Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

It's been a wild ride these last few weeks and I've fallen a bit behind in my posts.  It seems like I'm going from one event to the next; from one emotion to the next; from one hour to the next without proper time to reflect and adapt.  But (today at least) I'm back!!!

Ryan left for his senior trip this morning and Jim is at Citifield to watch the Mets from the SNY skybox.  I was left to deal with the unsettled weather, downpour and tornado threat.  Hmmmmm.....

I did get to watch Matthew play baseball a bit last week.  It wasn't until I looked at the pictures that I noticed how much he reminded me of his brother.  What do you think?

The boys helped Ryan put together a project for English class (sort of "Hello My Name Is Troy" all over again) and that presentation went well for Ryan last week, so thanks boys! 

At our end of year Moving Up Day ceremonies, Jim had BOTH the high school and middle school yearbooks dedicated to him!  I don't think the same person has ever gotten both dedications.  Tissues all around.  Ryan was awarded the Babe Ruth award, which is a big deal in our school.  One senior boy and one senior girl are selected by the staff.  I'll let the certificate describe it:

More tissues.

Good to see everyone at Jess' last week.  What a nice house for you guys!  The backyard really reminded me of Bruce Street.  It was good to see Paula at the jewelry party and to hear from Kathy!  I hope your ride isn't QUITE as wild as this one has been lately for me, but just as filled with great stuff. 

Family and celebrations

I am delighted with all of the wonderful things happening in the family right now. Heather and 2 new babies will be joining the family. Amy and Ryan J are both going to be graduates and Ryan P will officially become an Eagle Scout. Jess, Sean and their family are enjoying their new home. All of this in a single summer!! We are all very lucky. I guess that the Dalpiaz's will be hosting a few parties this summer as their family is celebrating so many wonderful milestones. We will also be having a very informal picnic to celebrate Ryan becoming an Eagle -- don't know when, but will let you know. I am looking forward to seeing everyone often.

Here is the picture I was thinking of yesterday. Amanda reminded me so much of Mary Jane with her hair in braids. I have no clue when this was taken: I wonder how old Mary Jane was here. I bet that Amanda is close to Mary Jane's age in this picture. Anyone have an idea?

Memorial Day is Almost Here

I went over to the Walton Cemetary this week to discover that they had put out the flags honoring the veterans. It was so nice to see all the flags waving in the breeze. It is hard to think of Dad overseas fighting in a war. He hardly ever talked about it. I do remember he talked about his time in World War II after we went over to Oneonta to see "Saving Private Ryan". He talked the whole way home. I wish I had had a tape recorder, because I've forgotten most of what he said. What I do remember is that there were times when he was afraid. Another feeling I don't associate with Dad. Do any of you have memories of Dad's service? Or stories he told?

I met a young Marine while I was in Wilmington with Timmy. He was back from his third tour in Afghanistan. The vehicle he was in had been hit with an IED. He was blown right out of the hummer. He was the only survivor. He is 24 years old. His eyes looked like he was 50, because of all he has seen. It really impacted me to visit with him. He wanted to talk about his experiences. It made me think of Dad and wonder what he saw.

Thanks to all the veterans.

Champions!

This is Ryan scoring the winning run with 2 out in the bottom of the ninth tonight at the league championship!  Our boys went in as the underdogs and held Unatego to 2 runs into the 7th inning.  Paula said "Look at it this way--the worst they can do is lose 2-0."  Then we scored two runs and we were in extra innings.  I gave Paula a dirty look. 

Two innings later, Ryan scored this run from first base on a dropped fly ball to the outfield.  Great game and it was even the coach's birthday!  This is Ryan at the bottom of the pile.  Ryan fulfilled a dream tonight and I'm the one that can't get to sleep.

Our grown up daughter and division champ son!

Amy is now a real grownup employed person (even if her brain isn't fully developed for another 3 years).  She is an educator at the Erie Zoo....this is her first apartment.  One week ago today she did not have a job but today she has a full time job, her first apartment and a college degree.  Whew!  Her address is 709 E 24th St Erie PA 16503 in case you would like to send her something for her mailbox!

In the same number of days, Ryan had his prom and helped his team win the division for the baseball league!  What a week it's been for us!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL YOU MOTHERS OUT THERE! I MEAN THAT IN A GOOD WAY.
REMEMBERING MOM AND ESPECIALLY MARY JANE TODAY.

Happy Birthday Matthew!

Ryan looking ultra cool and Matthew ultra relaxed--I hope you had a great day and maybe we'll see you at the game this week.  Such a handsome face......