Swisher Suite

More Alaskan Fun

2010-07-06T19:38:00.017-04:00

This is my great-grandma Margaret Nelson. She was one of the main reasons I wanted to make a trip north this year. She just passed away June 25. These pictures were taken June 7. It was an answer to prayer that I had a chance to say "goodbye" in person. Grandma raised six daughters, and was 97 years old when she passed. May her memory be eternal!

I see a lot of similarities in our hands. My grandma Sylvia, who passed away in 2004, had the same hands.

See my crooked index finger?

I don't think Grandma knew who I was, but I know she enjoyed the company.

This is my grandma Sylvia's grave-site.

This is the view from Grandma's cemetery. The mountain is Pioneer Peak and the hill to the right is the Butte, which is the land my great-grandparents were given by the federal government in 1940-ish. They raised their six daughters, including Sylvia, on that Butte. It's neat to see so many important landmarks from one location.

This is Grandpa Dan's house where he and Grandma Sylvia raised their family. This is the house I grew up visiting and where all the major holidays were spent in my childhood. I remember asking Grandma why they painted their home those odd colors. I don't remember her response.

I have vivid memories of sitting at this vanity and brushing my hair. :)

My grandfather is a highly skilled craftsman. He made all of these German WWII era scenes from scratch!

Hands in pockets, just like Grandpa requested

To scale German tanks from WWII

He made 8 of these guns, which are exact replicas of the standard issue US weapon used in WWII. I'll find out the name since it's slipped my mind.

Yes, that's Marilyn. This is exactly how I'll always remember my grandpa.

Childhood friends: Marianne (Moss) Nelson and Amy deSchweinitz

Joined by dear high school friends: Kelly (Flasher) Haag and Michelle (Flasher) Brumfield

Grandpa Tom holding Jude and Johnny

Uncle Gary's home

My uncle Gary took Brandon on a "real" hike. Gorgeous!

Can you see the individual blades of grass are ensconced in ice?

This is a butt trail from Brandon sliding down the mountain.

A ptarmigan

My Aunt Naomi made an awesome meal for all of us, her kids and her grandbabies. Delicious!

My cousins Megan and Lindsey

Freshly caught halibut, salmon, king crab legs, potatoes, salad and cornbread.

This is Aunt Naomi's crew: Peter, Steve, his wife Alicia and son Levi, Megan holding Ezra, Lindsey and Jake and their daughter Piper.

My brother Cody

Aunt Naomi and kids at 9:15pm just before leaving for the airport. Look how bright it is!

Big Lake with the Wolf Clan

2010-07-05T15:32:00.012-04:00

First, an explanation. Sunday morning Brandon and I were playing a form of dodge ball with my kids, Cody and their neighbor, Jesse. It was quite a novelty, apparently, to have a "mom" playing and I became the only target. Brandon and I ended up having a painful collision as I was trying to evade the boys. So, I got a shiner that lasted two weeks. You'll see it in the pictures, so I figured it warranted an explanation.
The only weekend we were in Alaska we spent with my dad, step-mom Kristi and brother Cody at their second home on Big Lake. We had a blast recreating, eating and watching movies. Sunday afternoon my grandfather, Aunt Naomi, Uncle Gary and Aunt Kristin came over to meet my crew.

Cody and Jude

Jude's "got the bug" as my Dad calls it.

Jude and Cody are fascinated by their relationship, i.e. uncle and nephew and only 4 years between them.

We were determined to have a cook-out until we allowed ourselves to admit, "Hey, it's cold!"

Papa and Abigail

Old-fashioned sprinkler fun!

Papa Dan and Lucia

The view from Dad's condo at about 11pm.

Mt McKinley, shrouded in clouds. Check out those scrawny trees!

Aunt Naomi and Abigail getting to know one another

These goggles were actually the dog's... but everyone thought it was hilarious to torture Lu with them.

Silly girl.

Uncle Gary "sportin" board shorts!

Cody, Jesse & Jude on the tube.

Ezra being cute.

"CHEESE!"

Grandpa Dan and I

Ezra, like his sister before him, is a hoarder. These items (the gun & the goggles) were always within arms reach. He even slept with the gun.

Papa Dan, Nana Kristi & Abby

Jude making Grandpa smile, not an easy task.

