Friday October 15th
Met Jim, Susan, and Devin along with Bob's brother Sam, and nephew Mike at Nightmare Manor - a Halloween Haunted House!

Bob made the website for his friend that hosts the event:
http://www.nightmaremanor.com
It was one of those maze type things you walk thru looking at different scenes, waiting for scary creatures to jump out at you, or follow you...
Very creative, and kept us on our toes!
At the end of the walk, there was this HUGE creature standing there as one last surprise...
I had to get a picture with him!

Yay Halloween !!

Saturday, September 25th, 7:35pm
So excited, Bob and I left for an evening at Frontier Field to watch the fan celebration tour kicking off in our own hometown!


Local U.S. Champion, Abby Wambach (from Pittsford, NY) and team were in town to play Iceland as fans cheered them on.

After grabbing the traditional white hot, and roasted peanuts, Bob and I trudged through the crowds to find our seats. Thanks Uncle Joe for the tickets!!
:)
We saw more of Bob's family down below us - right in front - Ursula, Debbie, Erica, Kerrie, and Dina.
All 3 girls play soccer, and were very excited to see this game - actually, there were tons of kids there in their soccer jerseys, all very excited.

The game was off, and 2 goals were scored by Abby Wambach within the first half hour. A third scored by both Abby and Mia Hamm.

In the 2nd half, Iceland scored 3 goals within 5 minutes - no one saw it coming!


This put a lot of worry in the crowd, but everyone kept cheering
U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. ... and eventually after going into overtime, a 4th goal was scored by the U.S. team, and they were victorious.
The crowd roared and the team celebrated...so exciting.



Bob and I made our way down below to visit with the family - it was perfect because they were right on the edge of the field - so we waited there hoping Abby or Mia would come out to sign autographs...
Here's a quick pic we were lucky to get from a security guard - Thank You!


The crowds got more crazy as the next 1/2 hour went by... I was up on a chair - Dina and Kerrie were in front of me, waiting with hope that Mia or Abby would come over for autographs...kids were waving tshirts, flyers, soccerballs...anything to get signed..
Bob and I had our tickets in hand just as hopeful.
Suddenly, Mia Hamm comes off the field, and immediately goes over to start signing, just down the way from us...
Patiently waiting, holding on so the kids don't bowl me over from above, I make it long enough for her to be near us. I immediately start snapping pictures..



You can see Bob's arm right at the bottom middle of each picture holding a ticket... we both were lucky enough to get our tickets signed!

We were very lucky to be in those spots that night.
I heard people talking around us how far they'd come to see this game tonight. Hours and hours...
and here we were, just drove 20minutes downtown.
Very Very lucky.
We eventually made our way back up and met up with Bob's mom, Ralph, Aunt, Uncle and friends...
I never did get a picture of Abby Wambach - My lens just wouldn't get out far enough, and everything happens so fast to get any kind of a good shot. So, luckily - there's the photojournalists that have the right equipment, and space to make things happen -
Congratulations U.S. Team! Great Game !

(Abby signed her golden cleats and gave away to fans)

Sunday September 5th...
The next morning, Sue had a brunch planned for guests to visit the newlyweds, and watch the opening of the gifts...
It was another HOT one!!
Bob had gone to a family picnic that morning in Canada - but wished Sue and Kevin all the best in advance...boy did he miss out on Sue's killer muffins and apple pie!
:)

I got there - congratulated the newlyweds with hugs and smiles... grabbed some fruit, and headed down to the pool! We had some time to relax down there before things got going...
Had such a nice time in there visiting with Lisa, Jill, Frank, Eamon - whom I just loved meeting - and finding out they're having a BABY - so awesome.
(Lisa is Sue's sister, and husband Eamon)
Bill and Amy were down there too - Amy mastered riding the floatie whale - which Kevin says he's never been able to get on - go Amy!
:)
We floated around, and told wedding stories from the night before ... it was so nice. I could eat, work, and sleep IN a pool...for real. I'd be all set.

