The Barnes', coming to a town near you!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Its amazing what simple thing continue to amuse children of ages.

I think I got more dye on my hands that the kids. There was some new gimmick with a sponge. Like that crazy wall painting effect. You always end up with the old standby.

How Did it Happen?

2010-03-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

When did we turn into hippies? Missy has been interested in taking a pottery class for some time. I got tired of listening to it and signed her up. I did not at the time realize that I would be accompanying her. It was fun but nothing like Ghost. They made me stop singing.

This beutiful art work belongs to Missy. I will post an update when they are glazed. Hopefully they all make it.

Who Likes Monster Trucks?

2010-02-28T14:42:00.000-08:00

As much as you would like to hide and make believe its not true, everyone knows we all love monster trucks. There's nothing like high end hearing protection, cheesy announcers and the overpowering smell of exhaust.

Grave Digger still rules!

The Family Artist

2010-02-23T17:30:00.001-08:00

Aaron's artwork was selected to be part of a school art show. It will hang in the local public library for a month. We attended the opening and the brief presentation.

Another Barnes Original Completed

2009-11-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

Well, it took me about 18 months from when I started but the dining table is finally completed. I was threatened and had no choice.

I'm not sure I like it but Missy does.

Seven!

2009-11-17T18:26:00.001-08:00

The boy just turned seven, thats right, Missy is officially 36. I just had to call that out. Make sure you remind her.

Here she is wearing on of Aaron's gifts trying to absorb some of the youth.

He really wanted a scooter. Good thing for me they were popular ten years ago and are a quarter of the price.

3D coloring books!

We're Back

2009-11-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

Ok Ok, I know its been a while. I got absorbed into the Facebook thing and thought it would be a good way to get the pictures out. I'm over it.

Lead by example.

New Member of the Barnes Clan

2009-07-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the newest member of the Barnes Family, Ruby. Ruby is a Blue Great Dane. She comes to us from Wilmington Delaware. She has already gotten a loving welcome from everyone.

Family Reunion

2009-07-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure what would happen if you put all of us in such close proximity. I thought there might be some adverse chemical reaction.

Christmas at Last.

2008-12-30T07:46:00.001-08:00

Grandma Crazy Hair, and the Federici clan came to the new Maryland home for a few days.

Madison was much more interested in the Styrofoam peanuts than her presents.

Shelyn gave Alyssa the green vest she has on in the picture and that she has been wearing for several days even though she hasn't spent that much time outside. I guess she likes it.

Of course Roxy had to be involved in the event. She has grown quite a bit over the past few months and seems to like the Christmas tree. It's a big stick in the house.

Holiday Festivities

2008-12-30T07:37:00.000-08:00

The kids getting in the holiday spirit

Aaron sows his enthusiasm for the holiday event at school

One of these elves looks like he may be working his way to the wrong list.

The Christmas Tree

2008-12-30T07:28:00.001-08:00

We've been going to the same Christmas Tree farm im Maryland for several years. We missed one last year but they were happy to see us back.

I think the kids were happier to get a ride in the golf cart than to get a tree.

Missy ALWAYS likes to help me get the tree tied to the car.

It's like stringing up the lights!

One of the Christmas card rejects in front of the tree.

THe Holiday Season Begins

2008-12-30T07:18:00.000-08:00

Alyssa and Edyn working out a few bits of energy before the holiday chorus concert.

Of course there had to be a kids table. I think theirs was nicer than ours. Either that or they are afraid I would break the real glass dishes.

We spent Thanksgiving at a friends house and I still ended up cooking some how. They will say they couldn't stop me but don't believe the hype. I was duped!

A Trip to the Mountain Retreat

2008-11-26T05:25:00.000-08:00

We took a trip up north last weekend to pick up some more things in preparation for the holidays. I think the kids may have been a little upset if we did not have any decorations in the new house.

I really wonder why we need all this stuff when we have been living just fine with out any of it for the past two months.

It was almost like Christmas for the kids. Tons of toys they never play with mraculously became new again.

Even madison and Rici came to hlep us out. She is growing so fast!

I'm not sure I want to know what she is digging for.

A Visit From the Sherman Clan

2008-11-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

We were grace by the presence of the Sherman clan their new addition. Guilt goes a long way!

They came to visit us in our new house for almost four days and we had a great time.

Of course the safety police tried to let the baby ride the dog.