Aunt Kristin and I

Uncle Gary, Aunt Kristi, Brandon and I

I love these people!

The Wolf Clan, responsible for my sense of humor and sarcasm.

Ezra focused on eating his ice cream.

Uncle Gary and Lucia (Gary's look says,"Do you really trust me to hold your baby?")

True love.

Swisher Trip to Alaska: To Infinity and Beyond!

2010-07-01T16:09:00.013-04:00

The pictures displayed here were taken June 1-10, 2010 on the Swisher Family's vacation to Alaska. It was a really big trip! We bought our plane tickets seven months in advance and had been saving our mileage on various airlines for ten years. I have to admit, I was nervous about taking all four kids and having less control than I usually like to maintain. But, the trip went very well, mostly because of our wonderful hosts and my accommodating husband. We enjoyed ourselves so much we'd actually like to go back!

Now, a note about these posts: I've divided the trip into thirds. This first installment are photos of our dear friends Gabe & Marianne Nelson and their four children, Jaden, Hannah, Megan & Simon. The photos are in exact reverse order. So, I recommend beginning at the bottom of the post and working your way up. And beware: there is a lot of cuteness reprinted here.

Ezra and Simon loved the attention

Uncle Gabe and a tired Lucia

Fast friends

Yes, that's a bald eagle.
Trying to keep Lulu warm.

Can you see the pack of wolves? They were much larger in person than I expected. Both Marianne and I were freaked out by their pacing and obvious pack mentality.

Wrestle-mania

The girls taking turns reading to one another

Brandon couldn't get over the view from the Nelson's window

Megan and Lucia hit it off

Uncle Brandon, AKA the science teacher

Uncle Gabe made this fort for his kids. It's awesome! It has pulleys, a trap door and lots of extras.

Notice how large and gorgeous this table is!

A Visit from Nana Jill

2010-06-29T18:51:00.008-04:00

Good-bye Preschool!

2010-06-29T16:10:00.005-04:00

Abigail's "farewell to preschool" party:

Dee and Simeon

Parents and teachers

Zachariah Cadman

Nutritious breakfast

Josiah and Jennifer

After breakfast (of donuts) and the program, it was time for cake. Makes perfect sense to 4 year-olds.

Abigail's end-of-the-year picnic included lots of sweets and more sweetie-pies. She, like Jude, had two wonderful years at the Little Lions' Playroom. Kindergarten, here we come!

Mother's Day

2010-06-27T20:49:00.004-04:00

Surrounded by my chicks

My wonderful husband and doting children made me several tokens of their love and affection...and bought me one large gift: a KitchenAid mixer. These are not good pictures, but they do show how excited the kids were to give me their gifts. You can also see the stand mixer, which is now proudly displayed on my kitchen counter.

Scenes at the Swisher Household

2010-06-27T20:14:00.007-04:00

Ezra's wheels.

We either need a bigger bath or smaller children.

Reading RealSimple.

Lucy dressed in green for one of Jude's soccer games.

Here are some random shots taken mid-May of daily events in the Swisher home.

Abigail likes to put up her notes and pictures throughout the house. These are labels she taped to the sliding glass door.

Reading to Lu...

This was one of Lucy's first times sitting upright in the booster seat. I think she enjoys seeing all the activity in the kitchen. She's four months old in these shots.

Green Dragons

2010-06-27T19:11:00.004-04:00

Jude's first season of soccer was a huge success. His team, the Green Dragons, were blessed with an awesome set of coaches. In the U6 division, teams are coed. Luckily for us, one of our top scorers is a girl!

Don't let these pictures fool you: Jude wasn't in the goal all the time--it was just the easiest time to get his picture. He really enjoyed playing and we all enjoyed cheering on the team. Jude is practicing daily for the fall season.

Baby Iohan and Aunt Laura Come for a Visit

2010-05-03T15:31:00.004-04:00

Our good friend, Laura, and our newest godson, Iohan, came for a four-day visit in mid-April. We were blessed with good weather, as you can see. Laura was able to relax (I think) and I was able to exhaust my jaw. :) We went walking everyday to offset the many yummy treats we savored. The whole family enjoyed their visit; Ezra still talks of Aunt Laura. We hope they return soon!