Anyways - after the refreshing dip, I came back up and had some quiche - which I should totally make sometime - it's really good...
and Sue eventually opened her presents - wow. That's gotta feel good tearing through all that.
what fun.
I had given her a Pfaltzgraff platter from her registry, and a scrapbook of events up to the wedding day..including the rehearsal dinner the night before! That friday night was a little crazy - but it got done, and it was really neat.
I just figured most people don't have a record of that stuff, it's usually just the wedding day - which is fine...but the other stuff is important too..so... and I had a blast making it.

After the brunch, Sue and Kevin headed to a mini getaway at Canandaigua Lake - for an overnight stay...as a gift from the bridal party. Really nice.
I actually had to head out to WORK at a wedding...it was a big wedding weekend. Anyways...so glad to see Sue and Kevin so happy - I wished them well, and to have fun on their overnight getaway....schools starting this week...so Sue will now write her name on the board as Mrs. Tompsett...
:)

Friday September 3rd.
Sue's Rehearsal Dinner at the Avon Inn!
We all arrived at the church first to rehearse our roles for the wedding the next day...HOT, but we made it through.
We decorated the pews with bows Sue had made, laid out the invitations, and bubbles and headed out to the dinner. We mingled, and visited, and eventually sat down to dinner.
Kevin's dad gave a heartfelt speech to the bride and groom to be, and Sue followed later with a sincere and emotional dedication to her friends, family and of course to Kevin - for "making her dreams come true."
She then gave out presents! One in particular that was just amazing - She hand made a red satin pillow for Kevins sisters' little girl, Olivia - and it had her initials on it. It was really sweet. I can't believe what she can do...
Sue gave me a beautiful pair of garnet earings...you didn't have to get me anything Sue! You know the gift of your friendship has always been everything to me...
I do love them though, and wore them the rest of the night.

After dessert, we mingled some more, and eventually made our way out. I gathered everyone together for a big group shot on the front steps of the inn.
We Love you Sue and Kevin !



September Fourth 2004 - 3pm.
The Wedding Day!!!!
A perfectly blue sun filled sky for the big day.
Once Bob and I arrived at the church we were greeted by family and friends. I had so much anticipation for the big event - I couldn't wait to see her. We sat up in front, in an aisle seat so I could make my quick approach to the podium for the speech. With Bob at my side, holding my hand, I was sure everything was going to be ok.
The music started playing - the beautiful bridesmaids in red started coming down the aisle. A beautiful stained glass window was behind them - so much color.
As the music changed to the bridal walk, my eyes searched to see her come around the corner.
I couldn't see through the tears to get a good shot, so I just watched her and kept this moment in my memory - just for me..such a sight. There's my Sue - being walked down the aisle with her dad...to be married to a wonderful, caring man.
I remember times when she thought she'd never see this day.


As the ceremony was ending, it was my turn to do the second reading:
"A Native American Wedding Prayer"

Now you will feel no rain,
for each of you will be shelter for the other.

Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth for the other.

Now there is no more loneliness.

Now you are two persons,
but there is only one life before you.

May your days together be good and long upon the earth.

I held their hands quickly and smiled as I stepped down from the podium and made my nervous way back to my seat.

The happy couple was introduced shortly after as the new husband and wife, and happily made their way outside for private kisses before the receiving line.


As Bob and I made our way outside to the receiving line, everyone let me know that I did a great job with the reading...emotional, and heartfelt...and I didn't break down once thank goodness!
:)
I was so anxious to see them, and to give them great big hugs! I have never seen Sue so happy and beautiful as she is today.


After the receiving line, they went back in and came back out to be announced - bubbles floated around the married couple and you could hear wishes for love and happiness in the air.



