What a good looking pirate wench!Bob was hanging out with Madisyn Berggren for awhile.
I guess that's how you can sleep when you don't have a care in the world.

We were lucky enough at the beginning of August to be home when Jonathan and Jen came to visit (Bob, Josh and I missed their first stop). We also got to spend some time with Jen's sister and parents and yes, even the little dog, Bailey. We enjoyed seeing everyone and especially the sushi with Jen and her sister -- sorry Jonathan.

On our July trip to Chicago, we got to enjoy John and Janets (my brother and sis-in-law) annual Life Can Be bash with this year's theme being "Pirates". Here's Sammy holding her newest cousin, Avery.
The party was a blast and the karaoke was great. Here Carissa, Jenny, Sabrina and Jen wow the crowds.
Jonathan, Carissa and Eileen took a turn (I'm not quite sure but I guess Jonathan is the back-up singer).
Mark, Sabrina and John had a go.
One of the cutest little pirates: Reese Staniak.

The party was a great time as usual and I will post some more pics in the next day or two.

We went to Chicago in July and celebrated Josh's birthday at Maggiano's with some family. Here's Mark and Noah.
Josh with Reese, and Sammy too. (Carissa's there at the other table.)
Avery Connelly, the newest addition.
Josh with his birthday cookies!
And, last but not least, Sabrina (we were celebrating on her birthday).

We were also joined by Jenny and Ryan, Jonathan and Jen, John and Janet, Mauro and Kim, and Nonna.

Montana with the Berens

We had a great time in July with our friends Kevin and Lynn Berens at their place in Montana. (Yes, the same place mentioned in an earlier post.) We went out on their boat... (all seven kids) They rented a water trampoline that the kids greatly enjoyed...

(Sammy and Nathan) Everyone rode at least one of their two jetskis...

(Jessie and Erika) and all the kids experienced chills and thrills tubing...

(Erika and Josh) a great time was had by all and we can't wait to go back next year (If they'll have us -- 7 is a lot to endure.)

More Montana pics

Alex, Lyndsie, and Sammy tubing.
Lyndsie and Sammy.
Josh and Nathan ready to go for a ride.
Jessie and Alex on the jetski.

Josh is 16. Happy Birthday Josh - 7/12/07

We had more visitors from Chicago in June. Our friends Daniela, Hugo, twins Stephanie and Lexie (10), Matthew (4), and Daniel (6) came for a week and we had great fun showing them around.
We went to our favorite little hiking spot at Garden of the Gods, and to Waterworld Water Park another day.
Daniela, Hugo and the two girls went rafting one day while the two boys enjoyed hanging out with Josh and the other Puccini kids.
We also took a ride up to the Continental Divide where it was quite chilly way up there.