Iohan is 7 weeks older than Lucia. I won't go on and on about how he sleeps for 11-12 hours straight or that he sleeps on his back, unswaddled and without blankets. Let's just say, he's an angel baby.

Aunt Laura kept saying how chubby Iohan was until she saw Lucia undressed. Lu's thighs are proof of her midnight feedings.

Of course we took our company to the Creamery. Here's Ezra with what little remained. I wanted to take photos of us with our ice cream, but since we were sharing I didn't dare put down my spoon. My kids have wised up and know they have to eat with one fist raised. I didn't get a picture of Ezra licking the table, but I'm sure you can imagine the scene.

Padrino and Iohan while Mama and Madrina went walking.

Father-Daughter Time

2010-05-03T15:05:00.001-04:00

Spring is here!

2010-04-12T18:31:00.007-04:00

Easter Egg hunt

Palm Sunday photo shoot

Pascha afternoon

Spring Break: To Nana's for Kentucky Fun

2010-03-27T20:48:00.007-04:00

Happy birthday, Jude Daniel!

Pizza party with soda-pop....we're obviously getting spoiled at Nana's!

Everyone is getting in on the fun...

Store-bought ice cream cake!?!

And there was entertainment too...

Lucy was a little more difficult to impress

Two lego sets and a Nerf gun = sweet!

Park play time

Nana found capes for each of the kids last Halloween and kept them until a perfect opportunity presented itself. The kids loved the capes and wore them often.

More Kentucky Fun

2010-03-27T20:07:00.009-04:00

Lucia, 10 weeks old

Nana and Lucia

One of the first activities we did while visiting my mom is take all the kids to Chuck E Cheese. This was the first time I entered said venue as a parent. Yikes! It was loud, chaotic and a little stinky. I really don't see what parents get out of the experience. First, it's expensive. Second, they don't serve beer. Third, you have to listen to children that you aren't allowed to scold or threaten. But, of course, the kids loved it. My mom is always up for spoiling the kiddos.

This is Lucy while we were at Chuck E. Cheese. My sentiments exactly.

This is Ezra after we'd been at Chuck E Cheese for a few hours. My sentiments upon arrival.

Cole, dressed in his ninja costume. Notice how tightly he's holding those tickets.

Abigail and Juliana, both wearing their capes.

Jude watching a Star Wars arcade game, also in cape.

Ezra and I were holding down the home base and doling out coinage.

Juli

Abigail taking a water break

Lucy decided to check out what all the bright lights were about.

Juliana found Lucia to be a perfect doll.

Notice: we ate dinner outside, without coats!

Ice cream cones and silly faces...

Happy Sixth Birthday, Jude!

2010-03-25T19:57:00.006-04:00

Jude's birthday was spread out over at least four separate events. Here is a hodge-podge of celebration moments:

Magic tricks from Dad, Mom, Ezra and Abby were a big hit

"Thanks, Kum and Titi!"

"Thanks, Nana Jill!" "Thanks, Nana Kristi and Papa Dan!"

Are you beginning to see a theme? Or two?

These pictures are of Abigail and I preparing the frosting for Jude's birthday cookies. Do you see any genetic similarities? I just think it's funny that someone made of half of my genes doesn't look like me.

Birthday party in action.

Pin the hat on the Martian

Rocket ship cake

Drinking "Yoda Soda"

Decorating stars, moons, planets and asteroids

Playing with Lucia

2010-03-21T20:39:00.002-04:00

Abigail and Ezra were thrilled to play with Lucia's toys and to introduce them to her. She was a good sport!

Ezra is feeling pretty wimpy because there isn't enough room for him in the box. My kids, like most kids, love big boxes.

These were taken when Lucy was nearly 2 months old.
I call the toys her "friends."

Enjoying the Snow... February 2010

2010-03-21T19:51:00.004-04:00

Dad's idea of building a snow tunnel kept the kids happy for hours.

Baptismal Weekend, Part 1

2010-02-10T16:22:00.000-05:00

What a gorgeous couple!

Wow! This Mama looks tired. But, I was having fun with our good friends, Todd and Miriam. We went to Otto's Pub and Brewery to celebrate both of their birthdays.

All 12 brews are Otto's handiwork!

Lucy has begun to enjoy her "friends."

