Shelly’s birthday was this weekend and we decided to take the kids to Jellystone Park in Aurora. We had a wonderful time with fishing, camping and cooking over the open fire.
Carter tried his hardest to stay awake but eventually succumbed to the napping gods.
The kids spent most of their time in pajamas fishing. That’s right, pajamas.
We couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to our hosts.
The last official day at Crystal Lake. Shelly had to work so the rest of us went to the lake for the evening. The boys found their places in the boats and Cody brought along his cousin for a fishing buddy. Oh…and Cody almost broke his personal best bass record except…it got away as he was lifting it into the boat!
Subway provided dad a way to cheat for supper; Carter had no complaints.
Its our first day of school and time to get our picture taken in front of the magnolia tree. This year we have 4 kids in 4 different schools. It is sure lots of fun getting everybody where they belong each day.
Today Cameron learned how to ride his bicycle without those embarrassing training wheels. He's been bugging us all summer about taking them off, so we did and took him across the street to the ball field where all the kids have learned to ride. Success on the first try! These other photos are from May 2002 of Kelsey learning to ride bike long before Cameron was even dreamed of.
Today we sadly said goodbye to Myrtle Beach. We spent the morning swimming and watching the stormy skies,
This weekend we took the kids to a fishing derby at Heritage Lake. Carter caught his first fish ever!
On Sunday we went back to the lake and Cameron caught his first trout, it measured 14” long. He was shouting “Dad, I caught a carp!” while reeling it in.
Another beautiful day! We’re not used to having Easters like this in Ohio. After church today I broke out the tripod and decided to try out my new camera remote which worked quite well. And if you’re wondering why Cameron has his hand behind his back, its because he’s the one taking pictures and hiding the remote. The boys had more fun pushing the button than hunting for their Easter baskets.
Today was Good Friday and it seemed like a good day to take the kids to the Cleveland Zoo. Weather was perfect and after the long winter we were all itching to get outside and enjoy an activity.
Cameron was ready with his maps.
Carter can’t stop climbing things this year.
It’s funny how out of all the pictures I took of animals at the zoo, I think I like this one the best. This was my most cooperative subject; of course the bird just wanted a little of my snack!
Today we celebrated Cody’s 15th and Carter’s 3rd birthday. Since their birthdates are two days apart, this will probably always be the norm for them. It seems they don’t mind sharing…
Carter enjoyed his cake and ice cream.
Grandma played with “Super Carter”
Cody got a fish finder; look out Crystal Lake!
A little bragging here; I thought I’d throw out a few pictures from the end of the Tigershark’s season.
Kelsey on and off the block at USA Gold Championships
And Awards Banquet
Kelsey’s Outstanding Achievement award.
It was a busy Halloween day at the Stone house! We started out with a 6:00 AM wake up so we could get Kelsey off to a swim meet where she did very well. The pictures are not the greatest due to lighting and “no flash photography” because of the starting strobe; as seen here, Kelsey was getting ready to come off the block as the last person in her team’s 200 yard relay. The girl in the lane just past her was already in the water and out of the picture; when Kelsey got in the water she was 2-3 body lengths behind but was able to pass her and win the heat! Good job Kelsey!
Just before Trick-or-Treat Cameron and I carved a pumpkin and set it out with a light in it. Looking at it on the front stoop looked too cliché so I Found another spot to put it:
We spent the evening hiking in the park at Happy Days trail. We tried for the impossible kids and dogs photo, but after many attempts we’ll have to settle for this one:). Carter loved it enough to give momma a rare kiss.
Today we went to an old farm and played games, made crafts and even practiced milking a cow! It was a lot of fun; afterward we went on a hayride.