Jack will be a great rock star some day.

The kids had a great time playing in the leaves and it saved me a ton of time in the yard. Even Jack got in on the rakeing.

The Man is Six!

2008-11-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

Another birthday down. Can you believe he is six? It was only a short time ago when he was just a wee tot leaving presents in his britches!

Roxy

2008-11-04T18:01:00.000-08:00

I might have more pictures of the dog than the kids. I love this picture! She does this crazy thing with her ears when she's playful.

She's getting so big. She is 6 months old now and is totally the kids' dog. She loves to be outside with them.

And, of course, she's completely spoiled. Not only does she sleep in our bed every night, she goes head first under the covers!

Back To School!

2008-11-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

My babies are both in school full time! This picture was taken on their first day.

I drove the kids on their first day. Second day was Aaron's first bus day. Isn't he cute in his bus visor?! He was excited to ride the bus with his sister.

Latest Project

2008-10-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

While there hasn't been a lot of extra time for projects over the last several months, we managed to finish this bench before we moved. As usual, we kept the prototype. Eventually, you too will have the chance to bid on this item on our very next blog auction!

Family Reunion

2008-10-08T12:06:00.001-07:00

In August we made a journey to Chataqua Lake in NY for the first annual Larson Family reunion. The kids got to hang out with cousins they only see a couple of times a year. There was swimming, campfires, sparklers, more food than you can imagine, and Rock Band. That's right. I am so sorry I didn't get a picture of Eric on drums and Rici on lead vocals. It was a sight to behold.

Madison-totally posing!

OMG!!
Cutest puppy ever

Rici is chillin' after a long day of "family time"

Birthday Girl

2008-10-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

We decided to have Alyssa's birthday party at home with a few of her friends. It turned out to be a beautiful day (thankfully!) and the kids played outside for the entire 4 hour party.

Alyssa researched party games and came up with some relays and cool games. We supplemented with the water slide, hillbilly horseshoes, and of course, cake!

Ever the girly girl, Alyssa chose a Pirates of the Carribean cake complete with a Kraken made of icing and a Jack Sparrow action figure.

It's a good thing her friends know her so well. No Barbies here!

Grandma Crazy Hair and Madison made the trip for the party. This is the cool new bike Grandma got her.

Visitors from Maryland

2008-10-08T11:37:00.001-07:00

Edyn and Shaelyn, our friends from MD came to the mountain for a visit in July. We checked out a local mountain lake and state park. It was a beautiful park with a great playground.

I swear Aaron's not as skinny as he looks in this picture! The water was a little cool even in July.

A Day at the Playground

2008-09-18T17:44:00.006-07:00

Nikki and Madison came for a visit at the beginning of the summer. We decided to take the kids to the new playground at Alyssa's school.

I love the slide hair!

My little monkey-boy.

Madison insisted on swinging by herself on the big swing. And she only fell off once! She just keeps getting cuter.

And we wrapped up the day at home with the water slide and some popsicles. Madison loved the water slide. We had to drag her off at dinner time.

Roxy

2008-09-18T17:44:00.005-07:00

This is the kids' favorite picture of Roxy. They call it "mid-flap". They laugh hysterically every time they see it!

Madison is fully enjoying hanging out with Roxy. Roxy, however, is not so sure!

Summer Hair Cut

2008-09-18T17:44:00.004-07:00

Alyssa decided she wanted a new do for summer. The woman ended up cutting off about 6 inches! I was terrified for her to realize how short it was but she loved it.

I was so happy to have the camera when I saw the result of the comb-out!

Softball

2008-09-18T17:44:00.003-07:00

We wrapped up the softball season at the end of June. Alyssa was able to add to her trophy collection. They didn't exactly finish first, but they weren't last either! Good coach, great friends, what more could you ask for?

Last Week of School

2008-09-18T17:44:00.001-07:00

We had a girl scout camp out on the last Friday before summer vacation. There was a fishing derby for the entire campground and Alyssa was one of two people to actually catch a fish. And she caught two!! This is the really cool trophy she won. It looks great in her room!

Alyssa's school had field day in their last week. They had cool relays, soccer, water games, tons of goodies, and of course, face painting! The kids both had a great time even though it was cut short because of a thunderstorm. It was a great way to wrap up the school year.

Aaron and Roxy were inseparable at the beginning of the summer.

