Crystal Lake 2012

On our way to take Moira back to Steubenville we took a well needed detour to Crystal Lake. We only wish we could have stayed longer...we always enjoy our visit so much!  Thanks so much Mom and Dad!


We packed as light as we could, but let's face it, even light for a family of 10 for a week PLUS Moira's stuff that needed to go back to FUS, and we were just a tad bit cozy.

Some in the vehicle would argue that cozy was an understatement...

But due to Mike's masterful packing job, and the Nier's car-top carrier, we fit everything in, using every nook and cranny. 

Ahhhhhh.....Crystal Lake!

Seamus was pretending to take a picture

Aidan, getting pretty sick of the camera ha ha

Erin fell asleep sitting up on the boat

Poor guy got up early to fish but didn't catch a thing!

We arrived in Steubenville on Thursday and were able to spend a fun few days with Tim, Suzy and family along with the Heusel clan, which is always always a treat! Moira was all moved in, ready for her second year at FUS, by Sunday afternoon. We said our good byes on Monday morning, which was not any easier than last year.  In fact, in some ways it was harder.  We miss you and love you, Moira, and we are so very proud of you.  Lots of prayers for you, always.  We know you will do beautifully, in school, and in life...as you share your many gifts and your zeal for life with all you meet. God bless you!

A First for Potty Training

I have potty trained 6 (and a half) children.  Erin is the half, because she does beautifully under certain circumstances, but has accidents at other times.  We are working on that.  But this post is about our 8th child, dear Seamus.  He is a unique lad.  Yesterday he came running into the room sporting a freshly changed diaper which he changed HIMSELF.  Yep, you heard that right.  He changed the diaper all by himself!  The sticky taps were a little crooked, but otherwise, he was good to go.  (I will note....the "old" diaper was just wet.  Had that not been the case, we would have had a minor disaster on our hands).  Of course I praised him.  Then, I thought, out loud,  " You know your kid is ready for potty training when he changes his own diaper!"  This was followed by Eileen's quick, witty reply, "If he changes his own diaper, who cares if he's potty trained!"   Ha ha.  She cracks me up.  He cracks me up.  Oh, life is funny.

Fun with the Kotnour Clan!

For anyone who knows the Kotnour clan, go ahead and be jealous that we got to spend a night with them, celebrating Mark's 9th birthday...

We got to give our Goddaughter, Katharine, a few big hugs...

Maria was all smiles, and jumped right into the Delaney chaos, as if she never moved away...

She and Molly Grace picked up their silly play right where they left off...

And enjoyed a little chocolate cake besides.

Timmy and Aidan had lots to catch up on...

If I'm not mistaken, I believe they headed straight upstairs into Legoland (aka, Aidan's room).

Nicholas was SO much bigger.  He and Seamus were double trouble, without a doubt!

But so much fun...

(I love this one of Nicolas!)

We MISS this beautiful family SO much!!!

And we treasure the few hours within our busy schedules when we can reunite :)

Until next time, Kotnours......God bless your beautiful family!