Monthiversary Party

When Gail and I celebrated our nuptials last summer (see May 2007 postings), several people were outraged there wasn't a big wedding celebration that included free beer, torturing children by asking about their plans for the future, and standing around. We got all the bases covered this July when we got most of our families and several friends together at Stewart Park in Ithaca. Ironically, the quickest to bemoan missing out on the free beer was my brother John, who wasn't able to attend. He was famously represented by my cousin, John, who was willing to make the trip to and from Buffalo in a day since it didn't involve a funeral.

Monthiversary Party

The party started off with about an inch of rain, unfortunately that kept many people away.
Fortunately the Nicholson Boys know how to turn lemons into lemonade. Even more fortunate, neither of them drowned in the parking lot.

Monthiversary Party

4-square was a big hit and had more than a few people sweating. And who knew how much fun could be had with balls, rope and pvc pipe?

Monthiversary Party

It was a time for family portraits, with Gail officially in the photo, and family to meet friends-Connie O'Brien shares 4-square strategies with Shannon and Mary McMahon.

Monthiversary Party

Every "wedding" celebration needs a good cake, this one was no exception. It proved to be a hit with both friends and family. Leftovers pleased GrassRoots volunteers.

Monthiversary Party

Of course music is a focal point in our relationship. Here three party-goers commemorate the band that brought Gail and I together with MacGillicuddies t-shirts, and some fine friends play an old-time tune. I believe they're in the key of D.

Family Visits

Summer time is a great time to visit Gail and I in Ithaca. This year saw the convergence of the Steinhart/Bunklemans (Gail's sister Martha, her husband Jeff, and their daughter Mariana), Gail's brother Geoff (sadly, without Kristi), and their mom, Carol Steinhart. Mariana is a dutiful niece and used a large leaf to fan me on a hot day at the Farmers' Market.

Family Visits

Kristi couldn't come this time, but her mom and dad made it for a brief visit. Here Ann participates in the weekend's most prized activity, Bean Worship. Geoff gives Mariana and Carol a quick lesson on the life of fish.

Family Visits

Gail and I got to show off our new grill by making gourmet pizzas.

Family Visits

Of course every family visit involves time in the gorges. In this case we're hiking the loop in Buttermilk Falls State Park where Geoff and the Bunkle-harts camped. Carol stayed with Gail and I.