What a pretty girl!

Lucia's baptism was scheduled for Saturday, Feb 6, but a snow storm brought 14 inches of snow Friday night. We postponed the baptism for the following day, February 7. This opened up Saturday to be a lazy day where we could enjoy our out-of-town guests, Lucia's godparents.

Here is Lucy gearing up for the big dunk...

The Baptism, Part 2

2010-02-10T15:45:00.001-05:00

Anointing with oil

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit...

Look at all those mouths agape

The Holy Chrism

Tonsured

"The Church has done what the Church can do."

First Communion

The Wackadoodle Family

The Parents Four, entrusted with Lucy's physical and spiritual upbringing

Kum and Titi

The Swisher Clan: Papa David, Grandma Anne, Brandon, Lucia, Corene, Uncle Jason, Ezra, Abigail, Haleigh, Jude, Nataisha and Shianna.

A motley crew: The Swisher kids with their godparents, Kum and Titi.

Corene, Miriam and Lucia, who's done, done, done!

Lucia, after she's calmed down at home.

One Month Old

2010-01-29T21:18:00.003-05:00

She's starting to smile...but only occasionally
.

Lucia made the trek back to Hershey Medical Center this week for her post-operation appointment. As far as we can tell, all is working well with Lucy's bowels. She is eating, growing and keeping Pampers in business. She weighed 9 lbs, 6 ounces on her one month birthday. Her discharge weight after surgery was 6 lbs, 15 oz only 3 weeks prior. I'm glad to know that my efforts are paying off.

Winter Days

2010-01-29T17:00:00.004-05:00

Play Dough

Lego creations

Our big present this Christmas was a new refrigerator. Here are the kids cleaning the old one, which we moved into the basement for overflow. :) I love my new fridge!

The kids love it, too. Thanks, Moms, Dads and Uncle Bob!

Baby worshipers: our good friends, Kelly and Zahn

Early Days with Little Lu

2010-01-29T15:41:00.004-05:00

I think she was about two weeks old in this photo.

Three weeks old in these photos.

Proud Brother

I love flowers, especially in the dark days of winter. These are from my mom and our church family. Thank you!

Notice how Lucy's hair sticks up after a bath. :)

Lucia's Four Days at Hershey Medical Center

2010-01-15T19:39:00.006-05:00

First Stop: Intermediate Intensive Care Unit before surgery

Second Stop: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, post surgery

Third Stop: General Pediatric Floor, Post-Op Day 1-3 (these pictures are from Post-Op Day 2)

Feed me!

Post-Op Day 3

On our way out...

Dressed for warmth...
Going home!

One more night at the Ronald McDonald House

More Pictures of Lucy's Early Days

2010-01-15T17:40:00.006-05:00

Lucy's Nana came for a long visit. We loved having her (and having her extra hands busy at work)!

She bought Lucy flowers, balloons and many cute outfits. Thanks, Nana!

Ezra loves, "his baby."

Abigail holds Lucy every chance she gets.

These crazy guys haven't slowed down at all.

Welcome to the World, Lucia Nicole!

2010-01-15T17:15:00.002-05:00

Our fourth child, Lucia "Lucy" Nicole, was born precipitously on December 27, 2009 at 2:05AM. She was born weighing 6 lbs, 15.2 oz and measuring 18.5 inches.

Grandma Anne visiting Lucy at the hospital

.Papa meeting Lucy when she was about 7 hours old.

Lucia was warmly greeted by her big brothers and sister.

Abigail is THRILLED to have a new doll, er, sister.

Christmas Day Decadence

2010-01-15T17:03:00.003-05:00

In no particular order...

Thank, Uncle Bob!

Thanks, Nana and Papa!

A very cheesy Christmas

"I love these!"

A ninja from Nana

More Holiday Fun

2010-01-15T16:58:00.003-05:00

Ezra and Abigail were invited to make ginger bread houses with our neighbors, Gracey and Sam. Ezra used his graham cracker walls to eat at least 2 cups of frosting. I tried to dissuade him but the other mothers thought that I was being a drag. :)

Cheeeeeeeese!

St Nicholas Day

2010-01-15T16:27:00.005-05:00

December begins in a fun way for us as we celebrate the feast of St Nicholas on December 6. The kids made cookies to leave for St Nick, who in turn, left stockings full of toys!