3 Months Later...

2008-09-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I haven't posted in 3 whole months! Sorry! Things got really crazy for us in June. The kids' last day of school was June 24th and our summer was off to a running start. The kids spent the 4th of July in Jamestown with Crazy hair. We had a wonderful visit from our friends Edyn and Shaelyn from Maryland and we had Alyssa's 9th birthday party. (Can you believe it?? She's NINE!!) Sometime in July Eric was offered a new position with Dell that brought us back to Maryland. The kids spent a week with my parents while Eric and I started looking for a place to live. It was a mad rush to find a place before school started on August 25th. We found a great house in Churchville, about 5 minutes from our old house in Havre de Grace. So, now it's September. We're getting settled into the new house and the kids are adjusting to their new school. And now that I've made all of my excuses, I'll post 3 months of pictures to catch everyone up. Thanks to everyone for all of the support during the move. And thank you for continuing to check our blog. I promise to stay up to date now!

You Gotta Love Craig's List

2008-06-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

We picked up this little addition to the Barnes house of fun from a Craig's list member this evening. Aaron can't seem to grasp the concept of "hit it softly." Do you think a ping pong ball could break a pane of glass?

Look out Stephens! You better be practicing!

Spring Activities

2008-06-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

So, I'm a little behind on my posting!

Alyssa's school held a Spring carnival in May. The kids had a great time. They played games to earn tokens and "buy" prizes. They had some fun activities like basketball, a cool slide, pie throwing with teacher targets, and a dunk tank. Alyssa threw a pie in the librarians face and Aaron dunked the school psychologist. (is that a bad sign?)

There was a face painting booth. Aaron opted for a snake just to creep me out I think. And while other girls were walking around with hearts and flowers, not our kid! She has her father's twisted sense of humor!

Aaron wanted to spend the entire time on the slide.

Last but not least, Alyssa in her softball uniform. She had a great season and can't wait for next year.

Aaron

2008-06-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I went on a Kindergarten visit! He got to spend about an hour with one of the teachers while I attended a parents' meeting. We then went on a bus ride together. I thought it was all very exciting but Aaron just is not on board with the whole Kindergarten thing. He insists that he'll just go back to preschool next year! Let's hope the summer brings about a change...

The New Addition to the Family.

2008-06-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

We have put quite a bit of web and phone time into the research of this new addition over the last couple weeks. We found a good fit in a little town called Leechburg Pennsylvania. Yes, I said Pennsylvania. If you want to know just how insane we really are take a look at the following link click here and follow the Friday afternoon family trek through the hills.

This is her mother, father and aunt. I think Aaron was more interested in the adults than the puppies. He spent more time draped over their backs than playing with the little ones.

Everyone, meet Roxy! She is a Fawn Great Dane that is 8 weeks old. She already seems to be very close to potty trained with only one accident in the house in the past two days. The girl is very spunky, playing with the neighborhood kids and already very spoiled.

She seems to have bonded with the kids in the first fifteen minutes. Lets hope it stays that way.

Just like any other little one, there is a whole lot of sleep happening.

We hope that many of you will have the opportunity to come visit the Barnes household and meet our new little (not for long) friend.

It was Missy's idea!

2008-06-08T05:49:00.000-07:00

You ever wonder what would happen if you put duct tape on an orangutan?

Wedding

2008-06-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Eric and I went to a friend's wedding in Bethel, Maine. The kids hung out at home and had fun weekend with Grandma.

Isn't this a good looking group?!

Can you believe they are going to have another one. I thought the government would intervene after they saw Sherman was able to procreate once but I guess he slipped through the cracks.

It seems to be in the water these days we have several friends and family that are expecting.

Congratulations all!

I can't wait to fill them full of sugar, get them all wound up, full of crap and promptly return them.

Who wouldn't be scared with something like that coming at you!

Bella

2008-06-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

As many of you already know, we lost our sweet girl on May 4th. Words can't express how much we love her and how much we miss her every day. Here are some of our favorite pictures that we wanted to share.

The Finished Product

2008-05-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Missy got a few coats of paint on is to put in the boys room. He really needs to get his books off the floor. Notice the lovely two tone accent on the bead board. She's an "artist"!

The dog is not nearly as excited!

On The Road Again!

2008-05-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

My gracious in-laws made us an offer we couldn't refuse on a rarely used 27' camper.

