the front of campus with the restaurants on he other side.

Always thankful to be with this crew.

The campus was beautiful - red brick, wide sidewalks and beautiful landscaping.  It reminded us of Notre Dame just MUCH bigger.

Had to drive by the golf course too.

After PSU - we planned to drive to Harrisonburg VA as our sleeping destination for the night.  Didn't even realize this was the home of JMU - so lets drive through and check it out.

Really beautiful campus!  The grey brick reminded Chris of West point a bit.  Big school and surely an option.

 

Our blended family life!

Friday night chilling at the house to Saturday morning and sending the kids out to work!!

Tubing work at Satan's kingdom - its like day camp for parents.

Meanwhile - lets see what the dogs think of each other - it was a hot muggy day, Brian and I took them for a quick walk.  Nora was happy to say Hi and Wendy said she needed more time.  Sparky is a totally gentleman and opted to give her more time.  They panted in the same general area and co-existed.

We reconvened later for Drew's baseball game and popping into the lake - Love the independence for the kiddos.  Nick even took Tate, Ashley and some buddies to a concert that night.  A bit of a later night but that's what happens when you stay til the end....

Sparky is still solo at our house and resuming the most adorable watchful position, loving to see his family and new family members coming home.

After our second dog visit, we decided they can all co-exist, so NOW we have a full house and watching Tennessee play for the college world series!!

Check out this beauty after a fun summer rain storm.

So very thankful that the McCulloughs were able to come in on Friday - it gave us the whole weekend to spend time with them and integrate life and the dogs - so much better than diving right back into the work week for Chris and I!!

So when Monday did roll around, Farrah came to work with me for the MLK ground breaking ceremony.  She is no stranger to ceremonies - matter of fact I would call her a professional ceremony attender with Brian and her being involved with and honored in countless ceremonies.  She know exactly what is appreciate to wear do talk to, help with.  She is a pro!!  Sweet of her to actually want to join me and loved that she got to put faces with the folks that I work with

Seriously love the full family room - dogs and all

Just a few shots of Drew playing all stars, as yes we got to see some games to include a great pickle event =)  He still has that sweet childhood face.

Tuesday/Wednesday were days at the lake and just so beautiful = minus the weird herbicide they applied to the lake.  Maybe we will read about that in a few years.... But in the meantime this doesn't look so bad.

The circle chair is just so happy

Truly adore how these kids keep themselves busy with the little things

Sometime out tubing, wake surfing and wake boarding

So impressed to see Brian rock it!!  Wish you could here the radio with Panama in the back ground.  Crush it!!  Looks just like the kids.

So many dogs to snuggle

Love this morning photo of Nora

Last night before we head out - we tried this small Italian restaurant that we have never been to!!  Delicious - The owner is Vietnamese and the food is wonderful.  BYOB and our besties is the icing on the the cake.

Much unique experience - we head out at 7am with the assistance of our house sitters/best buddies!  How sweet of them to see us off!!  We are so blessed.

Here's to their time to finally comedown after retirement, graduation, international move etc....and relax while we head into the reunion!!

 

McCullough pick up day!

Chris and I are headed to JFK Airport and these clown are taking Chris's spot at the Canton Friends of football charity golf tournament.

Diane and family orchestrated a SURPRISE at the airport - they are headed from CT to DC on Friday and opted to head into JFK to pick up their buddies - it worked out awesome as Chris and I were navigating JFK traffic trying to get there in time.  Was thrilled they had these faces to greet them after the long international flight.

Here is our JFK airport link up photo.  These are the best ladies to get through life - and this airport with.  We jammed all the McCullough luggage, dog crate, dog and family members in our 2 cars and hit the road.

Sparky was a rock start traveler - 20+ hours in his crate.  He held it the whole time.  A bit disoriented but overall thrilled to be with his family.  I score him, Macy and Farrah for the drive home.  It was adorable watching Sparky snuggle on Macy's lap happily super close to his favorite person.

Almost 5 hours later and a nutty rain storm at the end of the drive, we ARRIVED home and into our life as a blended family.  

Kids came home from the golf tournament BIG TIME raffle winners and LOTS of wine.  Nick had some funny stories of Ms. Briggs stealing it back (temporarily).

Excited to have separate sleeping spaces for these kiddos and I came down the first night, turned on the lights to capture what it all looked like.  Can you see what I caught Drew doing?  Talk about a clown.

Sleeping tonight with a very very full heart.  Thank you for coming home to US!

 

Chris's Birthday

Chris gets his OWN DAY for his birthday - he doesn't have to share it on Father's day!  We booked reservations at @ the Roof top - the new Canton place.  Its jammed and delicious!!  Love that we got all 5 of us together - just no photo....

We headed up to the lake that night (per the birthday boys request) and enjoyed opening gifts and savoring ice cream sandwiches.  We tested the AC units too.  It all works great!  Another great reminder of how wonderful this place is.

Yes, a cup of coffee here is just what the birthday boy asked for.

Of the birthday gifts, Nick researched and was over the moon to grab Chris's new golf clubs.  He hadn't had new clubs since 1998.  He was due.  Granted he is still recovering for surgery - the thought of these new clubs is surely motivating.

 

Father's day at the lake

Lets consider this a little pre-Father's day gift.  Mary and Tom were working on the full size bunk bed for the girls room.  I think there were 3 iterations.  Good news, bed is done and Mary and Tom are still married!!

Here is Father's day morning - how many 17 year old's are on this couch.  Funny they didn't even think to pull it out and offer themselves more room.

We scored an absolutely beautiful day to celebrate some truly amazing Dad's.  Thankful to have some photos to capture this combined day.

Booze cruise for father's day is exactly what Tom had on the list - Wonderful that Chick, Kathy and my folks could join too.

To say the Father sets the tone of a family is an understatement.  He is the beacon and the true definition of our family.  We are forever thankful for his unwavering love, direction and dedication to to the success of our family =)  

Beyond thankful to be raising our family with this man.

This photo makes everyone super happy - love these 2

not sure this is a necessary addition to our lake cabin

love that we were able to cobble together seating for 14 in this beautiful porch.

Glad we got some photos - as this is a favorite.  Simply my father - Love how he raised me with love and support and interest in the things that interested me.  Thankful for his involvement in our family today.

Love that we can have the evening together.

Yes, We love a full table photo!!

Almost as much as we love the clean up effort by this bunch.  Such a bummer they don't get along well.

Love this time with our families together.  Such a true blessing.  Happy Fathers day to the true beacon of our families.