October Winter Storm and Halloween

2009-11-14T20:58:00.007-05:00

On his own, Ezra picked up Jude's school accessories one afternoon.

He loves his big brother. And, his big brother loves him! This really is why I've always wanted a big family.

Halloween gets an honorable mention but really didn't get a whole lot of attention from the elder
Swishers. I was recovering from the flu and Brandon had to work. Brandon carved a happy jack-o-lantern with the kids and we went out for a 40-minute neighborhood shuffle. The kids loved it, despite our diminished enthusiasm.

Abigail has worn this costume three years in a row. She'd like to wear it next year, but I've already started the "Honey, you are getting too big" conversation.

Jude was Darth Vader and used the force on me at every opportunity.

Ezra is supposed to be Indiana Jones (he has a whip and a hat) but didn't want to wear either accessory as we trick-or-treated. I especially like the stubble Brandon drew on his face.

Brandon allowed the kids to do most of the carving. Ah...dads and knives.

The finished product

Notice Ezra is covering his mouth; he was grossed out. Maybe he'll get the novelty next year.

October 15. I understand now the importance of leaves falling before the snow does.

Thankfully, our neighbor saved his trees by removing the snow early in the day. Our neighborhood looked like a minor war zone the next day as trees had broken without warning.

Abby's class trip to the pumpkin patch

2009-10-26T17:06:00.003-04:00

Ezra was thrilled about the tractor, its driver and the wagon it pulled. The wagon ride took us to the pumpkin patch, where the rain turned into sleet. It was SO cold and wet, which is why my camera was hidden away.

I tried to get Ezra to smile--this is as much as he'd give me.

Exploring the farm brought many kids to tears. Ezra kept pleading, "go to house." So, I took him inside a storehouse while one of Abby's teachers took her through the corn maze. The sleet turned to snow while they were enjoying the maze.

This is later at home after soup and hot cocoa. The kids decorated their gourds and forgot about their near frost-bite while we watched the snow come down from our warm home.

This is what it looked before naptime...

This surprise snow storm began on October 14 and continued through Oct 16. All the kids in State College had a snow day. Many, many trees were destroyed under the weight of the wet snow. The very large tree in the upper right corner of this picture, the tree in front of our neighbors house, no longer exists. Thankfully, we didn't have a power outage as many in our town did.

Family outing to the Way Fruit Farm

2009-10-26T15:33:00.006-04:00

We started by taking the tractor pull on the wagon out to the pumpkin patch. But, we were cold (and cheap) and decided just to ride it back to the apple orchard. Ezra LOVED the tractor ride and talks of it often.

We decided to pick 1 peck, I believe, of apples. There were at least 6 varieties and we enjoyed taste-testing our way through the orchard.

Check out these mammoth clusters!

Yummy!

Ezra said he was riding a horse in this picture. Okay.

We definitely got our $7 worth of apples!

Chicago trip and Indiana House Reunion

2009-10-18T21:01:00.011-04:00

My favorite Miles

In late September I had the privilege of taking a long weekend to visit friends in Chicago (sans progeny). I started my trip with a gathering of the "old" Chicago friends at the Warrens' home.

Mama Christine and Baby Luke

Everyone's favorite Deacon playing with Jonah and Isaac

My first godson, Jonah, sporting the Dharma Initiative logo.

My second godson, Manny, looking at all the big boys being rough and tumble.

Then, I moved on to the Official Indiana House Reunion. There are eight women who get-together yearly from our senior year house. Only six were able to join in Chicago this year, but two of those brought their two daughters each. So, we had a house of ten females. It was a wonderful weekend of fellowship!

Here are Ava Beidler and Kettie Olson: cute, cute, cute!

Celebrating Katy's birthday

Look at these pale girls! It must be the lighting.

Kettie as Cinderella

Ava and Kettie rearranging the furniture

Auntie Katy and Tovie Olson

Aunt Amy and Ravinia Beidler

The Beidler Sisters

Kari and Jill holding Tovie and Kettie

Second generation Indiana House

Pumpkin patch fun

Ava making her choice

Katy, Gentry and Jill

Olson Sisters

Mealtime!

Kettie and Ava

"Cheese!"

