School for the Gifted: March 2012

18 March 2011 - New Car / Cora's Baptism / Chambersburg

Among other activities this week, Joanne got a new car.

We got the new car just in time for our weekend jaunt to Washington D.C. for Cora's baptism. We were able to stay at Jenni and Ed's house on Friday evening and enjoyed some authentic abuelo-style Mexican food (yum!). On Saturday morning we attended Cora's baptism. I didn't take any pictures so you'll have to hit Rebecca or Aunt Kathy up for some. Man, I'm getting bad. We had a good day with the family, then that evening we drove up to Chambersburg to stay with our friends, the Prines. Madeline loves their dog Lucy, and wore herself and the dog out playing fetch.

We went to church with the Prines the next morning. They just moved to Chambersburg from our ward about six weeks ago. In Sacrament meeting, Kenna was sustained as the new Relief Society president in the ward. We will certainly miss them, but we know they're already making great contributions in Chambersburg, and will continue to do so.

After three very busy weekends, with two on the road, we were glad to be back home this week. Madeline got to finish up her leprechaun trap for school. She was very excited about it.

Spring arrived this week, and I was able to enjoy an 80 mile motorcycle ride with two friends from church on Saturday. We also got started on some long-deferred yard work, as we all usually do around this time each year.

11 March 2012 - Zachary's Blessing/Steelers Basketball Game

This week we headed out to Delaware to be there for Zachary's baby blessing. I didn't take any pictures, you'll have to hit Jennifer or Grandma up for some. Joanne did get a picture of two sisters who love each other.

When we got back, I played in a charity basketball game against some members of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game benefited the Special Olympics. We lost (Charlie Batch had 24 points, all on 3-pointers, and he quit playing in the fourth quarter). I finished with two points and three rebounds in six minutes of playing time.

James Harrison was harassing me about not challenging him for the rebound on this foul shot (I didn't).

At the end of the game we all got together for a photo op with some kids from Special Olympics.

It was a fun event.

4 March 2012 - Madeline's Baptism

We had a good houseful of people in town for Madeline's baptism. While Grandpa was here, he helped Madeline with her 3-D puzzle.

Not much is funner than having cousins in town to play with.

While everyone was here, we got to meet our newest nephew Zachary. This is Cora having a turn holding him.

The Springhill Suites, where a few (more than a dozen) of our family members stayed was very tolerant of more than a few (extra) guests in their swimming pool.

But the most important part of the gathering was having our family together for Madeline's baptism.

26 February 2012 - Madeline's Birthday

Joanne got into a quilting mood again this week, and finished another of her signature blankets.

The girls had so much fun when W&J had our annual work party at the bowling alley a couple of weeks ago, that Madeline wanted her 'friend' birthday party there too. We set up balloons, pizza, presents--the whole bit at the bowling alley.