A Trip to the Zoo

Wrapping up the summer by visiting the zoo with our dear friend Claudia was big on the Leone popularity meter.  Of course, the tortoises made the day all the more memorable.

Claudia graces us with her presence during our end-of-summer visit to the zoo. 

What girl should be so lucky as to have Mrs. Daniel carry her around the zoo?

Anna Marie (sporting cute, new glasses) was so sweet to Marguerite,
helping her along whenever she could.

Kathleen (and Therese) at the zoo.

Four of the Leone kids enjoy a last summer outing at the zoo.

Dairy Cows and Wedding Bells

Less than twenty-four hours after introducing Lucia to the land of cows and cheese, we attended a friend's wedding reception. Little Lucia rolled with it all and pretty much snoozed the night away. As for the rest of us, we stumbled around like sleep-deprived zombies, but we wouldn't have missed Jen's wedding reception for anything.

The beautiful bride and her handsome groom.

John, father of the bride, takes Kathleen—sporting a balloon hat—for a spin on the dance floor.

Elizabeth with the beautiful baby girls.

Claudia, the beautiful mother of the bride gets to know Lucia.

John, father of the bride, dances with Miss Marguerite. 

Claudia cuts the rug with Therese.

What a happy, exhausting night!

First Bridal Shower!

My girls are getting big... Milestones are being reached...

They were recently invited, with me, to their first bridal shower. It was a lovely affair for our good friend, Jen Daniel, hosted by her lovely mother, Claudia.

Jen was married today in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Congratulations and best wishes, Jen & Paul!

Elizabeth, Kathleen, and Anna Marie 

Bride-to-be Jen, Claudia, Isaac (Claudia's grandson), and Kathleen

When Mrs. Daniel Comes to Visit

When Mrs. Daniel comes to visit, she takes some really cute photos of our kids, and she poses in some cute photos too. We always have such a fine time with Claudia whose arrival always produces excited cries of, "Mrs. Daniel! Mrs. Daniel!" from our kids.

Claudia took this great shot of Kathleen in her favorite reading perch.
(The rope ladder was actually a birthday gift back in May.)

Claudia took this great picture of Anna Marie, wearing Jen's old sweater.
Thanks, Jen! Cute, cute, cute!

Anna Marie, Therese, Marguerite, & Claudia around the campfire.
Claudia's visits bring out the festive in us; a campfire was definitely in order.

The Best of Thanksgiving Guests

We were joined this Thanksgiving by favorite guests.

Uncle Larry enjoyed eating. And eating some more. Here he gets a few turkey leftovers as Elizabeth cleans the kitchen.

 

And John, Claudia, and Jen Daniel entertained us with their wonderful company, as they always do. It's begun to feel like it just wouldn't be a real holiday without the Daniels' presence.