Nancy is the pumpkin carver, cookie maker and house decorator in our house. I’ve never been fond of these activities, but I do enjoy photographing them.

Have a happy & safe Halloween.

Namaste

Several weeks ago a friend on Facebook announced a half-marathon which would be taking place in Lewiston, NY. The race itself a fundraiser for Niagara Hospice.

I navigated to the Niagara Hospice website and assessed the date. The distance was very doable as my longest run to date was just one mile less than the race total. The date also fit my schedule. The decision to run the race became easier when I saw you could “run in memory of someone.” I signed up, paid the entry fee and filled in the “running in memory” section. I would dedicate my first half-marathon to the memory of my grandmother Stella.

My grandmother passed away four years ago. She was a central and very important figure in my life. Running has become an important part of my life so this race was a natural fit.

As my running has progressed I have embraced the run and learned to let go of my times for they are not what is important. My willingness and ability to get up, lace on my running shoes and put on some miles every day is what is important. The reward is not the time as much as it is the solitary sensory experience of the run.

As I ran yesterday I thought of my grandmother numerous times. I thought of her early rising, never complaining, continuing her own life after my grandfather’s death in 1984 (my mother would remind me later the race day coincided with my grandfather’s birthday) her hard work and effort in the face of some pretty unhappy and difficult times in her life. I ran my race; comfortable but also pushing myself to be better, a better person for running helps me to accomplish this.

As the mile markers ticked off the miles completed, I felt the duality of life crashing down on me. Thoughts of stopping and walking entered my head from time to time. I knew I could accomplish the distance and walking for a brief period of time would make my effort a little easier. When these thoughts crossed my mind, so did thoughts of my grandmother and of Jamey Rodemeyer. As I thought of both, thoughts of stopping and walking to ease my effort slipped away. Instead I found my posture becoming straighter, my arm swing less. There became a renewed sense of following through and completing the race. I rounded the final turn and in the distance 1/2 mile away I could see the finishing banner. My speed increased. I crossed the finish line and clasped my hands together. I looked up toward the heavens and thanked my grandmother for a life shared.

I completed the race in 2-hours and 12-minutes…just two minutes slower than I had thought I might finish. I was happy with my my effort.

RIP grandma and Jamey

Namaste

Chris

It’s that time of year again when Larry Norton and 97-Rock complete their 28-hour radiothon for Make-A-Wish. For the 16th consecutive year, Larry Norton will spend 28 hours on 97 Rock to raise money to help grant wishes to Western New York children with life threatening illnesses. The Make-A-Wish Radio-thon is your chance to help grant a wish by making a request and pledge to hear any song you want, or bid during our hourly auction on some one of a kind rock and sports items.

I am so happy and so proud to be affilliated with an organization with such an awesome mission. My only concern is “I wish I could do more.” This year after the 2010 Make-A-Wish Gala in May, I decided I needed to do more for the kids. My time is limited so I decided to donate 1% of my total 2010 wedding photography revenue to Make-A-Wish.

During the radiothon I decided to try to do more so I challenged every wedding/portrait photographer in the area to match my gift. I have also decided to donate 1% from my 2011 wedding photography revenue to Make-A-Wish. Please join me helping these wonderful kids and family’s to have their dreams realized.

Thanks everyone for reading.

Chris

You have been my rock and helped me find balance in my life when it was lacking. Thank you so much for everything you do. I love you so much and look forward to many more years together.

I think back to our first date at Pizza Hut and the Sunday morning over that wonderful breakfast we shared by the river when I proposed. Your answer of “Yes” made me the happiest person on Earth. That sounds cliche I know but I’m not sure if I could or would want to live without you.

We raised two wonderful children and have had our ups and downs, our trials and tribulations and together we have successfully navigated these waters.

I know as we continue to grow older we will continue to use the love we have for each other to overcome any future hurdles may come upon us. I look forward to those days as much as I look forward to the happy, trouble-free days…as long as you are by my side.

Thank you Nancy for the wonderful times we have shared. I love you very much and look forward to many more years together.

With all my love.

Chris

Helen Keller said, “The only blind person at Christmastime is he who has not Christmas in his heart.” Keep Christmas and the spirit of the holiday in your heart at all times. If more of us accomplished this  small feat, we would not have many of the problems in the world which we have.

