(Part II)
Elias Paul's six month photo shoot was up next.
Again,
these are not Melody's professional photos.
I just followed them around to help out and snap a few myself ;)
The most dapper diapered baby I ever did see ;)
He is wondering what the heck those things are on his feet! ha!
I love them so much.
Eli was very intrigued with Melody's camera!
Alan's "mini me".
Kiely's "mini me"!
We were lucky to get any smiles out of them at all,
which is SO unusual.
We knew that something must be up.
Later we found out that they both were sick with ear infections.
We went inside for just a few more pictures.
I feel ya!
Hardest. Photo shoot. Ever!
I was sweating! ha!
We called it quits without getting everything.
This was taken so that Kiely didn't have to get ready again
for when Mel came back to finish the next set of photos.
On this day they were both feeling better!
Some close ups of Eli's cute onesie and argyle socks.
And, of this cutie.
We went down by the creek and she found a stick.
She wanted to throw it in the stream.
You did it!
To her surprise it went in!
Easy peasy! ;)
Treats after a photo shoot at Aunt Holly's is a must!
One photo shoot that I left out on my last post
was one that Evan and Ashley were asked to do for a friend/photographer of Ashley's.
It was in February, in Indianapolis at the Marion County Public Library.
Sarah Kanuth of Indianapolense photography chose the location
which was perfect for this Law Student and English Lit Major!
It was a very cute "Valentines Day" shoot.
If it hadn't gotten so steamy in the "stacks" Ashley wouldn't have lost her favorite pair of glasses! ha!
To their surprise it had started snowing while they were inside.
My favorite picture from that day!
I love the Indianapolis skyline in the background washed out by the falling snow.
I'm so glad that Evan agreed to do the shoot :)
Now, back to April happenings!
Celebrating a milestone birthday is a must!
Alan was celebrating his 40th birthday
with Kiely and...
...some close friends.
They went on a bus that took them to different breweries in Indy.
Aw :)
That same night Todd and I went to Catello's in Pendleton to celebrate some good news!
Tony and Camille had set a wedding date!
You see that cake on mine and Camille's plate?
It is layers of chocolate cake goodness with pistachio icing nestled in-between!!
We decided that night that this was going to be their wedding cake!
Something that is better than cake and less calories is spending a day with my little buddy!
He was a busy little guy.
He's a little over six months old here.
One spring afternoon
Justin came by to drop off some paintings he had done for a gift we were giving to Evan at graduation.
While he was here he did some plein air painting.
The poodles were quite interested,
so was Tom!
He framed it that day and I bought it to hang with some pictures we had just purchased at his art show.
All four hang in the Master Bath so I can look at them while relaxing in the tub everyday!
Winter was over and spring had sprung!
Phlox
No better combo than red Japanese maples with dogwoods, boxwood's, and azaleas!
These two are back again!
From sunrise
to
the most beautiful sunsets I was spending every waking hour outside!!
I love how God uses Red bud's to sprinkle color throughout the woods.
This almost looked like a painting hanging on the wall of the screened in porch.
This hill of beautiful dainty flowers was located on the path behind our house in the woods.
They smelled AMAZING!
I needed a new phone screen saver so I took a close up picture of these wild flowers by the lake.
Placed by the wind or maybe a bird, just perfectly for all to admire.
A month later in June the following colors adorned the yard.
Fire spirea,
lilies,
astilbe,
oak leaf hydrangea's,
and,
my pots with lots of color this year!
I seem to always go back to these colors.
They were the same colors that the florist used in my wedding bouquets.
Astilbe, ivy, and oak leaf hydrangea's.
Snowball hydrangea's, ajuga, and lilies.
A winning combination!
Another winning combination is these two.
but,
these two did it together!!
and
their first two weeks of marriage.
How much more confident they look in the picture above!
I am so proud of you both :)
This is a HUGE gesture coming from a Purdue grad!
Three years ago...
and in 2017 taking a picture in front of the doors he entered so many times.
I was so glad that Graham and Ali could make it!
And,
Grandma and Grandpa!
Three years ago I remember being so nervous for Evan, but I had no doubt he would excel!
We left the Law School to get pictures by the Sample Gates.
As you can see everyone else had the same idea! ha!
So,
we perched ourselves up on a flowerbed wall a proceeded with our picture taking!
The tie picture ;)
A little "Officer and a Gentleman" pose ;)
Some of the strongest men I know!!!
My girl!
Gorgeous sky backdrop for this beautiful couple!
Ok,
pictures are over...time to go to graduation!
