Summer Fun in 2011

Summer has arrived and the Blenks are loving it. Soon after school let out for the kids in early June, we left for vacation in Chincoteague, Virginia. En route, we stopped in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Between horses and Civil War stuff, both kids were kept happy. Mom and Dad enjoyed delicious sea food, salt water, and some time to relax. Both parental units actually read a book on the trip and the spontaneous detour to Pittsburgh on the way home was like the icing on the cake.

Scary Laser Taggers!

On Sunday, Conor celebrated his 8th birthday with a small shin dig at Lazer Craze. He and three friends, along with Abby and three friends were recruited as blue team members on a mission to destroy the red team's outpost. They lost but had fun trying. The party continued with Con's friends sleeping over and Abby having one friend to keep her sane. Pizza, snacks, movies, dancing, and staying up late = SUCCESS!

A New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone! We hope that 2011 brings you much joy and happiness (and trips to visit us in Cincinnati!!). We have been tardy at updating you on our lives and once again hope to get back on track. Here are a few photos of recent fun we have had in town, out of town, with family and with each other. Everyone is growing and getting older. We are so blessed. All our best to you and yours!!!!

Abby Hits the Court

Abby started her basketball season this weekend with two games: one on Friday night and one on Sunday night. It's fun to watch she and her teammates as they are playing for the first time (did not have a team in 3rd grade), but all the other teams we play are in year two and are a bit more organized. Abby is killer at defense. While somewhat hesitant to grab the ball from others or push her way in on offense, she is amazing at blocking. I love to watch her face as she focuses on her opponent. More of those pics to come....

Back to School... On The Same Day!

Abby and Conor are at the same school this year. It was an exciting day on Tuesday, August 24th when both kids were dressed and ready to enter 4th and 2nd grades respectively. Conor handled the new school transition flawlessly; especially with Dad unexpectedly spending some time in the hospital. We are so proud of both kids!

Abby is in Mrs. Burwinkel's homeroom but will see Mrs. Foster an equal amount of the time this year. Conor has Mr. Cain, following in the family footsteps. You might remember this was Abby's same teacher for second grade. Here's to a great school year!

Auten Avenue Rocks

On Sunday, August 8th, Auten Avenue (our street) closed to traffic and opened to fun! It was our first Block Party since moving in almost 10 years ago. We, along with some pretty awesome neighbors, helped to plan the day's festivities, which included: food, a dog parade, cornhole tournament (huge Cincinnati thing), live music, a water balloon slingshot (Con's favorite), homemade ice cream in a bag and slime! It was a huge success. One neighbor took pictures of all our houses and made them into the name tags so that we all knew the person and their house. The biggest surprise came towards the end of the night when one neighbor brought out her pet duck (for real). We feel lucky to have such great people around us.

Fabulous and Forty!

On July 31, Erick turned 40! Thanks to everyone who remembered him on his big day. Molly and kids had a 40 day countdown to this new milestone with gifts to open each day. On the actual day, Erick was whisked away to Hocking Hills for a fun zip line tour through the trees. Thanks to friends who hosted Abby and Conor overnight, Molly and Erick decided to sleep in the woods and had the chance to hike to "Old Man's Cave" the next morning. An appropriate pilgrimage to commemorate Erick's new status!