South Carolina/North Carolina July-August 2011

Week 1 - Lillian, Paul and Charlotte at J Strom Thurmond Lake in Modoc, SC..

We had a lot of time to spend hanging out in and at the Lake. Lillian and I were thrilled at the 90+ degree temperature of the water. Quite a change from Lake Chelan and Lake Erie. Sunset pictures were taken from the beach at the house in Modoc. 

 Paul needed some help with work so Lillian and I went along on the boat. Lillian learned two new important signs on our trip - boat and work. She definitely has a love for the outdoors and water just like her daddy.

 Various pictures during the week just hanging out in the water after a day of work for Paul. A great relaxing way to spend time together as a family.

 During our trip Lillian discovered a true love for jet skiing. She prefers to go with daddy because he takes her much faster than mommy does. She was constantly asking for more fun on the jet ski.

Week 2 - Frances and Gerrilyn arrive!

The girls flew from Seattle on there own to spend two weeks with us in SC and NC. We were all really excited to see each other. The girls were excited about the adventure of flying on the 'own'. They did a great job!

One of the first days in town the girls and I headed to a great park in town with lots of toys and a fun water feature. I took Lillian on her own the week before and she didn't really play much in the fountains. As you can see with the help of her sister's she really enjoyed playing in the water.

Today was one of the really hot days (over 100) so we decided to stay inside during the heat of the day. The girls all love to read (or look through books).

 One of our last days on J Strom Thurmond Lake. Paul's boat driver left for the weekend so he recruited the girls to get up early and help him with his work. It was nice for them to get to see a bit of what Paul actually does when he is out on the boat working.

 Lillian and I met up with Paul and the girls to see how things were coming along. Needless to say we discovered they were having some boat problems. They were heading back to the dock at a top speed of about 3 mph. The girls joined Lillian and I for some fun on the lake while Paul drove the boat in. Lillian discovered she really likes to go on the tube almost as much as the jet ski.

 You all know Paul, when he is determined he figures out a way to make any situation work. The boat might have been broken but the jet ski was working. He rigged up the jet ski with some of his equipment and he and Gerrilyn headed out to finish up his work.  

Week 3 - Mt. Gilead, NC - Lake Tillery

Not as much to do at Lake Tillery. We spent our time jumping off the dock, swimming in the lake and playing a lot of cards (Frances, Gerrilyn and I). Paul had a pretty busy schedule for our few days in NC but spent as much time with us as he could.

 Frances and Gerrilyn found this hat floating in the lake. Lillian really liked it!

 Pictures from our last day at the house. Shortly after the pictures were taken the girls and I headed to Charlotte, NC for an early flight home the next day. It was a great trip!

Buffalo July 2011

Various pictures from the Delpriore 2011 family reunion, 20 years and counting. Most of the reunion was spent at a lake cottage on Lake Erie just outside of Buffalo, NY. 

 Relaxing with daddy at Uncle Pete's during the annual bbq and bonfire night.

Picture of Paul and Lillian standing in front of the tree Paul planted in memory of his dad at Uncle Pete's house. The tree was planted a couple months after his father died. Below is a picture of Aunt Jen standing next to the tree she planted.

 Lillian hanging out with one of Uncle Pete's hunting beagles. Lillian thought it was sure fun to play with a dog that was smaller than she is. Below are pictures taken at the annual bbq (a yearly tradition) of some of the cousins with Grandma in the top row.

 Paul and Gerrilyn riding the jet ski in some rough water, of course having a great time.

Last picture opportunity just before it was time for our clan to head back to Kirkland. The girls had a great time hanging with cousins they don't get to see very often.

Lake Chelan - June 2011

Shortly after summer started we headed to Lake Chelan for our annual family summer trip. This year only the girls from the Gantzer-Vail family were able to go. Paul was back east working in much warmer weather. We all had a great time hanging with family and friends.

Lillian, Frances and Isabel hanging out on the tube just hoping that Uncle Jeff will be back soon so they could go for a ride.

Hanging out at the beach with mom while the big kids are at the golf course playing in the annual Owl Invitational.

Hanging out at the beach with my sisters and cousin. Lillian really loves to hang out with her sisters.

Great family shot of the three girls. The hardest part of building this castle for Frances was trying to encourage Lillian to help without taking it apart.

Swimming in the pool with the big kids.

Time to head home. Another great year at Lake Chelan.

Random weekend pictures

Frances and Gerrilyn hanging out with friends on the swing set. Thank you Paul for all your hard work getting this fixed for Lillian to play on. Seems like everyone is enjoying it. The biggest surprise - the dog was calm and relaxed the entire time she was outside with the kids. Maybe there is hope for her yet.

 "What do you mean daddy is not home!"

 Hanging out having fun in the backyard while mom gets dinner ready. Lillian really loves to be outside.

 Having fun making faces with her sissy's after dinner. Lillian got a little bit carried away with the serving spoon this evening but she sure loved her dinner.

6th grade graduation

It is so very hard to believe but Frances and Gerrilyn are nearly done with their elementary school days. It has been a wonderful seven years spent at Woodmoor Elementary for them as well as my self with my many great volunteer times and friendships made. Next year will be such a change in so many ways:

• New school for the girls (junior high)!
• No more school volunteering for me. I am a bit sad about this.
• And a new addition to the family. I am sure this will keep me and the rest of us quite busy.

Friday at school was a day full of big celebrations. The girls 6th grade class put on an Italian lunch for all the parents and family that could come. I believe they had more than 50 adults to feed. After lunch was a graduation ceremony for their 6th grade class which included a 30 minute slide show of various pictures of all the kids from birth until today. It was a great day. Here are a few pictures.

 Gerrilyn receiving her special gift from her 1st grade buddy with the help of a 5th grade friend.

 Frances receiving her special gift from her 1st grade buddy with the help of a 5th grade friend.

 Frances, Megan (a good friend of the girls), Gerrilyn and Ms. McKerney (the girl's 6th grade teacher) after the day of celebration.

The girls with their long time friend Liam. Liam and the girls were in Kindergarten together and have been great friends since. They were also in 5th and 6th grade together. A fitting way to end their elementary days together.