Atlantic City: The East Coast's Sin City

Our Labor Day weekend at Nana and Pop-pop's place in New Jersey, during which:

Owen toured his first casino - Caesar's in Atlantic City ...


We got crabs ...


Mom and I really enjoyed the Marriott's free Wine and Cheese Party ...


and Bob let Owen play with guns ...


Of course, there is an innocent explanation for all these pics (well, except maybe that tipsy self-portrait of me and mom), but hey, wasn't this post more fun to read??

And if you still prefer your posts on the cute and sweet side, here are a few shots for you ...




Remy was so happy we were home she came downstairs to greet us!

Going to Gettysburg. Again.

"Let's go Owen; we're off to Nana and Pop-pops".

"The old house or the new house"?

"The new house".

"Oh. We go there a lot".

Yes, yes we do. And that's why we like them living in Gettysburg! This weekend we had an extra reason to visit as Uncle Rich and Aunt Cathy were down for a visit.


The boys' project for the day was assembling storage cabinets for the garage. Owen was a big help, and was rewarded for all his hard work with an afternoon trip to the pool. Uncle Rich and Pop-pop were rewarded with gummy bears after dinner. Oh, and Bob, who didn't come along and therefore did no work on the cabinets, was reward by going to the Ravens pre-seasons game that night! Hmmm, how'd that happen!?!? I am such a nice wife (smile).





On Sunday Bob did get to Gettysburg and he, Uncle Rich and Pop-pop played golf while Nana, Aunt Cathy, Owen and I explored the square in Gettysburg (including a store with some cute stuffed animals that someone really liked) and had lunch at The Pub.




Now, bonus question for the Kaufmann side of the family ... first impression when you look at this pic - who does it look like?? Leave your thoughts in the comments and I'll let you know who it reminds me of!

C's Off to School

The plan was for Cearra to come here for a week, then we'd all drive to Mary Baldwin to get her settled in this weekend.

But ... Cearra got a call last week asking her to be part of the orientation team for incoming freshman - great opportunity for her! - so she went right from her mom's to campus last Sunday. Bob, Owen and I then changed the plan to go up Monday, taking the things she had left here over the summer with us.

But ... Bob got called out of town on Sunday evening, so the plan changed once again for us to load up the swagger wagon and meet her there Thursday. And hallelujah, that plan actually worked out!

Yesterday we arrived at MBC and met Cearra outside her digs for the year ... the Scott House, a fun, funky old house which she'll share with three other women.



Cearra and Owen outside her home away from home.


Owen in the "backyard".


View of campus and town from the house.


There's a huge, beautiful magnolia tree in the side yard - it's going to smell like heaven when it blooms!


Getting settled in the kitchen.


Cearra's spacious bedroom, awaiting Jacqueline's arrival.


Owen helping Bob assemble C's clothing rack in the room off the bedroom.


Roomie Melissa and friend Naka. Really sweet and smart young ladies!


Cearra's shoe collection. Girl after my own heart!

It was wonderfully heartwarming to get Cearra set up for the year. She was absolutely glowing with the excitement of being a junior (I know - hard to believe!), anticipation of a great year sharing a house with friends, and pride in being in a position to help her fellow students and make an impact on her school community. I think she'll have lots of exciting news to share with us this year!

A Visit from Pap

We were happy to have Pap come for a long-anticipated visit this weekend. Enjoyed relaxing and chatting, trying our hand at duck-pin bowling (takes some getting use to!), and attending a Frederick Keys (the Orioles' single A farm team) game.


Owen's picture of the field. Big difference from major league parks - here we can afford great seats!


Fun times even though the home team lost.


After the game all kids are welcome to run the bases - here's Owen and big kid Bob rounding home and preparing to high five the mascot.


Loved the firework show after the game too!

Sunday, Todd, Maria and Hannah came for lunch. We all always enjoy their company - although Todd and Bob would probably say Maria and I talk too much!

Short but Sweet

Just a few pictures and quick commentary from this past weekend. We attended a party at Jeff and Chris' house in Annapolis to celebrate Ben's high school graduation ... he's off to James Madison University this fall. I know Ben will be a great success in college and in life; he's a smart, truly nice young man with an awesome attitude. Congrats Ben!

Owen wanted to wear this hat with his college choice ... Mechem University!


Ben and Owen acting goofy for the camera, and Katherine being sweet and beautiful as always.


On Sunday we went up to my Mom and Dad's for a neighborhood pool party at their club, and had the chance to meet some of their new friends. Owen and I made this stepping stone as a housewarming gift; I thought it would be neat if all five of the grandkids made one for the new house!