It's a little bigger than I remember. We have been attaching all kinds of things too it trying to make sure we know how to use it before we trudge out on our adventures coming up. We will me trucking down to Maryland to visit some friends and headed to the western tier of New York for some time on Lake Chautauqua.

I keep saying that there is no way this thin should be called camping but no one wants to go real camping with me!

The kids already have their names tatoo'd to their bunks from time in the yard at the grand parents house. Visitors will have to fight for the right to sleep in one of these.

Now you too can own a Barnes Original! (Closed)

2008-04-23T17:52:00.000-07:00

Bidding has ended. Thank You to those who participated.
(Updated 04/25/08 - Ending midnight 04/30/08)

This lovely book shelf was made in the famous Barnes wood shop of the Adirondack region. It is ready for a final coat of paint and to be placed in it's new home.

The Bidding shall start at the materials value of $180. If you are interested, please send me an email. Local delivery is available but long distance delivery is at the cost of the purchaser (That means you Stephens!) This is just to recoop some cost and start the next project!

Features include two adjustable shelves, turned Bun feet and load tested to 225 Lbs (Yes, I've been on a diet!)

GO!

Spring Concert

2008-04-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

A rare glimpse of Alyssa in a skirt! The second and third graders put on a spring concert. It was sooooo cute!

Easter

2008-04-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Eric's mom, Nikki, and Madison were here for Easter. Poor Rici had to work. The whole gang got into dying eggs. Three dozen makes a lot of deviled eggs!

Aaron had more fun dying his hands. Looks like he's hulking out!

When did Easter become Christmas? Check out the loot! Kaleidoscopes were a hit.

And, of course, no Easter is complete without an Easter egg hunt. Aaron and Alyssa actually slowed it down a bit to let Madison find some.

The Federicis

2008-04-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

I think we spent most of the month of March with Nikki, Rici, and Madison. She's growing so quickly! It's no wonder with the two fisted eating.

How cute is she????

Spring on the Mountain

2008-04-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Yup, this is what spring looks like at our house. I forgot that the weather here doesn't get warm until almost May. Obviously the kids have no complaints!

Aaron's Special Day

2008-04-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Aaron celebrated his special day at preschool a couple of weeks ago. He got to bring a snack of his choice, (dirt cups, of course!) have show and tell, tell his friends all about himself, and wear that really cool crown. He had a great day!

She's all grown up

2008-04-03T13:24:00.001-07:00

It seemed to happen overnight. This is the crew at rock star dress up day.

This is for formal dress up day.

The spring concert was this week. The theme was Going Green. A committee chose three cover designs drawn by students in the school. Alyssa's was one of the three chosen and handed out at the beginning of the concert.

My First Trip to New York City

2008-02-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

How someone lives their entire life in New York State and has never been to New York City I will never know but we finally got her there. We took the train in from Albany on Friday and had a whirlwind of activity. We got to go to the MET, Take a bus tour of all the usual stops (Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center and see our first Broadway play Wicked. I have to say that I actually enjoyed the musical very much.

Atrelle and Paul were nice enough to entertain us for a while in their new place in Harlem. Not sure we can make their visit to San Lake nearly as interesting.

I think Missy needs a little siesta after the intense pace that I had her moving for the weekend.

I think the cold may have been starting to Missy on the ferry to Liberty Island.

As the youth rebuild what the old have damaged!

Coming out of the MET. I am fairly entertaining!

Another Weekend at the Barnes House

2008-02-19T13:33:00.000-08:00

It was crazy hair day at Alyssa's school. She fits the bill on a normal day and then you get this!

Who's getting the worst, Madison, Alyssa or Bella?

Spiderman and Venom here nearly took my eye out!

Is that a rock or a kid? Yep, it's just Aaron licking an ice ball.

The Rink

2008-01-27T17:53:00.000-08:00

We had a few visitors this weekend that helped motivate us to check out the pond. It was pretty frozen. After a long trip to a local sporting goods store we had all the supplies we needed for a little 2 on 2.

Anxiously waiting!

First time on Skates.

Jack had more fun lending a hand with the shovel.

It's been a little while since I wore a pair of skates and my feet were killing me after a while.

She's trying to hit her brother that just took a fall.

Who says I never pet Ty

Early Spring

2008-01-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

It was 65 degrees here today!! We had a little outside play time in the river of melting snow.

