Dress rehearsal for THE CONCERT

So much has changed from our years at West Point. The band shell at Trophy Point is now constructed of plexiglass to allow for full view of the mountains' majesty.

Post-concert granduer

Trophy Point is perfectly situated to afford a magnificent view of the Hudson River cutting through the mountains. It was at this precise point that our army stretched an iron link chain across the river to precent enemy ships from entering. Portions of the chain have been preserved, and portions remain sunken in the river.

A photo op at the "picnic"

Ed and buddies reminesce

There were scrap books and albums spanning the entire existence of the USMA Band, and the guys enjoyed swapping stories and experiences.

Following are pictures and comments from graduations and closing excercises of three grandkids. Have to wait a year or two for Ian!

Hannah and family at graduation

Dad was the photographer, of course. The grandma's split the festivities due to limitations on the number of guests. - Grammy going to the graduation and Grandma going to the awards ceremony. Our graduate was recognized for Chorus, Violin and service to the school through the Safety Patrol Program. She was chosen by her teachers to receive the one "Diligent Worker Award" in sixth grade, and earned a Magna Cum Laude in Latin! Our buttons were popping!

Delivering THE SPEECH . . . what a wonderful tradition!

Each graduate speaks for two minutes, incorporating a bible verse that has been meaningful to them during their sixth grade experience. Hannah wrote and delivered a beautiful speech. Here she shares a humorous moment at the beginning of 6th grade. Doesn't look a bit nervous, does she?

The headmaster of NCCS presents the diploma to Hannah

Hannah receives congratulations from a much loved teacher

Miss Allison sends Haylie off with a pat on the head and a certificate to confirm her status as a "good friend in pre-school".

Closing exercises included a friendship snack to which everyone contributed, and the favorite stuffed animal of each child. Haylie brought "Angelina Ballerina", a favorite gift from Dad.

Haylie and classmates (half of them!) perform an animated version of "Down by the Sea" as part of their closing exercises.

This was a busy day. Gail (and Oma and Pap-Pap) brought David to the hospital for surgery while Grandma and Ian brought Haylie to school for her last day. Lots of tummy in this shot! (David's tummy situation was successful, too.)

Joshua was the first of the grandkids to complete his school year. Here he poses happily between his teachers and displays his "certificate".

Joshua and some of his little friends take a break from the action.

No, that little girl on the right end is not Haylie. We agree there is a resemblance, 'tho.

"Let's play catch!"

Doesn't it look as though he is thinking about his landing?

Well, he was. He had piled up a bunch of musical instruments and landing could have been hazardous. He was successful in his landing.

Mommy and Haylie were in school so Grandma and Ian had a jam session. Ian took out ALL the instruments! (see one unsocked piggie)

Cute little toy but try as he did, he couldn't get a sound out of it.

"Ooohhh, this thing makes a great sound!"

Ian likes to make his cars go "zoom-zoom"!

Look what I found hiding in the tunnel!

Grandma had an opportunity to spend 4 days with the Harford County grandkids recently (Mark and Jo's family) and Joshua wouldn't let me take his . . .

picture until he took mine. Also in this shot, see Hannah taking the new puppy out for his early morning walk. (One of many required.)

Hannah's friend Hannah (!) slept over a couple of nights and loved playing with Buddy.

Joshua had a lot of games ready to play with grandma.

Here's Ian (age 14 mo.) getting a meal together in Haylie's kitchen.

Haylie performed a dance for her little brother.

Ian is caught climbing on toy storage boxes in his closet. He is fearless and has the bumps and bruises that go along with that.

Oh yes, I love Horton!

Haylie and a floppy friend

Well, actually it is Ian's plush dog but he shares pretty well yet. In the upper left of the picture, you see the "fencing" that was installed to protect the TV, DVD, Computer and other electronic stuff that is high on Ian's "must have" list!

"I can play this harmonica. Wanna hear me?"

Ian had discovered the joy of talking on Grandpa's cell phone