Merry Christmas

Despite the fact I did not wish to rise, I knew the smiles on the faces of my children were enough to jump start my morning. Knowing it would not be enough, Nancy instinctively knew the importance of starting a pot of coffee before the kids began ripping into brightly colored wrapping paper.

My mom definitely has some of the best decorations for this wonderful holiday. They all seem to be tied in some way to some type of food product. Candy is a food group isn’t it?

My mother is also a huge fan of snowmen.

A very good wine.

Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you enjoy this holiday season with friends and family. May your day be filled with laughter, smiles and good tidings.

Christopher

My son’s high school football career has also ended. The team decided they did not want the season to end prematurely so they fought hard each game and walked away with index fingers pointed to the sky in a victory salute. The raised fingers also denoted “One more game. One more step toward the championship game.”

On an unseasonably warm Sunday in Syracuse two weeks ago the Lumberjacks held their fingers high, pointed at the sky this time saying, “We did it. We are the champions.” Wednesday night was the night for the team to gather once more and again raise their fingers high in a victory salute. A salute to themselves, to their coaches and the parents and citizens of North Tonawanda who supported the team throughout the year.

Next year another team will take the field. This team a new team as every team is. This team will be comprised of players returning from the victorious 2009 season and those players moving up from the JV team. This team will continue to work together in the off-season in an attempt to win glory for the school and the city once more. When the Lumberjacks take the field next year their spirits will be buoyed by the previous year’s victory and by the same people who have supported the team year after year. The Lumberjack pride, spirit and poise demonstrated by those players who have moved on will remain with the team for it is this energy that will help fire the engine that is Lumberkack Pride.

Go Jacks! Congratulations boys on a great season! This beautiful cake was donated by Muscoreil’s Fine Desserts. If anyone has ever had desserts from Muscoreil’s then you understand how good this cake tasted. If you have not tasted their fine products, all I can say is you have no idea what you are missing!An emotional Mr. Dick Grapes was the recipient of a photograph of the 2009 Lumberjacks. The photo was signed by every member of the team. Mr. Grapes means so much to Lumberjack history. He recently retired after calling games for NT for 51-years. His voice and thoughtful annunciation will always be remembered.Thankfully Nancy videotaped the banquest so I could be free to photograph the event. I love this little video camera!The winners of the 2009 academic awards. Kujo has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years and has been a recipient of this award for the same length of time. North Tonawanda should be proud of the school’s academic standing in New York State. The school ranked eigth in academic standing this year.Quarterback Michael Tuzzo and Stephen “Kujo” Kijowski were the recipients of the two academic awards given out this night. Michael won the North Tonawanda Hall of Fame Scholarship and Kujo won the Louis Anastasi Scholarship. Congratulations to both of you! Mom and I asked Stephen if we could read the several pages he wrote to nominate himself. In true Kujo fashion he said, “I’ll let you read it if I win.” I didn’t tell him until later I had found the document on my computer and with tears in my eyes read it. The grammar was not perfect nor was the spelling but the message he conveyed about the life lessons he has learned and more importantly applied as a member of the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks was clearly stated. I am so proud of Stephen and his accomplishments it makes me feel as though Nancy and I have successfully done our job as parents well.Coach Dave Celeste, Casey Shreve, Kujo and Coach Tomm. Coach Celeste found out over the summer he had testicular cancer. Once he shared this with the team the players decided to honor Coach Celeste at each and every game. The players wrapped their wrists in athletic tape and wrote the initials “DC” on the tape. Two months ago a fundraiser was held to raise money to help offset the costs of Dave’s treatment and in true Lumberjack fashion over $20K was raised. I was told Dave just completed his last chemotherapy treatment and judging by the smile on his face he’s doing well. Dave, you are in our thoughts and prayers and an inspiration to these boys. Thank you for your courage, tenacity and perserverance.We could not leave the festivities Wednesday night without a photo of Kujoand Head Coach Eric Jantzi. Coach Jantzi is a true inspiration and a true leader to these boys. Without his support and leadership and the awesome coaching staff he has, this group of boys, this team could not have accomplished what they did this year. Thank you Coach Jantzi for all you have done for our boys.This is my favorite photo of the night. I love Mr. Grapes’ voice, his leadership, humility and soft-spoken approach to life. We approached Mr. Grapes and asked for a photo. He smiled, rose from the chair in which he was sitting, placed his arm around Stephen and said, “Absolutely.” After we took the photo he made comments to Nancy, Stephen and myself that brought tears to my eyes. I of course know of myson’s accomplishments and probably his most important characteristic, humility; but when Mr. Grapes said through the tears in his eyes how special this team and Stephen were to him I thought I was going to lose it. The overwhelming feeling that someone else had recognized my son for his unbelieveable characteristics and talents was enormous. Mr. Grapes looked at Stephen and said, “Whatever you do don’t you ever lose sight of who you are as an individual. Keep your head on straight and look everyone directly in the eye and you’ll be just fine.” Thank you Mr. Grapes! You have no idea how much that meant to Nancy and myself.

