Michael's Graduation

This past weekend, we drove to Cleveland, Ohio to celebrate our cousin Michael's high school graduation. It was a perfect opportunity to not only support him but see various members of our family that we don't get to see very often. Even though I was slightly preoccupied helping with the parties, I am so disappointed in myself for not taking more pictures. I could have snapped a few more.

This is about the only picture I have of the party. (Andrew, Tate and Michele) I'm sure some of my other family members stepped up to the plate and took a few more.

I painted some banners for the occasion. Two for either side of the porch and two for the garage. Beth (Michael's mom) told me that "Grats" is something they always say to each other. :) It's fun to have inside jokes/expressions with your kids.

(Here is Michael and his mom, Beth.)

We loved their town, Lakewood. Andrew, Toby, Tate and I decided to visit Lakewood Park as a family and enjoy a picnic. Toby couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Lake Erie. He was deliriously happy enjoying the birds, geese, ferry boats, speed boats, people watching, Burger King etc...

Nice makeshift binoculars, Toby!

It felt good to kick off our shoes and enjoy some REAL grass. None of the this Georgia nonsense.

Taking pictures of ourselves like this reminds me of when we were dating. (and Laurie's habit:)

Tate slept for a while but Andrew just HAD to wake him up from his slumber to enjoy the park.

What a handsome sweetie-pie!

Look at these goofy expressions of my boys. Can't a mom get just ONE nice picture, please?

Tate thought the birds were amazing!

Toby tries so hard to let Tate know that he is loved but sometimes Tate just doesn't want to hear it.

This pretty much sums up my efforts in obtaining a good picture of my boys. They both look in opposite directions. :)