Shore, Why Not?

2009-10-13T17:54:00.013-04:00

Okay, I stole that opener from my good friend, Katie Gaspard.

We crashed our good friends, Clay and Katie Gaspard's, family reunion at Ocean City, New Jersey September 21. It was a 24-hour blip in our week, but we had an awesome time. Katie's parents, Marcia and Paul, graciously invited us to stay in the house they rented on the beach. And, they fed us. It was a sweet set-up!

My three kids!

The whole crew, squinting in the sun

My "big" boy

Thanks, Nana and Papa, for Abby's new swimsuit!

Everyone's best friend: Katie Gaspard!

Okay, I don't look very big here, but I sure felt big. I am quite a bit bigger now. :)

Abby and James, Clay and Katie's son.

Me and Anastasia, Katie's daughter

My sweetie

At the boardwalk...

havin' fun...

Abigail's 4th birthday...and Brandon's 33rd squeaks in for an honorable mention

2009-09-19T16:11:00.006-04:00

Abby's "real" birthday, September 9th.

Nana Jill came for a visit September 11.

Then, it was Dad's birthday on September 16. We really know how to party!

Brandon is giving a thumbs-up to his favorite dinner: homemade pizza (which includes homemade pizza dough).

Then, Abigail's birthday tea party was on September 17. She had two girlfriends over for dress-up, make-up, tea and butterfly cake.

Earlier in the day, she was practicing her hostess skills.

Thank you, Nana and Papa, for this shirt!

Hope, Gracey and Abby enjoying the finer things in life.

My first butterfly cake...

Signs of Summer

2009-08-24T17:07:00.004-04:00

My friend Janine visited from Pittsburgh for a weekend in August.

We walked at three locations around town, in the sweltering heat, had dinner out and, of course, stopped at the Berkey Creamery.

Cousins: Isaac, Shianna, Haleigh, Jude (harassing Haleigh), Abigail and Ezra at the Huntingdon Fair.

I only had my camera out for the first stop--the hogs--before giving up entirely. It was incredibly hot (and stinky) and keeping the family together required all my energy.

The fruits of my garden. Yes, those are baby carrots.

Admittedly, this is a pretty lean garden. I had 6 tomato plants, a few cucumber plants, a yellow squash, zucchini, and basil. (I'm not counting the carrots.) The rest of the seeds I planted didn't do much. We had onions, but they were mini, too. This was a trial year and I think I've learned some lessons for next year's attempt.

Good Times with Chicago Friends

2009-08-11T16:12:00.020-04:00

Our dear friends the Hunters--Brian, Kendra and Miles--came for a 3 day visit in early August. We had a wonderful time and my only complaint is that it went way too quickly. Come back soon, Hunters! As you'll see, we filled our days with activities.

One random exciting event occured when our neighbor, who does daycare, had a fire engine and fireman visit our street to do a firesafety talk and demonstration. Jude and Abby were at VBS, Miles and Ezra only found the truck initially interesting, but Brandon and Brian thoroughly enjoyed the event, as you can see.

Here is a view from Mt Nittany, a short hike about 2 miles from our house.

You can see why it's called Happy Valley.

Look at this little boy, growing up before our eyes.

Two handsome lads playing and reading books in Jude's fire engine bed.

Brandon shepherding Ezra, Miles and Jude at the Shavers Creek Environmental Center.

Inside we saw snakes, turtles, a few birds, and lots of hands-on exhibits displaying local flora and fauna.

Outside is an aviary with over a dozen owls, eagles and smaller birds of prey.

We were able to see the birds being fed, which was both fascinating and a little gross.

Here are some pictures of Miles on Ezra's new scooter. Miles figured out how to coordinate his feet to make it move; Ezra still expects to be pushed on it.

See this dog? Ezra decides to put him in his "pocket." Look below...

See Ezra's shirt bulging near his chest? That's where he kept his dog for the rest of the evening, including dinner. If you look closely, you can also see that he has grass sticking out of his diaper.

Look at these hams...

Friends, food and fun!

Look what fun Aunt Kendra had during bath time.

What? My hair?

Ha!

More Fun with the Hunters

2009-08-10T20:13:00.013-04:00

Brandon took Brian and Jude on a hike up Mt. Nittany.