I think it’s also important to recognize and remember Mrs. Grapes who passed away on October 28, 2009. On the night of Mrs. Grapes wake, several members of the Lumberjacks football team arrived at our house wearing dress slacks, shirts and ties. A few minutes later Stephen descended from his room wearing similar clothing. When I asked the boys why they were dressed in such a manner I was told they were ”going to the funeral home to pay their respects to Mrs. Grapes and support Mr. Grapes.” This is the epitomy of the Lumberjack football team. There is nothing else to say. I recall a cheer from my daughter who was a cheerleader for the Lumberjacks. It goes something like this A-W-E-S-O-M-E! That’s what the Lumberjacks are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

As always, please leave a comment in the comment section of the blog. Thanks so much for reading.

Chris

As we ate, we spoke of the team’s success throughout the year culminating with a win at the Carrier Dome. We spoke of the individual and the team awards and the importance of characteristics such as character and integrity. I discussed with him the importance of continuing to demonstrate those very important characteristics he will continue to find success on and off the football field. Of course following this course can often be difficult. The winds blow hard from both the port and starboard sides and it is these times we find ourselves veering off course. We spoke of our moral compass and the importance of following it so we can regain our footing on our path.

We also spoke of the leadership exuded by so many of his teammates and the coaching staff for it was this leadership which guided this team to the State Championship. Coach Jantzi said it best when during a recent post-game interview he suggested the team “never bickered, never backed down from adversity and worked hard during the season as well as during the off-season.”

There is an oak tree in front of my house. On calm summer days I liked spending some time sitting on my front porch contemplating simple things. Eventually my gaze would wander to this tree; it’s magnificent trunk reaching into the sky; it’s branches reaching out and up as if to say, “I am strong.” When Fall arrives and the tree stands bare of it’s leafy coat, it’s strength becomes increasingly apparent. It’s branches, like bony fingers still reach to the sky as if to say, “I am not dead. I am still here and I will be back with a vengeance in the Spring.” For this is our life. Our lives often follow an irregular patter of successes and failures. It is important to return to our moral compass to find the combination of things which will help us return to a successful direction.

This team will move on to complete the remainder of the school year. Some will return for another season of football while others will move on to play at a higher level. Those players returning to NTHS will seek to continue what was begun this season. This level of successs is possible if you keep your attitude in check and continue to work hard. Stephen and the others look forward to the receipt of their championship rings. Those rings should be worn proudly but not flaunted. Remember, your humility for it is what kept you grounded throughout the season and will help you maintain a sense of being grounded in the future.

As I wrote this I found tears in my eyes, again. This is pretty common for me as I used to say “I was cursed with having feelings.” As I grow older, with me grows my appreciation for what people can accomplish, not the superficial success but the deep down “I knew I could do it if I pushed myself just a alittle bit harder” success. Like anyone else I find myself whining from time to time but work quickly to snap myself back into reality as the time and energy wasted whining does me no good. The tears I shed are not tears of sadness but tears of joy. They remind me of the need to be humble and to maintain a sense of humility in all of the things I do for it is this sense which helps to keep me grounded.

Kujo was the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award. Nice job Kujo!

Here’s the boys getting their individual awards.

I exited the housewith the last of the items to get packed into the car for the drive to “the Dome.”. As I looked East my eyes widened as I saw the sunrise. Beautiful is not a word which can adequately describe what I saw. I was happier yet when I recalled the drive to Syracuse is East and that beautiful sunrise would be with us throughout the drive. A good omen I am sure. I brushed tears away as I thought of our boys, already in Syracuse knowing today was going to be a good day. The happiness I felt for the boys was immeasurable.

