Thanks!

As everyone is aware, we were invited back to the Eagle Ranch to help celebrate the Col's 80th birthday! It was a celebration for the ages, and we were very thankful that we could attend. Since our last trip the Col and his lovely bride Pat, have added LongHorns to their family, this is Dewy, incorrect spelling, pronounciation is the same. She would wait patiently in front of the cattle guard every AM and wait for breakfast. I have to admit I was very much afraid of her! Barney, the Ranch Watch Cat, was always very Thankful for a lap to rest on!

This trip as much as it was a celebration for Col, it was also a time to spend with family. Mom very much enjoys her time with Barb! Notice the beer bottle!

My sister was always up with the Longhorns very much willing to help, well at least watch any way!

The Col had 3 parties total, 2 at the ranch and one at a True Texas Town, complete with a saloon, and a sheriff, and all sort of fun things. My sister had her cousin Barb arrested for counting cards, that was a hoot! She was hauled off to the hoosegow, for 5bucks! Mom, Barb and Barb's husband, Chuck were thankful for the golfcart ride to the saloon where the party was being held.

Here is the Col arriving for his party! The music playing in the background was the theme to Star Wars! We were all asked to wear Western wear, and the Col very much looked the part!

The country and western band that played at the party was great! Notice Anastasia had front row seats! She says she felt it was like her own private concert.

Here is my sister, hobnobbing with the Who's who of Boerne, Texas. This is the Mayor, who oddly enough grew up on Parker Blvd in the Town of Tonawanda and graduated from Kenmore West. San Antonio Nancy, getting into the part!

After the Col of course, Nancy garnered the most attention! This little feller writes a paper for octogenarians, and he looks a bit smitten does'nt he!

The nieces pitched in and got a huge pillow for their favorite aunt! All in all it was a great trip, we are thankful for our time together, grateful for the invite, appreciative for arriving home safe and sound, and forever indebted for the memories made.

my new brother or sister

Hi everybody!

I just wanted you all to know that I'm going to have a brand new brother or sister! He or she will be here around May 20, 2010! Mommy and Daddy have a picture, but daddy can't get the scanner to work. So they just want you to know that everything is going fine!

Oliver

Disney, Disney, Disney

A reflective blog and tall tales
by JT Pilaf

As soon as we got to Magic Kingdom Sandra went in search of the mayor to ask favors. Not sure what the favors were she was asking but she requested I'd leave with the kids for awhile. Why is that lady laughing?

We had a wonderful time at the Contemporary at our character breakfast.

These gigantic rabbits attcked without warning. R.O.U.S I would imagine. They seemed tame.

We told the kids that the lines for the monorail weren't that long and we wouldn't have to wait long.

Zach beat Caroline or Wendy (can't remember) at Mancala and she got us some fast passes for the Safari Ride.

Cuuuuuties...

Aaaaaahhhh... wild anteater attacking my daughter. Ummmmm, yeah.

We had a great time this year. More pics to show up later I would imagine.

Official Debut

She Said Yes to the Dress!

On Saturday morning, we had a 10 am appointment at David's Bridal; with Mary Jo our bridal consultant. We looked at numerous wedding gowns. Cookie was prepared, she had pictures, diagrams, drawings, sketches, books, and a plethora of material reflecting the look that she wanted for her day. Three hours later, her search was over.

Needless to say Jill was beautiful in every dress she came out in. But, the dress she choose was breathtaking; as you can tell by Grandma and I's jaw dropping expression.

You didn't think we were going to show you the dress did you???? No, you will have to wait until August 14, 2010!!!!!!!

Anything can happen in Vegas!

There is a lot of stuff to do in Vegas besides gamble...and Gary and I managed to do a lot of it and then some!

This is one of the white tigers at the Siegfried & Roy Secret Garden Exhibit at The Mirage. Not sure if this is the one that had the run in with Roy, or Siegfried. But he looked pretty comfortable. The rest of us were not, as it was 105º out.

This is down on Freemont Street where the beer is cheaper and the machines are looser! Apparently, this is the world's largest television screen, according to the guy with the microphone. If you look closely, you can see Gary behind his shoulder.

Charlie Hustle!

Ya no big deal...we are buds with Pete Rose. Of course, that was after we forked over a little bit of money to get an autograph and picture with the Hit King! After we were done, he went right back to eating his Whopper from Burger King! No lie.

We also ate at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill for lunch one day. It was the most expensive lunch we ever had, but it was awesome!!!! No he wasn't there cooking our food.

Recap of the EP

CONGRATULATIONS JILL AND GARY!

The morning of the EP began with George, Betsy, and Jenna attempting to save a 20x20 tent that had collapsed from the rain and wind at 6am. The tent was secured, but the rain kept coming. All available tv's were turned to the Weather Channel as we even googled, how to understand doppler radar. Jill and Gary received a BEAUTIFUL bouqet from AP, UC, KDH, Adm, Amy. It was much appreciated. We had a few setbacks in the AM before the guest list arrived which included: tent collapsing, a broken mirror outside, a swarm of unwanted bees, and rain that went away hours before the party. We had a wonderful day for the happy couple, and it was topped off by the company we shared it with. Here are just a few pictures from the party:

Aunt Sue arrived early to generously put the centerpieces together, just as the rain stopped and the sun came out.

The guest list ranged in age from 7 months old to 92 years young. I bet you can't guess which ones are which.

James is 7 month old son to Katie and Charlie (friends of the family). He was photogenic and was given much deserved attention.

Grandma didn't have much of a choice but to pose for the camera. She was also given much deserved attention, but was not as photogenic.

Some didn't even know their picture was being taken.

The food was wonderful, the desert was incredible, the entertainment (especially the singing of top 10 hits with the helium balloons after 830pm) was hilarious. And were now still eating left overs!

All in all the party was a success. The weather was beautiful. The rain managed to stop before 11am. Thank you to everyone who helped make their engagement party so special. Congratulations Jill and Gary!

AUGUST 14, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JFF!

I know this is a few days early but we will be out of town. This picture is priceless!

Happy Birthday to my Brother

Happy Birthday to the best brother ever! No matter what you choose to do, I hope you (and your new nose) have a great day.

Our trip to Allegany

I just had to try it.

I have a new toy (thanks to Sandra's generosity) and while down in Allegany I took loads of videos. This lil' guy on the other hand made me a little nervous. I never trust anyone who hides there eyes.

A Very Special Announcement

GARY and I are ENGAGED! Details to follow, but keep your calendars open folks!

Beer Poses

Even though the picture is of GG posing without beer. Who's the mysterious beer pose? Nice sweater.

Double beer pose with family.

This one's always the best. Sharing a cold refreshing beverage with another that truly enjoys the beer. Notice the pretzels.

Empty beer pose. No one should be put through this cruel torture.

Dog head in cooler pose. Can you blame her? Here we are enjoying our beer on a beautiful evening and she's without. How unfair.

Delicare as a flower beer pose. Remember kids, when trying to impress the girl next you and show her how much class and elegance you have. Pinkies out.

End of the night beer pose. Nothing screams end of the night like tie-dye t-shirts and big goofy grins. This too impresses the ladies.