Umm...he's going to need that, Babe! ha!
And they're off!
Evan and his best friend Andre waiting to walk.
What a feeling!
Dad and I could not be happier for you!
You did it!!!!
Two of Evan's Law Professors.
Another good friend.
Congratulating one another!
Watch out, Ash! ha!
They will always be best friends even though Andre has moved to San Fransisco to work.
Selfie before we head to the car to drive to Fishers to celebrate!
Well hello, Miss Vera!
Todd and I wanted a more intimate setting in which to celebrate Evan's graduation.
We chose a Country Club close by.
Kiely got there before we did and took some before pictures.
Vera has her seat all picked out!
Evan's here!
These two Purdue grads could not be any happier for "their" IU Law grad!
Brothers from another mother.
My two handsome men!
We had some appetizers and conversation before dinner.
a few hugs!
It was such a lovely evening with a great group of people.
And,
a super nice toast Todd gave before dinner.
Proud Papa T!
Vera did so good being that it was WAY past her bedtime.
No way was she taking her eye off of that chocolaty goodness for the millionth picture! ha!
Gift table.
Justin Vining, a local artist and former grade school art teacher of the boys,
painted Evan these pictures.
The Citadel gates to 1st Battalion.
The Sample Gates at IU.
And,
The Capitol building in Indianapolis.
Evan says it is his future working place as the Governor of Indiana...we'll see!
If you ever decide to run for a public office we've all got your back!
The evening went way too fast!
It was time for thank you's and good-byes.
Evan and Alan.
Saying goodbye to Tom and Karen.
Grandpa and
Grandma Kay.
And,
to Tony and Camille.
It was such a special evening.
I cannot thank everyone enough for coming out.
In all ways you have been there for Evan and it means the world to Todd and I.
He was recognized by the Dean and Faculty of Maurer School of Law
for being the recipient of the CALI award
for
receiving the highest grade during the fall semester of 2016 in European Union Law class.
Way to go, E!
The following weekend was Eli's dedication and Mother's Day.
Elias Paul Garrett it's your big day!
Vera was handed the rose before going up on stage a church with her family.
She was showing it to us :)
Eli was fixated on the lights!
Nothing better than dedicating babies and promising to raise them to follow Jesus!
As you walk through life Elias Paul,
remember your Heavenly Father has gone before you to show you the way.
Listen and follow Him and you will have an abundant life and live in His glory forever!
We will all be here to help you!
I love you, sweet boy!
That following Monday we went to a Mother Daughter banquet as guests of Mom at her church.
She was watching a juggler/comedian.
We had to leave early but took a few pictures out in the parking lot.
These two went for a little trip for a few days before Evan started studying for the bar exam.
I'm glad they had some down time together.
Greyson came to town for a playdate!
They had a lot of energy that day so we took the party outside!
They each wanted a squirt bottle to play with which turned in to this! ha!
Oh boy!
I turned around just in time to first capture this picture ;)
and
then tell him that it wasn't safe to be up there!
Eli was awake and it was time for lunch!
After lunch we headed to the park!
I'm not sure it gets any cuter than this...
...I guess I was wrong! ha!
Aw! He was laughing!
Soon it was time for good-bye hugs.
Best buds!
Todd's best bud, Tony
wanted to do another timpano.
Prep night!
Mamma's gravy,
meatballs,
antipasta,
homemade braided bread,
and,
homemade noodle for the outside of the timpano.
The next day he takes the noodle out of the fridge and start rolling!
All done!
Next,
he places it in a ceramic bowl and starts to fill it up.
Some ingredients we put in were meatball, pasta, boiled eggs, pepperoni, etc.
It's filled up and ready to go in to the oven.
Here it is when it comes out of the oven.
And,
when Tony flips it over this is what it looks like.
I know this doesn't look too appealing but it is oh so good!
Noah, Camille's son was home from Purdue and joined us.
Chip, Cindy, Michael, and Michelle came!
Evan has a captive audience ;)
Had to get a picture of the back of her hair.
So pretty!
Another successful timpano in the books!
The next day Vera had her third birthday party!
A Moana birthday party to be exact!
Just checking things out before her friends get there.
The snack table was up!
And garland was hung :)
The gift table.
Kiely and I had so much fun shopping for all of the decorations!
She thought of everything, right down to the color of ribbon!
Cheese balls=beach balls, and pretzel sticks=driftwood!
THE best cupcakes!!
Secretly,
I was hoping that the kids wouldn't want a chocolate one so that I could take some home! ha!
Each child got a lei when they came in.