I secretly thought of our coming drive and the happiness I would feel watching our son and his team play for surely what is the greatest glory in high school football; a state championship.

As we got on the road, coffee in hand and our caravan of family and friends in tow we made our way through the suburbs of Buffalo searching for the entrance to the NYS Thruway. As we entered the thruway and traveled East, I found myself daydreaming and looking back at the years successes for this team. I smiled widely and proudly.

As I was not bestowed the luxury of a sideline pass the photos I have chosen to share here are not action shots per se, but the action in the stands provided by the ever present and supportive North Tonawanda Fans. These are the shots that demonstrated the “fun and excitement” of the day.

I hope you enjoy reading this and viewing the photos as I enjoyed making them and reliving the wonderful events of Sunday afternoon. Please leave any comments at the end of this post.

Thanks for reading,

Chris

The team gathered at center field one last time before the opening kickoff.Kujo, Shreve and Tuzzo met the opposing team captains at centerfield for the coin toss. North Tonawanda won the toss and elected to kickoff.The Lumberjacks gathered on the sideline before the opening kickoff. The excitement was about to begin!I think the sign says it all. The Lumberjacks came, dominated and were victorious!The chant of “NT”, “NT” could be heard throughout the Carrier Dome. North Tonawanda fans traveled to the tune of approximately five thousand to watch “their” team vie for the chance to be identified as “Class AA State Champions.”This shot is just, well…interesting.A unique configuration of flags hung at center field.Kujo runs back toward his team from a brief meeting with the opposing team’s captain before the opening of the second half.The Jacks did just that!It is “How we roll!”The final score said it all…The NYS Class AA Champions! Congratulations boys! You deserved it. All of the hard work on and off the field has paid off. For those players returning next year, rmember the feeling and the hard work and bring it back again. Lumberjack Pride!The game was a clean one. Few penalties and clean play. Great sportsmanship! Greater game!Congratulations again boys!Nancy had to clean off the rear window of the car and repaint it for the ride home. I was reminded several times to not use the rear window wiper if it began to rain.There it is. There is no clearer message. Thanks to all of my readers who have endured the love I have for the boys who play on this team, their hard work and their 100% effort. I am most proud of you Stephen. The award your received for sportsmanship means more to me as a parent than any award. It means I have taught you well. Congratulations!

This is is. This is the game for all the marbles. This is the game which decides the winner of the New York State Class AA Championship.

In the 100-years of North Tonawanda football no team has ever made it this far into the playoffs. Since 1993 when the New York State Championship has been played, no North Tonawanda has found itself ready to play for the State Championship.

That all changes this weekend when North Tonawanda meets New Rochelle at the Syracuse University Carrier Dome on Sunday November 29, 2009 at 1:00 PM. Practice resumes this afternoon and  continues to morrow afternoon before the players and coaches make the pilgrimage to Syracuse.

I am so proud of the players on this team; their athleticism and their leadership. I recall making a statement at the beginning of the season. It went something like this, “If you boys maintain your health and a healthy attitude of humility, there is no reason why you should not be able to take that all the way to Syracuse.” This group of kids never said they “couldn’t do it.” Never said, “It’s too much work.” They worked hard during the off-season and even harder once the season began and dominated all of their opponents. Many people underestimate the power of a positive, proactive attitude and for that I believe they are foolish.

Go Jacks! The entire City of North Tonawanda will be there to support you as you take this final step toward the achievement of your goal of becoming New York State Champions.

Today is a day to relax and ponder those things for which we are all thankful. I am thankful for many things. The list is long; too lengthy to mention here but my family and trusting clients come to the forefront of my thoughts. If it were not for both of these groups my life would be very different, not bad but different. Thank you so much.

Soon the place settings will be filled with laughter and good cheer as we get together with family to share those things important to us. It is also an opportunity to allow stale thoughts to leave us and to rekindle those relationships important to us.

Have a great day! Happy Thanksgiving!

Christopher

North Tonawanda sits on the confluence of the Erie Canal and the mighty Niagara River. In it’s beginning it was a major lumber port and earned the nickname the “Lumber City.” When the city’s only high school decided to start an athletic program and add football as a sport, the name “Lumberjacks” was an obvious choice.

