Riding a horse

Jason and Victoria riding a war horse at the Renaissance in NY

Renaissance Fair in Sterling NY

Valerie made costumes for the Renaissance. The boys are wearing their "Brewer coat of arms" decal on their tunics. (She did not make the pants--just plain jeans from the 2000's :)) The snood (hair net type cap for women) was made a few years ago by Valerie --with Mom's help since it was very tedious. The swords are the boys' own possessions. Yes, they are real. Here we are getting ready to go. The day, though very, very warm, was not bad--no rain and plenty of shade if needed.

Waiting outside the gate.

Victoria enjoyed a "war horse" ride with Daddy. Here she is waving at the end of her journey. She seemed fascinated with the horses.

Jonthan and Jeff leading the way somewhere--Valerie following in the red dress.
Jim is on Valerie's right in the white hat.

Val with Sir William --the victor--after the joust.

Sir William before the joust.

Jonathan, Jeff and Val consulting the map/schedule.
If you double click on the picture you can see the detail in Valerie's snood better (her "hair net") You can also see Jeff's chainmail shirt between the black tunic and the white shirt.

He even made the rings (for the chainmail) themselves. It probably weighed a good 10 pounds. Jeff, Val, Jason,Victoria, Sheri and Jonathan

Jumping Through June and July

Jonathan was asked to speak at church Sunday night.

Happy birthday, Craig.

Birthday dinner at the Chowder House. Snow globe where we can put our picture in the center. Gift from Jonathan, Valerie and Jeffrey for our anniversary.

At the dining hall at Victory Grove Camp

Valerie turned 20.

Valerie and Skippy at the

Wal-Mart Company Picnic.

Our little driver

Whee, this is fun. May I please have the keys now!

Phil & Deborah

All the way from St. Lucia Island!

May 23rd, 2009

A Family Picture before parting paths.

Picnic in the back yard with Sharon our neighbor.

This is NOT the proper stance!

Starting a healthy competition with the wii.

Who hit whom with a golf ball? Remember?

Deborah loves to walk, which is going to keep Phil literally on his toes.

Deborah is a commited Christian and a real thinker.
She is presently studying for her U.S. citizenship and doing VERY well.

Philip, (Jim's brother) and his new bride come for a visit.

Deborah is from St. Lucia Island and holds a masters in accounting.

Belated Mothers Day Gift

Jonathan now home from college with a

Mother's Day Gift from Penn View Auction.

Valerie's Grad Party

Our Celebrity with guests in the background.

Thank you all for making her day all the more special.

The Chocolate covered Strawberries, provided by

Lolly Boss, Deb ~ the Rave was Made! Thank you!

The roses return to set the scene.

Valerie's Recent Creations

This is the Renaissance Outfit that looks very patriotic.

Cleaning the rental property

A baby snake and a few worms--the reason we needed to clean up around the shed on our property in Pennsylvania.

We burned a lot of stuff and the rain took care of the end of the fire.

Taking a much deserved break.

Yeah! The chuck wagon with "the cook" Cheryl. Most welcome break. Thanks Cheryl.

Valerie checking progress in the dumpster

Cleaning the bottles, cans and other stuff.

Tearing the lean-to off the shed.

Sporting a hat he found to protect his head, Jim is glad most of the work is over

Dumpster full!

Dave wondering why they (Dave and Cheryl) ever let in this motley crew.
We were very thankful for a shower, bed and food. Great friends.

Flat tire. :(

Staying at the Hicks' and getting Jonathan

Rev. Steve and Connie Hicks gave us food and shelter as well as great fellowship on our way down to school to bring Jonathan home for the summer. Thanks Steve and Connie. Jonathan received a $100 scholarship. Every little bit helps.

Trip to the zoo

Uncle Jeff gets to tote Victoria around.

Though Daddy helped her feed the goats, she wasn't too sure if she liked them that close.

Our little tigress.

Sheri -- a lot of walking in this zoo, huh?
Jeff and Jason introducing caterpillars to Victoria (who picked it up and almost squashed it in the process).

Afterwards we had a backyard picnic. Jim sittting by the kabobs--first time we tried to make them. The carrots were not done all the way and the potatoes just barely done. We liked them anyway.

All around the table.

I liked them even though the carrots were a little crunchy.

Jason has his own idea about kabob skewers. What station can you get, Jase?

At the end of the long day we enjoy the chimnea. Sooo relaxing.