GREAT pictures!

The kids had been doing a photo shoot with my cousin right before we got the call about my Grandma. She is an AWESOME budding photographer. These pictures were taken in downtown Detroit on an absolutely beautiful sunny day. We had a blast! Check her out at : neshotsphotography.blogspot.com/ . We are so proud that she discovered such a great talent and were honored to help build up her portfolio. You're awesome Kirstynn!!

Grandma Staub

My Grandma passed away last Sunday. She was 76 years old and had just received a new hip. No one is sure what happened, but her friend Donna is sure that Grandpa just couldn't be without her anymore (he died last year). We were all very shocked and saddened.

She was not just Grandma Staub... she was THE Grandma. You know, the ONE you're talking about when you say "Grandma". Maybe it was just in my family, but she was definitely our favorite. This past week I've been spending a lot of time just thinking about all the things we used to do together... spending nights at the house in Detroit with special breakfasts as a kid, a long car trip to my cousin's wedding in Maryland, boating or snow-mobiling when I was a bit older, showing up with friends for a surprise weekend as a teenager, cross-country skiing, late night chats at my Mom's house, special shopping trips (usually Walmart), bringing my Fiancee up north to visit as a young adult, fitting my wedding dress with she and Mom, playing dominoes at the house (chicken foot was a fav), bringing the kids for a visit at least once every Summer, and countless Holidays, weddings, baby blessings, and random visits. I'm so glad that my children had the opportunity to get to know such a special lady and very much wish that they were old enough to appreciate her more. My Mom says that she was THE NICEST woman in the world. And she was. I never heard her raise her voice (except maybe to call Grandpa), or speak an unkind word about anyone. She has been a wonderful example for a me as a woman and for the rest of my life I will strive to emulate her. She is missed.
Grandma with Scarlett last Summer.
Grandma and Grandpa on Sofia's blessing day.
The first daughter (sofia) of a first daughter (natalie) of a first daughter (mom) of a first daughter (grandma).
Grandma and Sofia Summer 2005.
hee hee...Grandma and Grandpa at Mom and Dad's wedding.
Grandma with 4 of the great grandkids (there are 20) at Matt and Alie's wedding December 2006.

Chocolate cookie...

'nuff said

Fire Safety

Sofia's preschool took a field trip to the Eastpointe Fire Station. We learned a lot about fire safety and the life of a fire fighter. Fire fighter Jackie taught the kids not to be scared of her in all her fire gear and they got to climb through the fire engine. They also got to spray the fire hose and each received their own helmet and badge. When it was question time, Grayson asked Jackie if she'd slide down the pole. She thought about it for a minute and decided to do it for him. He was pleased as punch (but it was so fast, the picture didn't turn out well).

Scarlett stepping through the engine

...and Grayson

Showing off their new helmets

Grayson on the hose

Sofia on the hose

All the kids (and Zoe too) in front of Engine 2.

Roseville Ward Talent Show

These 5 girls are all in the same ballet class on Monday nights (we were missing one for the talent show, there are really 6). The recital theme is based on Beatles hits... hence the music here. Sofia is 2nd from the right. Sorry I couldn't focus in further, but I didn't have the good video camera.

This is our niece and cousin Amandine at the Talent show demonstrating her karate skills. My brother Chris was her narrator, and the lovely ballerina Elise was her assistant.

Another one "bites" the dust...

It's getting a little ridiculous. Sofia just lost her 5th tooth. It was a hard one. It was SO wiggly and she cried to eat anything. It took a LOT of convincing, but she finally let Mom pull it out. The tooth fairy brought a dollar and she was pleased as punch. Check out that cute smile now! Front tooth number 2 won't be far behind.