I recall sitting at the first contest of the 2009 football season and watch this group of talented young men easily handle their opponent and come out victorious. I recall saying, “If these boys can remain their health, keep their attitudes in check and continue to play their brand of football; there is no reason why they cannot make it through the playoffs and claim the “New York State Class AA State Championship” title. The win against the Baldwinville Bees on Saturday night finds this team poised on the doorstep of greatness with one game remaining in this championship quest.

The following photos are courtesy of Bob “Schooch” Pascucci. Thanks Schooch.

Casey Shreve, Kujo and Kyle Shreve. The Tonawanda News named these three players, among others from NTHS to the WNY All-Star first Team. Congratulations boys! You deserve the honor.

Notice the coach from Lancaster. He’s holding his heart because he can’t believe Kujo just broke that tackle and now has a clear shot at the goal line. A 41-yard TD run.

Kujo just wasn’t going to let that cast stop him. The announcer from Time-Warner kept referring to the cast as “The Club.”

What an intimidating defense. This is one awesome group of kids. I’m thinking blitz here.When Kujo plays fullback he just keeps running. It’s all that work in the weight room during the off-season. Coach Jantzi keeps telling these kids about the importance of keeping fit and staying in the weight room. The kids get it and it shows throughout the season.

Kujo met with a reporter after the game and accepted the award on behalf of the team. Go Jacks!

This contest was supposed to be a viscious contest. B’ville has an unbelieveable record and a running back to match. He has run for over 250-yards each game. This was due in part to having a line in size that rivaled the Empire State building.

Both teams were evenly matched, more on paper than in size. North Tonawanda has a multi-dimensional approach while B’ville has a bruising offense that aims to run over you at every opportunity. Keep the offense off the field, keep the defense on the field, wear them down and score points.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post. Please don’t forget to leave questions, comments and ideas for future posts by clicking on the “Leave comment” button below.

I appreciate you reading,

Chris

As I dressed for the day I glanced at the clock and knew I needed to stop by the cemetery to say a prayer for her and my grandfather. I am saddened by the fact neither one of them had an opportunity to see my children grow into adults but I know she cherished the time she had with each of them. I wish often my grandfather, a lover of football would have been able to see my son achieve the accomplishments on the field of play as well as off. He would have been proud. When I see my son have a fantastic game I often think of him and know he is watching over Stephen.

As I drove to the cemetery I saw there was a funeral in progress. As I approached the driveway my eyes focused on a flag draped coffin and I knew it was a military funeral. Something told me this was not a WW II veteran who had passed but a young man who had given his life in the fight for freedom. I entered the mausoleum and said my prayer for my grandparents but could not get my mind off the funeral I had just passed. I sat outside briefly basking in the solitude of the cemetery. like magnets my eyes were drawn toward the on-going funeral.  I witnessed two Marines enter their vehicle, a sign the service had ended.

I drove the long way through the cemetery brushing back tears as the memory of my grandmother repeatedly entered my thoughts. I was about to exit the cemetery as I glanced to my left and noticed the once flag draped coffin was now naked and sitting alone atop it’s perch waiting to be lowered into its final resting place. Mourners had left and others were still leaving. My thoughts drifted to the fallen soldier and the hopes he is not soon forgotten. My eyes focused on alone mourner who remained and stood at the side of the coffin of the fallen soldier. His hand was laid with respect on the smooth wood of the coffin now bare of the flag. I, on the other hand watched and looked at the coffin from a safe distance. I said a prayer for him and his family. He gave to this country what I am unsure I would be capable of giving. For his gift I am thankful. I did not know the fallen soldier but he has become linked in my thoughts with my grandmother and when I think of her I will think of him and all of the soldiers who have served and continue to serve.

Norm Shreve is the father of Casey and Kyle Shreve. Today he was also known as the “Grill Master.” Nice job on the hamburgers and hot dogs Norm. The food we had was tremendous. I heard something about chowder and gumbo for next week. No wonder I enjoy football games so much or maybe it’s just the tailgating part. No, the football was excellent too.

The Lumberjacks have dominated every team they faced this year. This lead the team to an 11-0 record. The depth of this team at many positions is quite remarkable. Thankfully the team has not known many injuries during their campaign for the 2009 State Championship.