Then, we celebrated Ezra and Miles' birthdays at the Berkey Creamery. Always a favorite!

Of course, we had to let the kids burn off some of the sugar high.

Parents overseeing the running, jumping and falling.

Ezra giving Aunt Kendra a back rub. I think she enjoyed it.

Happy Valley

The third wheel

The love birds

Shavers Creek Environmental Center

Delgrosso's Park was Miles' and Ezra's first big kid rides.

Haleigh, Olivia, Isaac and Jude = cousins having the time of their lives

Delgrosso's Park also has a water park, which was our family's favorite.

Little Miss Abigail

Daddy and Ezra (yes, Ezra's lips are blue)

Water cooler talk

Cheese!

Uncle Brian and Miles

Our niece, Nataisha

Brandon may have had the most fun of all participants. He especially enjoyed riding the slides with Jude.

"Ezra, where are your feet?"

"Here they are!"

Cousin Lindsey brought her new baby Wyatt (2 1/2 weeks old) just for Abby. :)

Maternal impulses are emanating from this nearly 4 year old.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Ezra!

2009-08-10T18:00:00.007-04:00

Our nieces decorated for the party with their own renditions of Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Ezra's favorite meal: beans and rice. The helmet is for his scooter...look below.

A two-year-old reading the card first? How precocious!

Haleigh, our niece, enjoying the party.

Who knew that they made scooters for the least coordinated among us: toddlers.

You may not at first glance register this face as pure joy, but Ezra is thrilled to receive his own Leapster hand-held game.

The cupcake-making process began the night before Ezra's birthday party. I had the fan blowing on me to create that Marilyn-Monroe-in-the-kitchen look.

Here is my rendition of the Eric Carle Very Hungry Caterpillar. If you look closely, it even looks like the caterpillar is sweating.

Cookoo-Crazies

2009-08-10T17:24:00.002-04:00

Regular post-bath craziness, exhibited by an uninhibited Abigail

The beginning of a new chapter in 2-year-old Ezra's life. He likes to sit on it, think and read his morning paper. So far, no deposits have been made.

Summer 2009

2009-07-19T21:08:00.007-04:00

Neighborhood water fun!

Jude's Creation: Anakin Four Gun Ship

Pink hair, blue nail polish and an attitude!

Face (body) painting at the Pennsylvania Arts Festival

Our little flower

Jude playing basketball with the big boys at our annual church picnic.

The Cutest Ezra We Know!

2009-07-19T20:58:00.003-04:00

Ezra and our niece Haleigh

If you look closely you'll notice that Ezra is wearing a frog bib while eating out of his frog bowl and his favorite frog "baby" is sitting on the table.

Sorry for the duplicates! I couldn't decide which photo was cutest. :)

Sanchez Visit

2009-07-19T19:53:00.005-04:00

Jonah made himself right at home in Grandma's sand box.

We were thrilled to have the Sanchez family, if only for a few days. We took them out to the "country" as Jonah kept calling it and my mother-in-law took care of us all.

One favorite outing of the Swisher grandkids is feeding carp at Raystown Lake. We take dog food and
watch the fish fight for the food. I'm always afraid we're going to lose a kid, but this outing was incident free.

Jonah feeding carp

Laura holding onto Manny

There are no excuses for the paucity of photos recording our time together. I'm sorry, Jonah and Manny, that your madrina dropped the ball!

Congratulations, Brandon Swisher, MS, JD!

2009-05-27T21:44:00.005-04:00

Brandon's best friend Keith came to celebrate Brandon's accomplishments.

Mom and Dad

Goofy Jude

That's all, Folks!

Outdoors

2009-05-27T21:28:00.004-04:00

Abby showing off an ant

For Mother's Day, my generous in-laws gave me cushions for our outdoor chairs. These were desperately needed and have made our back deck a small oasis. I'll post pictures of the complete set soon. Thank you, Mom and Dad!

killing ants is a popular pastime

This is what happens when Mom is playing on Facebook...

2009-05-27T19:16:00.001-04:00

Jedi Jude's favorite passtimes

2009-05-27T18:56:00.004-04:00

Jude created his own drums.

Jude and our favorite neighbor, Mr. Mick, washing Jude's bike.

The Clone Wars