College-bound...

9 August 2023: Got to have dinner today with my parents and Aidan. He heads to college on 8/15. Time flies. He's a good kid, and smart, too. So he should be okay, especially if he takes advangate of all the resources and opportunities he has. Still, I can't imagine all the stuff running through his head as he starts this new chapter, but I told him I am here--just a call or text away--if he needs me. 

Flashback to meeting Baby Aidan...

31 May 2023: Just sent my sister-in-law a note that they are going to include on this poster that Aidan's school does for each graduating senior. I cannot believe he's about to graduate--and Colin, too. I wrote about the first time I met him and then found a picture of that day--Easter 2005. A sweet memory.

College tour

29 July 2022: Chris, Jen, and Aidan were in town today so that Aidan could tour Shepherd. Hard to believe he is about to be a senior. He's a great kid and I think he'll really come into his own and find his people at college, wherever he decides to go. Can't wait to see it!

16!

24 February 2021: If I am doing my math right, this little fella turns 16 today. This is one of the very first pictures of him on my blog, from back in 2007 (the year it started). I haven't seen him face-to-face in over a year, but I sure do love him and am looking forward to giving him a call later today.

Family selfies

3 July 2016: Spent some time with these folks, which is certainly a good thing.

Aidan's big day

14 May 2016: So proud of Aidan today as he celebrated his first communion at the church where I grew up.

Birthday boy...

24 February 2014: My nephew Aidan turned 9 yesterday (yes, another late post!). After a long day at work, he and I had a quick but sweet phone conversation. He's a pretty cool little kid and talking to him makes me smile.

Krista's Baptism

Christmas in New York

A bit bummed that I didn't get any pictures of Jennifer, Jeff, Ryan, or my dad, but here are a few pictures of other folks.

Kelsie.

Olivia.

Aidan.

Colin, Christian, and Olivia. Wish the kids would stop with the rabbit ears thing--and that that candle wasn't in Christian's face, but I think he looks very nice otherwise!

Colin with the sock monkey I got him.

The boys with the Lego headlamps I got them.

Colin (with lamp) and me.

My mom and Kelsie.

Me, Tara, and Christian.

Kelsie's confirmation

It's hard to believe that Kelsie is 13 and old enough to take part in the Rite of Confirmation, but she is and she did (this past Sunday). I am so proud of the lovely, smart, and sweet young lady she is becoming. Some pictures from the celebration afterwards:

 Christian and Aidan.

 

 Ryan and Colin.

 Olivia and Erin.

 My mom and Colin.

Me and Kelsie.

 Eric, who always makes the best faces. He's going to be fun dad.

Jeff and my mom.

Me and Christian.

 All five siblings. (Perhaps you might notice my wardrobe change? I had to leave straight from the party to head back to WV and changed from my rather pretty dress into driving clothes. That's when my dad decided it was picture time. Sigh.)

 Kelsie and her tantes.

My parents and Kelsie.

Some Thanksgiving pictures...

Once again, I didn't get pictures of everyone, but I did get some good ones.

That pesky space-time continuum...

Today my nephew Aidan turns 6 (which is hard to believe!). I just called and sang "Happy Birthday" to him. I asked him, "Are you having a party?" He answered, "Yes, and you're invited!" That broke my heart a bit because he and my other nieces and nephews are always saying stuff like that, and 90% of the time, I can't be there because I am just too far away.

So I explained that to him. "I wish I could, little man, but I am too far away."

"No problem," he replies. "You can just find a wormhole and be here in no time."

Not bad for a six-year-old, right? Gotta love his optimism!

Holiday Catch-up Posts: Christmas

Christmas really flew by this year. I was only in NY for a couple of days. I actually left on Christmas Day, anxious about driving through the bad weather the next day. But I do have some decent pictures to share. (Again, I wish I had gotten at least one shot of everyone.)

 Hanging out with Aidan on Christmas Eve. This is right before he helped me make the mashed potatoes.

Erin and Kelsie on Christmas Eve.

Colin on Christmas Eve. At this point, I had given the camera to Kelsie, asking her to take pictures while Erin and I finished dinner. This led to some pretty silly pictures, but this one is kind of cute.

Olivia--and Aidan peering in from behind.

Erin and I cooking dinner.

 Jeff and Eric. I like this one quite a bit.

Olivia and I. I look like I'm about to fling her...

Tara and Olivia. Cute stuff!