The team fought a difficult battle against a very worthy foe. North Tonawanda fought through many penalties and miscues to be victorious. This victory ensured the team would move on to the next level and continue to advance toward the coveted State Championship title. Winning this contest also gave the ‘Jacks title as the “Section V/VI Regional Champions.” There has not been a  previous Lumberjacks team that has ever advanced to this level. Congratulations boys! You, your coaching staff have done a fantastic job. The unbelieveable NT fans will continue to make the trip down the I-90 to support you!

The Lumberjacks play a highly ranked team from Baldwinsville, NY on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 6:00 PM.

It is easy for individuals to loudly praise their achievements but it is my belief it is more important to have one’s accomplishments speak for themselves. Watching Stephen reminds of the importance of humility. Watching Stephen reminds me of the importance to know what one is capable of accomplishing and to simply go out and do one’s job; to accomplish one’s goals…quietly and without fanfare.

Stephen does not gloat. He does not point out his accomplishments. He allows his actions, his behaviors to speak for him. It is this voice which speaks more loudly than any other. We found out the day after NT’s win against Lancaster he won “Player of the Game.” He never said anything and when we witnessed his on-field interview we figured it was a result of his on-field accomplishments.

Here’s to those people who go about their day quietly and without need for regard. You will be noticed as your fire will burn brightest. Congratulations ‘Jacks and Congratulations Stephen. Onward to the next goal. Go Jacks!

“I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.” -Mahatma Gandhi

The baby will have an extensive library from which to make his or her reading selections. I was rather disappointed as I did not see a Kindle among the books.

Here it is. The love, I mean the cake from Say Cheescake. OMG was it awesome. I actually got asked, as my eyes glazed over if I wanted to eat the fondant. I knew if I did someone would have found me huddling in a corner attempting to recover from the sugar coma.

It was an absolutely beautiful Fall day in Western New York. The venue was right on the banks of the Erie Canal in North Tonawanda, NY. I’m always thankful when I can see the sun and feel the warm weather extend into the month of October. Andrea had a wonderful day for her baby shower. I think it’s cool they didn’t want to know the sex of the baby. It’s so much more of a surprise.

This was my favorite book. I wonder if it’s available for the Kindle.

Andrea and her sister Sarah.

This was by far my favorite photo of the day. The baby shower was winding down and Andrea was discussing her long drive back to Philadelphia. She took a few minutes to herself and basked in the warmth of the sun and the beautiful scenery of the Erie Canal. She looked so content and happy. I’m sure she was thinking of her husband Brian who is a pilot and was flying a route and couldn’t be in attendance. I hope both of you enjoy the photos. I can’t wait to do the photos of the baby.

Kujo, now also known as the “Animal”, the “Rhinoceros” and the “Locomotive” romped for over 176-yards rushing Friday night.

The football gods were being kind to photographers and fans at the game. I knew it was going to rain and hoped it wouldn’t rain too hard for too long. The rain began in the afternoon and the sky told me it was not going to cease anytime soon. I arrived at the game cloaked in wet weather gear and ready for the rain. As the first quarter came to an end the rain slowed and evolved into a fine mist. Half-time arrived and we were treated with heavier rains that retreated into a fine mist by the time the second half began. This mist continued for the rest of the game.

Kujo playing both sides of the ball very effectively.

  Kujo was thankful his “O” line did such a fantastic job blocking and opening up running lanes. Seriously, this is a good team!Kujo broke away from tacklers to secure some of his 174-rushing yards.

Charlie was a typical male in front of the camera. His mother wanted the photos; he really didn’t care if he had them done. It was a day off from school. The weather was damp and dreary and as I got into my car to head to Cardinal O’Hara High School, raindrops danced on my windshield. I became anxious the shoot would not go off. I saw Charlie and he had gotten all dressed up and I just knew we had to make sure we got the shots. Charlie’s mother also made me aware Charlie had been named the 2009 Homecoming King. Congratulations Charlie.

Charlie started off stiff and experienced some difficulty smiling. I don’t know how I did it but a couple of minutes into the shoot Charlie started to smile and he never stopped.

I think this is my favorite shot. Andrea’s sister Sarah came up with idea for a contest for door prizes. Baby diapers with a spot of melted chocolate. The guests had to smell and visualize the type of “diaper filler”. The correct answer won a door prize. I just couldn’t participate and I more than likely won’t ever look at chocolate the same way again! I can’t wait for the “real” shower in October.

m