GAWT VI Planning Begins

Each year my family gathers in the Finger Lake wine region in New York for a day of wine tasting, catching up with each other, and general merry-making. We've done all the lakes with good wineries, and have started to repeat. Not that we minded because new wineries pop up and we found another gem last year. This year, we'll be touring the west side of Lake Seneca.

Although the trip isn't until October, planning for this year's trip began as soon as the last trip was over. Lodging, which generally pleases no one, begins right away. The Clan Elders actually reserved a block of rooms in Watkins Glen on their way home last year! I reserved the bus yesterday, and was pleased that the fuel surcharge was only 15%, up from 10% in previous years. What a bargain! LOL!

I just can't wait to have everyone back together again! Check it out!

Happy 4th Birthday, Gwen!

The cool thing about being a kid (or Brent) is that you get to celebrate your birthday multiple times. Gwen had a princess party with her little friends, and then got to party with the Gault, Daily, and Shultz grandparents.The curious thing about Gwen is that she gets very shy as soon as you give her a present. And she absolutely hates to say thank you. I have no idea how she came by that little quirk.

Uncle Rick came over to join in the festivities and watch Gwen rip through her presents.

Baking with Gwen

Ok, the cake is really for Kera's birthday. I'm embarassed to say though that I have no pictures of Kera. I'm sorry!

12 in 12

I found a blog that talked about scrapping 12 in 12. The premise is that you take pictures on the 12th day of every month. You select the 12 pics that best "describe" your day and you scrap them. At the end of a year, you'll have 12 layouts that document your year. Pretty cool, huh? March was the first month I took the pics - I had some trouble getting 12.

Don't you hate taking up precious weekend time dealing with dirty clothes? Laundry and the dry cleaners. ugh. Although it was cold on Saturday, March 12, my cherry tree was in full bloom and my daffodils were golden yellow. During my travels I found time to frequent our LSS in Hershey. Rick and I worked on journaling his Australia trip, and had dinner. Topping off the day with a crisp New Zealand sauvignon blanc - glorious! Looking over it all, it seems like a pretty typical Saturday for the Shultz's.

How to Eliminate Saddle Sores

Ok, as much as we all bust on Brent for being just way, way too anal, there are times when we do appreciate it. In this case, Kera's been having some issues spending time on the road. After one painful training ride, it was time for Dr. Brent to whip out the books, the measuring tapes, the plum bobs, etc. and take a few measurements. The diagnosis? Incorrect bike fitting of course!

Crop Til You Drop

Twice a year, I have the opportunity to attend a scrapbooking crop in Butler. I go with my 2 favorite cropping buddies, Kim and her Mom, Sandy. We always have the best time when we get together to scrap. This crop had about 120 people. It's held at a church camp and includes the room, meals, and space for a very reasonable price. The best part, of course, is heading to the Scrapbook Super Station which is only about 10 minutes away. Shop, shop, shop!

This year I worked on my brother's Australia album. He had the opportunity to spend 3 wonderful weeks "down under" and I promised him a scrapbook. Just looking at the gorgeous pictures makes me want to go too!

Here's my scrap space. It took me hours to pack for this trip, and what you can't see are the 2 XXL's and the stamp case I used to pack all my stuff.

Playing Catchup

Since it took me so long to actually get my first post out there, I have quite a bit of catching up to do. So, you're going to see some posts that are way behind the times. Hopefully though I'll get caught up soon!

Easter

Easter is so much fun with grandchildren. I filled 50+ eggs and then Brent and I hid them in the living room for Gwen to find. She came prepared with her Easter basket and started hunting for them right away.

Gwen Hunting Eggs

Remember playing Cootie?

Two Bugs

On Sunday, we were invited over to my Mom and Dad's for Mom's traditional, world famous standing rib roast. It was yummylicious. Every time Mom tries to roast something these days, her thermomether is broken - apparently it doesn't matter how much you pay for those suckers, you only get one use out of them! Anyway, the roast was still mooing, so we plopped it back in the oven, had another drink, and life was good.

At each of our family dinners, someone gives the champagne toast. Travis was put on the spot at the last minute (another favorite trick of the Clan Elder!) and he rose to the occasion.

Again, the highlight was our grandaughter - Kylie. She is just so darn cute. She talks up a storm now and has the sweetest little voice. We had a little outdoor egg hunt but she really just wanted to eat the candy! I found the funniest outdoor bowling set for Ky. The pins are in the shape of milk bottles and the ball moos when it rolls. I laugh everytime it moos. Kylie seemed to have fun with it too!

Kylie would rather open the eggs than find them!
Chocolate Face Moooooo!