18 inches of snow makes for some great puddles to jump in!

Even Bella got in on the action.

Snow Play

2008-01-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

With the warm weather coming in this week everyone wanted to get some snow play in before it all melts. Someone decided that it would be a good idea to build up one of the snow banks and use the jagged rocks off the fire pit as a jump. It was pretty sweet.

And now I'm laying on the couch watching the playoff's, drugged up on motrin with my feet in the air because I can't move my back.

You couldn't keep light weight in the sled

With a good push they would get half way down the hill before she hit snow.

With a little training you learn to roll out BEFORE you hit the tree

If there were only audio to go along with the picture

Party Likes It's 2007

2008-01-06T16:00:00.001-08:00

The champagne was a little dated.

Exactly!

Madison Having a Good Time

2008-01-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

She had a good time in Aaron's chair...

She had a good time watching everyone play guitar hero...

She had a really good time with Bella...

Who wants a hug?

That's enough hugs! You can't hug what you can't find...

New toys for fun to be had by all.

2007-12-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

Rockin' on the Guitar hero. You can't see the groupies dancing in the back ground.

Just call me Mr. Nadal on the clay court. Rici didn't have a chance with my power serve in the Wii Tennis.

One of the most popular events of the week was the Battle of the Century...

Christmas Invasion!

2007-12-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

How many of those will I have to pack into the car to take home?

That must be a really nice gift some one just opened!

Sporting the new kicks!

Madison is fascinated with the Bella and she has been a really good sport.

Always a hot spot for the kids...get it..."HOT SPOT"

Who was here in the night...

2007-12-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

The tree didn't appreciate the intense heat from the fireplace during the power outage. All items had to be placed next to the tree with care in order to avoid the avalanche of pine needles. It still looks good!

Aaron's digging deep to make sure no man has been left behind...

Anne had to knit for quite a while to get a hat to fit that nugget!

Is it a Twister?

2007-12-30T07:42:00.000-08:00

A couple days later we had some high winds that threw the Gas & Electric for a loop. We did what we could to make the best of it with Missy's wide range of candles.

I kicked out a little Sushi for the occasion.

Let It!

2007-12-30T07:35:00.000-08:00

We got a little snow just in tome for Christmas. If course the kids busted out the sled and headed for the hills.

It does look like a winter wonderland up here on the mountain.

The Greatest Tree on the Planet!

2007-12-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

We had to travel to several places to be the next tradition in the new neighborhood. It is the cheapest tree we have ever bought. It may have something to do with living on a mountain.

Unpacking the thousands of ornaments. The kids tried to put every last one of them on the tree and realized that they couldn't see any green when they were done.

The fireplace has been a huge hit with the dog. It just makes me sweat.

SNOW!

2007-12-10T18:39:00.001-08:00

Aaron found a hollow log that seemed to be more interesting than sledding so everyone had to join in.

Mis match backwards day.

2007-12-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

Alyssa dressed and ready for the day with Aaron always getting in on the action.

Girl Scouts

2007-12-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

Alyssa has been attending several scout activities lately. Painting ceramics...

Holiday Cheer!

2007-12-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

Following the inspiration of a few of our friends in Texas we are spreading some of the holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays Click Here!

Camp Happy Barnes

2007-11-26T12:39:00.000-08:00

The kids have been showing an interest in going camping recently. I think a lot of this stems from the show they have been watching on the Discovery Chanel, Man vs. Wild and Survivor Man. I am more than happy to accommodate them and have been digging out a bunch of my old gear. They have no idea the monster that they have resurrected. Missy is already trying to bow out but resistance is futile.

Climatization

2007-11-26T12:35:00.001-08:00

The poor dog spent all day outside playing and was a little cold. As if 22 degrees is cold. We got quite a bit of work done on the new skating rink facilities though. Picture of the work in progress to come later.

The Man is Five!

2007-11-17T07:59:00.000-08:00

Aunt Nikki made Aaron a dinasour cake with a volcano and everything.

Someone had a little more fun with the paper. The big ham!

Grandma bought Aaron a great frog blanket that has a hood and hands.

A taste of what's to come.

2007-11-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

We got our first light snow on the mountain a few mornings ago. I went to the store and bought some iglo brick forms for when the real stuff hits. For you southerners, we will let you play with them the next time you visit.

