Notre Dame 2010

We spent a wonderful weekend at Notre Dame for the Pitt game two weeks ago.  Seriously, I think I've waited about my whole life to see my kiddos chasing after a football together at ND.  It is such a special place in my life and I was just thrilled to share it with my family.  We were so lucky to spend the weekend with Kate, Dan, Liam and Bridget Kelly.  Kate has been a dear friend since our freshman year at ND and their hospitality was so gracious and made the weekend that much more special.  We also saw the Lee's on Saturday which was the icing on our great weekend.

Ella and Bridget all ready to cheer on the Irish!

Liam and Will ready to go!

Tailgating with Nan, Aunt Amy and Mrs. Nelson.

Daniel and Matt hanging out before the game.

A little tackle football with Liam.

Buddies.

Will, Liam and Joe playing some catch. Check out Will's form! I swear that's a tight spiral he's throwing :-)

US!

Feeding the ducks at the lake.  Thanks Kate for the bread!!

With Nan and Pappy!

Random stuff...

Here is a collection of pictures to officially close out the summer, cute things that I haven't had a chance to post!  Enjoy!
Uncle Damon rises from the deep!

Ella in her first bikini!

 

 Jumping in to Uncle Damon.

 Ella lounging...

 Snuggling.

 Night-night.

 Ella just loves taking care of her Baby Stella doll.

 Ella's pony tail!

 Checking Baby Stella's diaper.

 Ella helping me make brownies!!!

 Will's cowboy hat from Great-Grandmom Lucy.

Wings Over Pittsburgh!

Two weeks ago was the Pittsburgh Air Show. This is a really fun weekend where the local base, where Damon flies, hosts a spectacular show both in the air and on the ground. Because we live only 10 minutes from the base and runways, it was a noisy week of F-18's and the Thunderbirds flying over!  We had a great day checking out the planes, especially the one Uncle Damon flies!

Will and Benjamin getting on Uncle Damon's KC-135 Stratotanker.

Ella and Will in the belly of the plane.

Ella hanging from the rafters.

All four of the kids :-)

I just love this one where Will is looking adoringly at Damon. If you ask Will what he wants to be when he grows up he will tell you a pilot like Uncle Damon. Then, he'll launch into an explanation of how Uncle Damon flies a plane that gives other planes gas in the air and how we saw Damon flying over our house twice giving a plane gas (and we did.). This will all be said with an exuberance that can't be matched...

Checking things out in the pilot's seat!


All of us in the flight deck.

TOP GUN'S!!!! SO COOL!


 
Climbing the helicopter.

Pooped, mid-books, on the way home.

Visit to St. Louis and the Malyszko's!

We had wonderful trip to St. Louis this past weekend to visit Anne and Tim for Anne's baby shower. The kids had so much fun playing in their yard, breaking in the baby's toys ;-), and going to the park and Children's Museum. We just treasured every minute of this visit and can't wait to go back when their little blessing arrives!!

The little momma opening her presents.She looks fabulous!!!

 

Mary and Julie did an amazing job throwing a beautiful shower.  

Ella and her godmother blowing huge bubbles at the Children's Museum. 

Ella on the balance beam... She is certainly our fearless child!

In the water room exploring. And, YES, I do exist, Joe manned the camera for a few minutes, so I'm even in one picture!

Will the mechanic!

Pizza Parlor!

Anne and Tim in the Nursery of the Children's Museum getting ready!!!


This kid LOVES SHOES.