After mingling, we all headed over to the Holidome for the cocktail hour. There was a table there with pictures of Sue and Kevin, table place setting cards, and a black and white framed picture of them for us to sign the mat. It was beautiful. The bride and groom showed up after their formal pictures were done, and we got a chance to congratulate and hang out with them for a bit before dinner.
There were toasts, laughs, and hugs during the cocktail hour...so many friends to celebrate this special day...

Sue's hometown "Caz" friends had a gag gift that we think has been passed around from occassion to occassion - they gave it to them to open during the cocktail hour...
A drinking funnel !

Imagine the stories that go along with the history of this funnel!
:)
This next picture is one of my favorites. It's my Sue in a pose that I have known for all these years. You can just see the excitement and sincere happiness in her expression. I don't know if she'll really ever understand how much she means to me, and how happy I am for being a part of this amazing day...
The beautiful bride...Mrs. Susan Tompsett


We mingled some more, and eventuall headed into the reception area. The tables were beautiful. Red roses in big martini shaped vases with candles, and candy apples were the favors...to go with her apple theme - so cute!

I've only had caramel apples before - was excited to try the candy coated one!


The bride and groom were announced with cheers and clapping...toasts were made by Kevins dad - (His best man) by starting out listening to a childhood song they used to listen to together "The Rainbow Connection" and then continued with warm wishes for his son and his beautiful new bride - whom he loves like a daughter of his own...
:)
and then Sue's dad gave a speech as well - very heartfelt, and Sue's maid of honor, her sister Lisa gave a beautiful speech about growing up together as sisters, and how much love she has for Sue... everything was so sweet -
They had their dance shortly after and everyone gathered around to take pictures...so romatic...

Dinner was served shortly after - delicious...
we had a rowdy table... "caz" friends - 2 of them I've known for years, one of them I just met that night...had a blast - just like old times.
:)
Soon we were on to the cutting of the cake... I MISSED it! I was off wandering, and totally missed it. THANK YOU Bob for knowing I'd want shots of that, and getting them for me - I would have been SO sad to of missed it. I love you!
:)

After dinner, and dessert, the dancing, and cocktails really got underway...we had a blast. I got a quick moment alone with Sue for a picture of us...

Look who's not wasting any time with her double g&t!
:)
Bob and I had a great time mingling - hanging and dancing with Jim, Pete, and Bob's new shot buddy
Yu Ang - from Cambodia! He was a trip...so funny!

I stole Bob away for a little while to dance...I love dancing with Bob...we both are bad at it, so we compliment each other in our awkwardness and just laugh at ourselves... I'm happy just being around him...

More dancing, more toasts...more laughs, more smiles...more newlyweds!

Congratulations Sue and Kevin! A beautiful day for a beautiful happy couple! We love you!

Monday, August 16th
Headed out to see Michele, and now FIVE years old- MEGAN!
SO cute! I've missed Michele SO much, and am so excited that she and her family will be moving back to the area in the next month!
Megan colored with me when I got there...

Look at those LONG legs...just like mommy!
:)
She is a camera ham!

I thought it was so cute Michele put a New York
T-shirt on her... and she's wearing the "Megan" necklace I just gave her for her 5th Birthday... goof !

The 3 of us headed out into the woods that Michele grew up in as a kid. It must be so amazing to grow up, and bring your child out into areas where you as a child grew up too...I hope to have that experience one day too.
Megan loves to play in the stream. She's very brave too; wasn't afraid to be out in the woods at all. I had them get together in a sunny clearing down by the stream.


We made our way back home. Michele and I barely got time to catch up - Megan needs attention 24/7 !
:) I guess all kids do...it's hard to get used to.
Luckily we got to get together earlier the week before with Shannon in Rochester - THAT was great.
It was like we'd never been separated. I'll have to throw a picture in of that night too... (coming soon.)
Megan blew some bubbles while Michele and I talked..

She started to have a little tantrum when we stopped playing with her so we could talk.. she was pouting a little bit, but adorable just the same.


It was great to see you Michele! Can't wait til you're in NY again !