Fishing with Poppa...

Last night we went to Sylvan Beach for dinner. Then we went to the dock where Poppa took Sammy fishing...and Sammy caught his first ever fish!

Sammy fishing with Poppa...

At the Savoy...

Paul's father just emailed him this photograph. It was taken a few weeks ago when his parents were back in Rome, NY for his mother's [redacted]th high school reunion. The photo was taken at the Savoy Restaurant.

From left to right: Paul's father Sam, mother Carmy, Michele's mother Evelyn, Michele's father Paul, Clark Mollenhaur, and Leola Mollenhaur.

End of trip...

Our visit back east went by fast. We were accompanied to the airport for our return flight by Grandma R, Grandpa R, Aunt Diane, and Uncle Andy. While we were at the Syracuse Airport, Sammy decided to take everyone for a flight...

Pilot Sammy shares his knowledge of aerodynamics...

Sammy and Grandma R taxi along...

Grandpa R, Grandma R, Uncle Andy, Aunt Diane, and Sammy...

Grandpa R, Grandma R, Michele, and Sammy...

Sisters...

Some photos of sisters from our spring 2009 trip back east...

Aunt Susie & Grandma R...

Jamie, Sharon, Michele...
...along with Noah and Ana...

Dinner at Eddie's

While visiting back east, a group of family (including Grandma R, Grandpa R, Aunt Diane, Uncle Andie, Uncle Paulie) went to dinner at Eddie's Restaurant in Sylvan Beach, NY. Eddie's Restaurant is a local favorite and has been for 75 years.

Eddie's Restaurant...

Aunt Diane took a gamble and told the waitress to "surprise her"...

Uncle Paulie and Sammy sharing a laugh...

Eddie's usually has a long line...
...so while we waited we walked over to the water...
...and watched this fellow reel in a massive sturgeon...

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More photo's from Grandma M...

Here are some more photos of Sammy & family from the trip back home for his Great Grandma's funeral.

From left to right:
Karen, Granpda R, Grandma R, Aunt Susie, Uncle Andy, Aunt Diane...

On the chair swing,
Ana gives Sammy a hug...

On the swing chair,
Noah tells Sammy a joke...

On the chair swing,
Uncle Andy, Ana, and Sammy...

Taking a rest from jumping on Grandma's bed...

Sammy, Noah, and Ana caught in the act...
...on Grandma's bed...

Grandma R, Karen, and Aunt Susie share a light moment...

Ice Cream...

Ice cream can't fix everything, but it sure can make most things feel better. While back in New York state, Sammy had ice cream with his grandparents and his uncle Paulie.

Paulie and Michele share a light-hearted moment...
...while Sammy wonders where his ice cream is...

Grandpa R, Sammy, and choc-o-late ice cream...

Grandpa R, Sammy, and Grandpa R...

Grandpa R, Grandpa R, Michele, Sammy...
...and the remains of ice cream...

Grandma M...

This past June Michele's grandmother passed away. Michele and Sammy flew back to New York state for the funeral (we had family in town at the time so Paul could not go). It was sad to see Grandma go, but comforting to know she is now with Grandpa.

Sammy with his Great Grandma M and Grandma R...

A drawing of Sammy's great-grandparents by Michele's very talented cousin Mary...

Sometimes getting a group to cooperate in a group photo is a herculean task...

Sammy's godfather...Uncle Andy with Aunt Diane...

Sammy with his cousins Noah and Ana in the pool...

Sammy is a big Yankee's fan...
...and he certainly enjoyed being in New York state...

After posting this on the blog...
...we doubt Michele's sister Sharon will pose like this again for our camera...

Michele resists Justin's peer pressure...

Sammy and his cousin Ana sharing brunch...
...and a chair...

Noah is all smiles...

Sammy and Ana navigate a tunnel...

From front to rear...
...most of them in big floppy hats...
Ana, Grandma R, Michele, Jaime, Stephanie, Sharon, and Sammy...

From Left to Right:
Grandpa R, Stephanie, Sharon, Anna, Jason, Jaime, Gradma R

Three cousins sleeping in a car...
...hmmm...
...sounds like it should be in a nursery rhyme...

Sammy and Grandpa R...

Sammy with his Uncle Andy...
...the gusty wind in their faces...
...across the green grass field...
...their trusty tractor races...

Conversations with Sammy...

Sammy's Grandpa & Grandpa R. sent us some half-moon cookies for Easter (thanks!). While Michele was working tonight, Paul took out a cookie and shared it with Sammy. The following actually happened:

SAMMY: Daddy! Look! Look Daddy!
PAUL: Huh? What Sammy?

(Sammy points to Paul's shirt where there are now several small chocolate fingerprints. Sammy's face is covered in chocolate.)

PAUL: Uh, yeah Sammy I see it.
SAMMY: Look Daddy, Look!
PAUL: Thanks for pointing it out.
SAMMY: OK.

Sammy's 2nd Year Birthday Tour: Celebration

While Sammy was back in New York for his birthday, his great Aunts and Uncles came to visit him and celebrate Great Grandma's, Poppa's (Grandpa R), and Sammy's birthdays. Here are a few photos...

Having your cake and eating it....

Aunt Brenda, Sammy, and Uncle Chris...

Uncle Jimmy in the partying spirit...

Aunt Susie & Uncle Ron...

Aunt Susie, Great Grandma, and Grandma

Uncle Andy and Sammy sharing a laugh...

Sammy teaching his Aunts to dance...

Aunt Diane and Sammy...

Aunt Diane draped in curtains...

Uncle Jim, Great Grandma, Paulie, & Uncle Andy...

Group Shot...
Aunt Susie, the remote control, Great Grandma, Grandma...
Uncle Ron, Grandpa, Sammy, Aunt Diane, Uncle Andy...

Sleepy...or ice cream headache?