Holloween

2007-11-17T05:12:00.000-08:00

The kids had played their usual game on the neighbors with eggs and paper bags. Then went to another neighborhood to rid them of their candy. Aaron liked his costume from last year so much he wanted to use it again this year. Ha, who am I to judge.

Visits and Visitors

2007-11-17T04:54:00.000-08:00

We have not spent much time standing still since our return to New York State. We either have visitors or we are running to visit some one else. My sister is going to want to kill me before much longer.

Bella is not quite sure what to make of our friends from Texas. (The new door works much better than the old)

The hat helps you forget exactly how cold it really is behind door number one.

The Neighborhood

2007-11-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

The kids have been making some friends both at school and in the neighborhood.

Alyssa and her new friends at the skate party in the gym. Bring any memories back for anyone?

Aaron in the back yard.

at the neighbors birthday party.

on a school field trip

Second Anual Finger Lakes Wine Tour

2007-11-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

I'm sure that we have all noticed the lack of postings that have gone on during the past few months. We are trying to catch up so some of these photos may be a little dated but still quite interesting.

The wine tour this year was eventful. We toured the east side of Seneca lake this year hitting about six wineries. Next year may be Keuka.

It looks like the rest of the crew had just as much fun as we did over the weekend.

The Birthday Girl

2007-11-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

Queen for a day! We made one of our frequent trips to my sisters house in Massachusetts to celebrate Madison's birthday. Eagerly awaiting the cake.

Water Country...Have some Fun!

2007-08-26T10:20:00.001-07:00

Doing the bear crawl through a little water.

Trying to get mama wet.

The pirate bucket at the top emptied and caught Alyssa a little off guard.

Aaron saw what happened to Alyssa and wasn't quite sure he was ready for the tidal wave.

Who doesn't like a good water slide?

Ready for the wave pool?

It got a little chilly.

It took the poor folks a few minutes to figure out that the free Whopper coupons they were handing out at the exit were only good in New Hampshire. You should have seen the looks of dissapointment.

Veterinarian Federici "I need 30CCs of adrenaline S.T.A.T., CLEAR!"

A big day for a little person.

2007-08-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

At the church getting ready for the main event.

Spending a little quality time with Grandma.

Wardrobe Malfunction!

Just in the Nick of time.

Who invited the riff raff?

Mom will be proud of me.

Deer cought in the head lights.

The Cult Jam looks a little aggravated with the photographer.

Some one is about to take a nap. Who is your money on?

The day took a lot out of us. Notice that I am the one usually holding the camera. All by design.

Visitors from Maryland

2007-08-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

One of our favorate chicks came to visit from Maryland. This one is going to be trouble!

They all broke in the tub like a mini swimming pool.

Bella and the kids having a picnic in the yard.

Alyssa is Eight!

2007-08-06T10:52:00.001-07:00

Can you believe she is eight! Aunt Nikki busted out the skillz and make her a cake. Hopefully the bugs are a sign of a future entomologist. Will that pay her enough to put her old man up in a nice old folks home?

The traditional birthday wet willie.

Aaron trying to get a hold of Alyssa's Transformer.

Unncel Aaron trying to get a hold of Alyssa's Transformer

Madison and Jack both seemed to be having a good time.

Enjoying the Barnes Chalet

2007-08-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Everyone is enjoying the new place. Its hard to keep the dog in the house.

Aaron is another one that you'll never find inside. He is either digging in the soot of the fire pit or diving for frogs in the pond.

They both have to take a mid day nap, Aaron's usually lasts a little longer.

We've had quite a bit of traffic with everyone being so much closer. I'm not sure who the chef's in the family are. The people professionally trained hardly ever cook and Sherman can make a damn good omelet!

Look out New York the Barnes' are coming to bring down the property value!

2007-07-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

The POD got to Maryland on Thursday and we packed front to back top to bottom over the weekend. I say we, I mean me! since the gimp is still limping around like Chester on Gunsmoke!

We had to close the door half way to keep things from falling out. We still had a few crevices to fill with things almost left behind.

We spent a couple of days living in Geneva waiting to close on the house. Bella made herself right at home at my mother futon.

We closed Thursday morning and have been unpacking and spending tons of time in the store trying to fill some of the additional space. Madison loves the fact that there is still open range for some full speed crawling.

Take a look at the Swiss Family Barnes roaming the country side foraging for twigs and berries.