Kiely put the same snacks on the children's tables so that they didn't have to wait in line and
juggle a plate while filling it up...smart!
Just a little snack before the party started.
Eli was needing to stretch his legs!
Here come your friends, Vera!
While the others came in Vera went on out to play.
Kiely had rented out Recreation Unlimited.It was a great place to have a party.
Too bad they don't have parties anymore :(
Daddy's girl!
They worked up an appetite playing so it was time for a snack.
Eli was hungry too!
Up from her nap and just arriving in time for blowing out the candle!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday dear Vera!
Happy birthday to you!
Make a wish and blow out the candle!
Another successful party, Kiely!
Memorial Day weekend was fast approaching!
It was time to get the decals on her
and,
get her in the water!
Thanks, E!
Everyone was feeling summer approaching
and
when it's summer it's time for a Gene's Root Beer Stand run!
This was Vera's first time!
To Anderson we go!
After we ordered our food, Vera wanted to "drive".
I was trying to show Vera how to dip her fries in a catsup packet.
There you go!
Tongues out! ha!
She wanted to try my twisty cone.
Vera said, "Look Aunt Holly, I'm sharing!"
Ummm...ok! ha!
She thought that eating in the car was the best!
With ice-cream in hand it was back to Fisher's we go!
I think these two had too much sugar!
Yep,
way too much sugar! ha!
Time to say goodbye so this little one can take a bath and go to bed!
It was the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and it was so nice out!
We were all ready to get out on the water!
Everyone but Evan.
He was home studying for the bar exam.
Headed in!
The next day we celebrated Vera's birthday and Memorial Day!
Kiely took this picture at her house before she came over.
I was thrilled that my Uncle Phil could join us.
Time to eat!
Todd smoked some pork bbq!
A quick ride before opening presents.
A golf set from Ashley and Evan.
Saying thank you!
A cowgirl doll from Aunt Ellen and Uncle Troy.
Hugging and saying thank you :)
A gift from Grammy and Pappy.
Thank you!
Uncle Todd showing her how to use the golf clubs.
Good job, Vera!
Getting ready to go out on the boat.
Golf cart selfies are a must!
While they were out boating the rest of us stayed behind to watch Eli
and
take some pictures with Uncle Phil.
She was so happy to see her "little" brother!
Feeding Eli before his nap.
He's so snuggley!
He was trying to get Aunt Ellen's glasses ;)
And the gang was back from boating.
They were ready to make a dent in this delicious cake!
And,
Eli was making a dent, literally, in his puffs container! ha!
Graham said, "Give me knuckles," and Eli grabbed is fist!
So sweet :)
One tired little birthday girl.
And one baby that was raring to go!
That following week we were raring to go to Grammy and Pappy's pool!
We first made a quick run to Lowes to pick up some pots and flowers for Kiely.
We were loaded down!
Our work was done and now it was time to play!
Eli took such a long nap that day that he didn't even get a chance to swim.
Vera sure did!
Swimming always makes you hungry.
Thank goodness Grammy has milk duds! ha!
It was soon time to go but we would be back many more times before summer is over.
When we got back to Kiely's Vera took her Benz for a ride ;) ha!
In case you were wondering,
she struck this pose all on her own! bahaha!
The next evening we dropped anchor to watch the sun set for the first time that summer.
The moment before it turns to "fire".
It was a pretty one!
Todd is ready to go.
So are the poodles!
What a view that must've been from up above in that airplane.
That weekend Graham and Ali were home so we grabbed Ashley and went out on the boat.
Graham getting ready to take us out!
Cutie!
Selfie before heading back in!
Ha!
The following weekend was Michael and Emma's wedding!
When they were shooting this one I went outside of the chapel and took the above picture.
Ashley kept working on Lindsay and Lili's hair.
Emma's hair looks so pretty.
And Lindsay's!
Beautiful!
Writing a note to her sister.
Emma looking a some video shot by her cousin Sam.
Gretchen, Ellie, and myself were busy out here decorating and setting up the tables and chairs.
Back inside finishing up for pictures!
Lili's hair is gorgeous!
so, we left to go change for the wedding.
We did so in a bathroom at Reid Hospital! ha!
Hey,
I spent many days there in the past year so I knew just which bathroom to go to! ;)
Such a pretty venue in Fountain City.
Graham and Ali made it!
And there is nothing but trouble right there! ha!
Barry, Uncle Stan, and Aunt Nita
Todd and Aunt Cornelia catching up on things.
Bride and Groom taking a moment to themselves.
