Sad Goodbyes

It happened. Michelle had to leave us. We won't see her again for almost 2 years or longer. It was sad to see her go, but we are way excited for her to serve in Brussels. And when we see her again I'm sure she'll have some wonderful stories to tell us! 'Till then, we'll just have to get used to missing her terribly. Blah.

Good Food, Good Friends

We had a special cast-off party for Michelle. (We even busted out the schlur--sparkling cider to those of you less savvy [meaning any of you that are not Gardners]). I always wanted to make manicotti. . . and I still do. I accidentally made some beefy stuffed shells, instead of manicotti. Oh well. Now I don't have to wonder about what it's like to make beefy stuffed shells. They were good, way too salty with too much nutmeg, but otherwise the were superb.

Enoch's 1st Swimsuit

We went to the beach with Michelle and the kids. (Mainly because Robert kept reminiding us to go. He would have been dissappointed if we hadn't.) Lots of sand, lots of fun. The day before we got Eenie this cute beach ensemble. I think orange might be his color. He was too gorgeous. He's either bored or trying to eat the camera here. It was a long day, and he got hungry.

Presque Isle

Sunday it stormed. We took Michelle to see the beach, but the storm brought in a bunch of garbage. There were dead fish everywhere and a dead bird we figured must have drowned in the storm and then washed up on shore. It was a little creepy.

Little Italy, Erie

In honor of our Italian sister, we went to Erie's Little Italy for their Italian festival and Procession of the Virgin. We didn't stay long, but it was neat to see the people there. There was a casino in the church basement and a raffle that included a party pack with hard liquors. A little different than the church functions we're used to.

Michelle and Kirtland

Michelle came to visit us before she goes to serve a mission in Brussels, Belgium. Robert had school, so I went and picked her up from the Cleveland airport. (I only got lost once. . . hee, hee) We stopped in Kirtland and took the tour. (Kirtland is a place in Ohio where the early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gathered together). It is so good to be with Michelle.