Waterfront Triathlon

Jeff with the boys after his race.

Jeff and Jess right after he crossed the finish line.

Ahhh...He made it!!

Off for the run.

Coming in from the bike ride.

July 13, 2008, Jeff participated in the Waterfront Triathlon that is held downtown (in Chattanooga). It's a 9/10 mi. swim, 28 mi. bike, and 6.2 mi. run. It was actually a rainy overcast day. But proved to be great for the race because they didn't overheat. It was a little difficult for us, the spectators, because we got wet. But we wouldn't have missed it for anything. It was a lot of fun to cheer Jeff on.

Happy 4th of July

July 4 2008

The week of July 4th, we made the long drive up north to Jeff's parents in Michigan. Michael fully understood this year where we were going and that he would be going fishing, on boat rides, waverunner rides, and much more. He was very excited!! We also decided to take our nephew Cameron along as company for Michael. They had an absolute blast together. The weather started out a little iffy but we had an absolutely beautiful last few days. Makes it hard to leave when you have weather like that.

It was so good to see all our family up there. We get kind of stuck in our own little bubble down here in TN sometimes. And forget how much fun we have with everyone and just how much we miss them until we are all back together.

I also tried something new this time. I had almost 500 pictures (including ones Jeff's dad took) so there was no way I could only choose a few to post. So hopefully the way I've posted them works. Hope everyone is having a great summer.

June 2008

Here's what we were up to in June.

Both boys out cold.

Campmeeting at church.

Michael & Ellie Sue

Swimming at G-ma and G-pa's pool

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!

Andrew after eating a choc. covered strawberry.

Memorial Weekend

We drove up to my parents (in Ohio) for Memorial weekend this year. We hadn't been up there since Thanksgiving, so we felt we were due a journey north. The kids traveled great-thanks to DVD's. We had a wonderful long weekend. We grilled out with family for the actual holiday. We played at the park, played LOTS in the backyard, and even made a trip to the Columbus Zoo. Thanks Nana and Papa for a fun long weekend. Can't wait to see you again real soon!!! Our next road trip is for the Fourth of July. We are going up to Michigan and can't wait to see everyone up there.

Family game of croquet.

Andrew with Great-grandma Jean

Boys playing at the park

No fear!! Andrew going down head first :)

Michael found a friend on the deck.

Andrew with Great-grandma Alma

Andrew loved this tiger at the Zoo.

Michael's favorite thing about the zoo...watching
the bears play.

Andrew and Daddy.

Happy Mothers Day!

The Dad's made breakfast for the Mom's
(a nice change of pace)

Michael giving Nana her Mother's Day gift.

Grandma opening her gift.

Jess opening her cards/gifts.

We had a wonderful Mothers day this year. Jeff's parents were visiting that weekend, and Jeff's Uncle Milt and Aunt Becky were here also. They were on their way back home from their 2 weeks in SC. We had a wonderful breakfast fixed for us by the guys. They even served us-woweee!! But best of all I had a wonderful day spent with my two boys. They are the absolute joy of my life and I thank God each day for them.

Congratulations Lindsay!!

Grandkids and Grandmas

Martz Crew

The Graduate

Family Shot

Graduation party at our house.

Michael & Andrew with their great-grandmas

Sisters :)

Group Shot

On May 4th, my sister Lindsay graduated college with a B.F.A (fine arts) in Education. She is hoping to find an Art Teaching position for this next fall. We're keeping our fingers crossed for you Linds. We had such a fun weekend. Both of my grandmas made it down here for the weekend too. It's always great to spend time with them and have my kids be around them as well. I must admit, they are still pretty spunky for 85. We even had them playing the Wii.

April 2008

Happy April!!
Nothing too new to report this month. Kids are happy and healthy and keep mom and dad on their toes. Spring sprung right after we came back from Florida, the end of March. And with the exception of a few chilly days, we have had beautiful weather. So the boys LOVE playing outside. Michael in particular could stay outside all day. In fact, most mornings that is his first request, before breakfast or anything..."Mommy, can we get dressed and play outside"? So that is how I spend many of my days. But I'm certainly not complaining. In fact, I wish spring would last a little longer. It won't be long before we have very HOT days. And a lot of them. But that is when Grandma and Grandpas pool will come in handy this year.

Jeff celebrated a birthday a few days ago. He has eased into his 30's quite nicely. Doesn't seem to bother him. I'm not looking forward to it at all. But the boys keep us young. Our nephew Cameron's birthday is just two days after Jeff's. So we all got together this past weekend to celebrate. A good excuse to get together and have cake and ice cream anyways. Jeff's parents were in town also. Our niece Lauren became quite ill and had to be hospitalized this past week for four days. So they came down to help Mark and Chana out. Fortunately, I am happy to report Lauren is home and healthy. She had a very severe case of dehydration. And after a few days of IV therapy, she has bounced back to the cuddly and happy girl we all know. But she scared us all for a few days.

My parents also payed us a quick visit. They were on their way back to Ohio from being snowbirds in Florida. They'll be back down this weekend too. My youngest sister Lindsay is graduating from College. So we'll have a house full this weekend. But we're looking forward to it.

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Boys playing outside.

At the aquarium...Michael was so excited a butterfly
landed on him.

Mommy & Andrew

Jeff with the boys at the park.

Crazy driver!!

Making music. :)

Celebrating Daddy and Cameron's B-day.

All the cousins.