Soon we took the path back to the river for the ceremony.
I wish I would've taken more pictures of the signs and such along the way.
This was at the beginning.
An engagement photo of Emma and Michael on the left
and
a saddle (her love) and fishing pole (his love) together on the other.
What a gorgeous day and spot to say "I do!"
Lindsay,
and,
her son Greyson.
Darling flower girls.
Brian is a preacher, among other things, and married them.
While Lili and Michael's brother sang
Emma and Michael
painted the center turquoise heart to connect the two single gray hearts.
This will look so good in their new home with the same color scheme ;)
"I do!"
You may kiss the bride!
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ullery
So sweet!!!
Greyson and his girls! ha!
I want to stop for a second and recognize that sweet lady in the turquoise dress better known as
Sandy,
Todd's cousin, Greyson's grandma, mother of the bride!
She did all of the flowers for the wedding.
(and, so much more!)
Above you can see the lanterns she painted to match the wedding colors
and
made the flowers and ribbons.
The girls bouquets were all handmade roses made from burlap and silk.
Emma's had broaches and pins tucked in it from each of her grandma's and great grandma's.
After the wedding the photographer asked for the "Bane Family" to stay for a picture.
Meanwhile,
poor Aunt Nita is getting harassed by Graham!
Don't tease the grandma of the bride, Graham ;)
We love her so much!
Ellie and Graham
Brian and Uncle Charlie
Graham and Aunt Dee.
Bob, Linda, and Rosalee.
Emma getting her portrait taken.
Such a doll!
Sandy, Gretchen, Me and Sarah
Selfie time!
Hey Emma?!
We finally got the picture taken and everyone was clearing out.
I noticed that the golf cart rides stopped coming to the woods to pick people up.
Todd's Uncle Gerald really needed one.
So, I walked to the tent area and told Todd.
He grabbed the cart and picked them up.
Here they come!
Looks like it was a fun ride! ha!
Charlie to the rescue!
Evan made it!
He was traveling for work and got there right after the "Bane Family" picture was taken :(
It was such a beautiful wedding.
Congratulations and may God bless your marriage for many years to come.
The next weekend was Eli's first boat ride!
Alan came to our docks to pick up the kids.
Graham and Noah took out one of the jet ski's.
We tied boats together in "family cove".
Vera wanted to come over to our boat
but that didn't last long because we didn't have our canopy up, and it was hot,
and we didn't have any kid snacks! ha!
After a snack with her brother she was ready to go in to the water!
There she goes!
Tony's face! ha!!
Back in
and,
she's ready to jump off again!
Head's up T!
Bathing beauties!
Old women sun bathing ;) ha!
Uncle Todd pushing her back and forth on the tube.
How's that baby doing?
He is loving the boat!
Graham and Noah came in to grab Ali.
Todd was off with them on the other jet ski.
Bye!
One more jump in
and,
one more selfie
before
Alan and Kiely headed back to give Eli a nap.
You did great, buddy!
Next,
the girls wanted to go tubing.
They may or may not have been too confident! ha!
As you can see from Ali's face it was going to be a fun ride!
So many poses! ha!
This was when we were heading out of the cove in idle.
Ali is determined not to fall off!
I kept telling Todd to slow down!
Sorry Ashley,
he never listens to me!
Next up was Camille and Ali.
It was here that Camille hit a wave and her face hit Ali's arm.
Needless to say she had a bloody nose :(
Evan!
He had been in all day studying for the bar exam.
Ashley swam out to go for a ride with him.
It was time to head in for the day!
What a great day on the lake.
So much fun!!!
The top picture shows the before and the bottom picture is the after.
There used to be counter height table, a round patio table, and four chaise lounges.
So,
I gave the chaise lounge chairs to my mom and dad to put out by there pool
and
gave Ashley and Evan the counter height table for their balcony.
I power washed the aggregate and was ready to load it up with our furniture we used to have in the screened in porch off of the kitchen.
we would have another place to gather around a fireable in the same area.
From every angle I loved it!
This is how it looked in the evening.
I pictured visiting with friends and family around a warm fire and a glass of wine!
it's pretty to look at.
Vera Lynn is pretty to look at too!
I watched her while Kiely ran Eli to a well baby check.
She's pointing to a flag saying,
"Look Aunt Holly, my American flag!"
She had a fake bicycle crash.
And,
was shining the light in the mailbox slot to look at the baby birds.
She wanted to get cooled off and have a snack while watching Paw Patrol.
She's telling Doug that he can't have any.
Ha! Mom, help!
He can't believe that she's not sharing.
