My posting has been pitiful these days. Life seems to be flying by at warp speed this summer. What with a new baby on the way (e.d.d. Jan 28th), an impending move (just across town...don't worry), visitors from Nebraska and Minnesota, a trip to Nebraska and Georgia, and a little jabber-mouth of an 18-month-old to run after...I barely have time to breathe, let alone post pictures! However, I have had plenty of time to stuff my face with delicious foods (milkshakes, hershey's kisses, McDonald's hamburgers). I'm gross.

The big news this month is that Joel and I have a new niece! Ada Mae Meehan was born on August 16th (in the wee hours of the morning). Apparently she arrived around 90 minutes after Tim and Carissa got to the hospital. Good work, Mom! We won't get to meet her until Christmas, but here are a couple of pictures of the cutie patootie:

In other news, Joel has been a soccer playing fool this summer. Come rain, or shine, or really really really shiny 100 degree shininess, he's out there playing nearly every week. League starts up again in the Fall. Here are some pictures of their championship game from their Spring League. They lost by one goal, and had a chance to tie it up in the last seconds. Surprisingly (for those who know Joel), he made it through the season concussion-free. Photos courtesy of Beth Vanderkin :-)

"Out of my way, Inferior Athlete!"

"I'll be taking that ball from you now. Have a nice day."

Getting a little rough.

The three teammates from Trinity Community Church.
Thomas, Joel and Tim.


And, finally, here are a few from our trip to Lake Burton, GA at the end of July. Joel is absent from the photos because he wasn't able to attend. My dad, brother and one of my step-sisters all flew in to Raleigh and we drove down to GA together. Marie enjoyed meeting all of my family, whom she hadn't ever met before, but warmed up to very quickly.

Celebrating the belated birthday of our great nation.

Cousin Jackie, who introduced Marie to the wonders of back-rubs. She becomes comatose.

Not sure why this one is so small. It is Marie, freshly bathed, playing by the lake (under heavy supervision, of course).

Just me and the little goober.

My dad, Isabelle (step-sis), me and my little brother, Patrick.
Patrick taught Marie to call my dad "Geezer" instead of "Grandpa". Very nice. She referred to Isabelle as "Izzy" and Patrick was shortened to "Pat". She did very well with their names and enjoyed having them around to play with.

The family celebrating Grandpa's 86th birthday.
The country club even had child care for Marie. My aunt and uncle generously rented out this beautiful balcony room overlooking the Smoky Mountains for the celebration.

Me and my Grandpa DeBord with the ever-present cocktail in hand.

Gramps, Tristan (cousin) and I. Tristan just returned from his second deployment and will be promoted to Major soon.



I must also mention that Ralph, Barb and Dan Meehan all came for a visit earlier this month, but I only took a couple of pictures during their visit, and haven't gotten the chance to upload them onto the computer yet. We had a lovely time of sports-playing, cards, games, picking on Ralph and fellowship. We even made chocolate-chip-free pancakes for Dan (long story). The time was too short, as usual!