Congratulations Nicole and Darrell!

Nicole and Darrell successfully closed yesterday on their purchase of a wonderful co-op in the historic Jackson Heights neighborhood in Queens, New York City. They will be the newest residents of Laburnum Court, one of 10 garden-style apartment buildings constructed as a planned community in the 1920s. Noted for their distinguished English and Georgian architecture, Laburnum Court and the related buildings were the first to be constructed in New York City around large interior gardens. Below are photos. No doubt Nicole and Darrell will greatly enjoy their beautiful new home!

Clambake, Engagement and Hall of Fame!

Carly and Tiffany's third annual clambake and lobsterfest was a seafood spectacular. Guests came from all over the country. College friends of Tiffany came from Denver, St. Louis and Milwaukee. Les and Pam flew in from Cincinnati on their private plane. Sarah and Don represented the state of New Jersey. Anne hitched a ride from Lexington, Virginia. Ohio cities of Findlay, Fostoria, Huron and Toledo were represented. Over 50 guests attended the party.

The calm before the storm--the firepit before the event.






















The rocks at the bottom of the firepit are ready. Carly and Andrew load in the lobsters.



















Some lobsters are still wiggling as steam rises from the seaweed at the bottom of the pit.



















Joe throws on bags of clams. Then the mussels will be put on last.



















Carly and Jen ponder the pit.






















Guests socialize while waiting for seafood to steam.




















Tom grills the chicken, chorizo and brats while Scout and Parker wait for a morsel.






















Tom checks the test egg. If it's hardboiled the lobsters are done.

















The tarp is pulled back, seafood revealed and the crowd applauds.




















SUCCESS!

















Let the feasting begin!



















GREAT PARTY CARLY AND TIFFANY!

At the party, newly-engaged Joe and Becky showed off her ring. Congrats to them. Are they excited?

















YES!


















And finally, who knew when Slider attended our Indians party in July that he would be inducted into the Mascot of Hall of Fame in October? Way to go Slider!

October Happenings

It's hard to believe that it's October! Where has 2008 gone?

Thus far this month we've enjoyed two special family gatherings, both in the Washington, D.C. area.

First, we provided daycare services for Michaela and celebrated Jeff and Lexi's seventh anniversary.



















Then we had a wonderful visit with Ben, Amy, Ida Jane and Harper. This was our first opportunity to greet Harper in person. What a cutie!

















Michaela says "Hi Kittie!"

















Stay tuned for Clambake pics, an engagement, and a Hall of Fame winner!