Alyssa and I stepped in the pond yesterday and it was a little cold. Not sure if the Marlin we plan to stock will survive. We may just have to stick with the Sun Fish.

Forth of July

2007-07-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

Grandma took the kids to Jamestown for the 4th of July. They went to the cottage my grandfather built at Bemus point on Chautauqua Lake. They love the water no mater what state it's in.

She also made a trip to Lakewood to see Great Grandma Barnes

They also got to go to the Strong Museum of Play. Leave it to my kids to pick out the Legos and Lincoln logs.

Extended Vacation

2007-07-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

The kids have been in NY since the end of school 2 1/2 weeks ago. They've been spending lots of good family time. Aunt Nikki and Madison even came to visit last week.

Bed Hog

2007-07-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

Alyssa was complaining that she didn't want to share a bed with Aaron because he's a bed hog.

Dangerous Combination

2007-06-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

Flip flops, wet grass and a complete lack of coordination can either be a dangerous mix. It can also get you out of having to move...interesting!

A Little Water and Fun in the Sun

2007-06-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

The kids were all about the water this weekend.

A little sprinkler action...

Tubing with some friends...

The wind has an interesting effect on our childrens hair.

Alyssa doen't seem to mind that she is closer to that other boat than ours...

Pre School Graduation!

2007-06-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hopefully there will be more of these in his future.

Cujo

2007-06-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

They grow up so darn fast!

2007-06-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

They start off alright... A few beers later and look what happens.

Guess the owners of these rooms!

2007-05-29T20:17:00.001-07:00

Some had the bright idea of letting everyone pick their own colors.

Nice Weather (Hot!)

2007-05-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

The weather was nice so the kids were outside most of the weekend. They think they will miss the trees they have turned into a little fort. Little do they no what wilderness lies ahead.

We also made a trip to my Aunt Sally and Uncle Jake's in Pennsylvania. Bella got to play with their three year old Brindle Great Dane Moses. What scares me a little is that Bella is taller than Moses who is now 160 pounds.

Of course Aaron had to be all over them.

Moses didn't seem to care!

Theme Parks

2007-05-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

We lived here how many hears and never went to a theme park!

Who made me leave this place?

2007-05-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

I never quite lived down that fact that I was the one who wanted to leave the old neighborhood and move back to the great white north.

A littlte worse for wear!

2007-05-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

For those who came to visit us when we lived in Florida here is what the house looks like today. It appears that they told us the truth when we left and no one has lived there since we moved out. Much of what we left behind is still there. Half of the neighborhood has been torn down.

More Wood!

2007-05-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

I am starting to get brave and spin things really fast with sharp edges. At least they are a little more interesting. People may be a little less reluctant to take them when I try to give them away. You know the mashed teeth smile, "Hey thats great, you mean you did that all by yourself?"

Hells Angels

2007-05-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

We finally got some nice weather and I was actually in town to take advantage of it. Is that a true biker or what!

Mountain Folk

2007-04-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

It finally happened. We are the proud owners of a chalet in the Taborton Mountains. Now that we are mountain folk Missy wants to buy a Pygmy Goat to keep the snakes away and mow the grass. I'm a little afraid if what it would do to Bella.

If you want to see more give me a call and let me know when you plane lands and I will pick you up at the airport!

Still Growing

2007-04-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

The competition to see who grows the fastest continues. Alyssa and Bella are tied for age, in dog years, but Aaron is catching up fast.

SS Bella

2007-04-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Alyssa's science project was based on sink or float. I let her do most of it herself! It had to float and stay above water while holding 25 marbles. You could have put Aaron in hers after I filled it with expanding foam.

Easter Dinner

2007-04-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

We think Madison may be part snake with the ability to unhinge her jaws to consume her prey!

Fat and Happy

2007-03-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

After a big meal everyone decided to get comfortable. Alyssa thought it was funny the dog decided to use me as a bean bag and snapped a few pictures. Story of my life!

A Prelude to a Mohawk

2007-03-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

I am determined to give the boy a mohawk at the end of the school year. Missy thinks she can pacify me with this sad attempt with a full head of hair.

The Wood continues to Multiply

2007-03-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

Because of my frequent travel these days most of my projects are limited to those I can finish in a weekend. I was able to throw a few of these together and attempt an antique finish. Not by best work but they seem to be in popular demand. You know how I aim to please.