Poor Doug :(
When Kiely got back we went for another golf cart ride through the spooky forrest.
Vera looks like she's positioning Eli's head by using his ear. ha!
He liked the ride this time!
He's telling me he wants to stay just a little longer ;)
Sorry, buddy :(
One more ride with Vera and then you have to go!
Three days later, June 17, was Eli's first time in Grammy and Pappy's pool!
When we were busy tending to Eli I turned around to capture this brave girl.
She didn't realize anyone was watching her.
I told her to wait and I would drop her in to the water.
I knew that she would be doing this all by herself soon!
Are you ready, Eli?
Now he's ready!
He wasn't too sure.
But,
sissy helped ease him in to the water.
He loved it!!
Vera showing how she can jump off of the wall.
The good life!
All day! ;)
Pappy helping her.
Weee!
Vera wanted Pappy to jump!
Over and over!
Snack time!!
Oh, yeah!
Grammy Kay knows you have to have ice-cream for a pool snack ;)
Moter boatin'!
Grammy got herself a new floatie chair!
And if you look closely,
Ralph not only has on a visor
but
a ball cap over the visor...hmmm??? Ha!
Teaching her how to swim.
Eli loved it and took a really good nap!
Father's Day!
We visited my parents in the morning, ate a Gene's for lunch, then made it home in time
for the kids to visit!
These boys are lucky to have such a good example in a father.
Happy Papa T!
Especially to these two!
Happy Father's Day!
Spring was almost over!
I love this color!
It screams S P R I N G!
Beautiful snowball hydrangea's.
What a difference a week makes!
I love bringing them inside to use for table decoration.
On the porch.
And on the kitchen table.
They smell so good and the scent always reminds me of summer!
The weekend of the fourth was here!!
I took this photo of Ashley for a brand that she represents earlier that Spring.
I love the golden rod field in the background!
On July 3
we went boating because weather wise this was sure to be the best day.
Eli did pretty good.
He was still taking two naps so it was hard for Kiely and Alan to be out on the water too long.
Lookin' good girls!
Kiley and Ali proudly representing America!
Daddy and Eli
We tried to sit on the deck without the canopy but it was pretty hot.
Meanwhile,
Vera is cooling us off with her driving skills ;)
He was so hot so we put him to play under the canopy!
Vera on the other hand was keeping cool out in the water.
She swam out in the middle of the lake to be with the others! ha!
Teething baby!
Everyone getting their hugs in before they took off.
Here comes Vera!
That cooled him down!
Evan had one of his Law School friends Matt spend the weekend with him and Ashley.
That is his wife Morgan behind Evan.
It was time to head on back in!
Fourth of July!!
Always one of my favorite times of year.
Also,
Tom and Karen, Tony, Camille and Noah, Ashley's brother and his finance', Ben and Heather (friends of Graham and Ali), Lisa, and another one of Evan's Law School friends joined us.
Before Kiely came over to our house she snapped these pictures of the kids.
Happy Independence Day!
So cute!
When Vera got to our house she helped me make her own snack.
She was dipping Rice Krispy treats in white icing
and
drizzling them with red and blue gel.
The yummy cherries on the other side are called cherry bombs!
I soaked maraschino cherries in vanilla vodka all night.
The next day I dipped them in white chocolate and colored sugar!
Definitely NOT a pinterest fail.
They were so good!
Ali's cake balls m i g h t have been a Pinterest fail! ha!
You can see on the right hand side of the tray she ran out of icing! ha!
But,
they were good!
Ellen brought cupcakes!
We also had oatmeal cookies and potato salad from Camille,
I made brownie batter dip for apples, pretzels and strawberries,
and, homemade beer bread with hot cheese dip.
We had real food too! ha!
I made a pasta salad and caprese salad.
The kids all went out on the boat and we stayed back home with Eli.
Cousin selfie.
Ashley's brother Eric swimming with Vera :)
Snack break!
Momma and Vera.
Evan and Vera.
Graham, his friend Ben, Heather, Ben's girlfriend, Ali, Morgan and Matt.
Ashley and Vera.
Vera really took to Morgan.
Kiely's best friend Lisa joined us too!
One more cherry bomb before you go!
The kids did great but they were getting tired.
That night we went down to the lake to watch the fireworks.
It had rained earlier before our boat made it off of the water so I wasn't sure if they'd have fireworks.
I loved having everyone here!
But,
I think next year we will have to have a smaller crowd
so the older folks can go out on the boat! ;)
End of Part II
Hopefully Part III will finish up 2017!
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