Week in FL

So, picture number 1, Kelly invited Hayle to go see the Cheetah Girls with her and Christy! How exciting was that! Here you see our 3 wildcats in action!! Picture number 2, Jen took us to a nature preserve by her house, and I was totally freaking out!! Do you see the size of this Gator!! OMG!!!!!! And today, in picture 3, wow what a day!! we spent hours at the beach and it was so gorgeous, i'll post a few more later, the kids had a BLAST in the waves!

New Presidential Candidate

Copy and paste this link in your browser. You won't want to miss this. They will let any one run for president. Who will you vote for?

http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=357563&altf=Nbszboo&altl=Csbvo

Sheesh....

ok, since no one has anything to say, I'll tell you what I did yesterday. My shoulder was still hurting and had me up at 2:30am. So when Hayle and Pete left in the morning, I decided to lay back down. The couch and the morning light wasn't doing it for me, so I figured I'd throw in the towel and go back into BED. But the guy was coming to pick up the dry cleaning around 10am, so I left a note on the door to KNOCK LOUD. And off I went. I was having really bizarre dreams. So bizarre, at some point I thought my sugar must be low. One dream had me putting the dogs outside, where I found the dogs were already there, no, I now had 4 dogs, 2 and 2. I won't tell you the weirder dream! Ok, so I hear a knock on the door. I go down, grab the laundry bag and hand it to him. He's a really sweet older guy that always is so pleasant. He says, 'so the doorbell's not working, eh?' I said, no it does work. Then he was trying to ask or figure out why I had the 'knock loud' note if the bell works, or something?? My sugar was low, I couldn't put enough thought together to tell him anything, and I put my hands on either side of my head, and started shaking my head. I didn't even pretend I hadn't been sleeping, my hair was, well, you can imagine, I still had an eyemask hanging from the back of a ponytail. I just shut the door and he left. I laughed all day thinking how me must think I'm a nut case!!!! So, now I have to explain to him when he comes back!!

Cross

This was in this weeks bulletin at church:

'Piety Shop-carvings on sale. Some olive wood artefacts-crucifixes, rosaries, and crosses are now available for purchase in the Piety Shop. These have been made by the Bethlehem Olive Wood Carvers who are experiencing many difficulties-80% unemployment, political turmoil and violence. (One of the carvers was recently beaten up in his own home in front of his family by the local police force. The reason was that they demanded money and he had none to give). Your support is making a difference. In a community of more than 300, selling carvings means food, heat, medical care and a roof over their families heads. This is a real achievement'

The picture here is of one that I bought. I put it next to a teaspoon so you could see it's size. It's thick, and I think unique. If anyone wants one, I'll bring them over in October and get it to you. It cost £3.50 or about $6.50 USD. If anyone is looking for a gift for someone, communion coming up, or you'd like one for any reason, let me know and send over your donations.

Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards

Hayle and Antonia had so much fun (and ME)!! The 1st picture was taken after the show, you can see the slime and confetti all over the stage. All the kids had the foam fingers. Everyone had seats, but all around the stage, anyone could stand there. So Hayle and Antonia were up agains the stage but not together. You may see them on the show, it airs here on the 20th. Hayle stood against the runway that the stars ran up to the stageon, so she touched every single person! I could see her, even if she wasn't sure who they were, she put her hand on their arm, so funny. The 2nd picture was taken at the 'After Show Party' we got to go to. They are sitting on the ICarly couch, and last one, they did Sponge Bob karaoke. They pretty much screamed the sponge bob song. They got pictures and autographs of alot of people, but most of them I don't think you'd know.

Jonas Brothers Premier

Here's Hayle from Wednesday at the Jonas Brothers Premier! She was SO excited to ride in the limo! There were 6 girls in with her and they had drinks and everything. The other mom's and I ran over to the premier and got there b4 them. So 2nd pic is Hayle arriving and walking up the 'purple' carpet. Then, the 'boys' came over by us and I got their autographs for Hayle. I'm sure I looked like an idiot, a 45 y.o. woman asking for an autograph! Good Grief! But it was for Hayle, so. But they were so cute and really nice to all the girls out there. They stood out there over an hour talking to all the press and the kids. Hayle had a great time!! I'll give it a couple days and then post about the kids choice awards!!

Jada & Gerry's Engagement Party

We had a great time at the engagement party. Jada's family & friends were incredibly warm and welcoming and the food was awesome. They know how to throw a party and have a good time. Gerry is very lucky to be marring into such a great family. There is no doubt that everyone will have a fantastic time at the wedding. I just can't wait.

MY Summer

This was in this weekends paper, take a second to see what we've been dealing with and why I'm so grumpy!

It was supposed to be the stay-at-home year, when millions of Britons chose not to fly abroad but to bask in the British sunshine – but of course it didn’t turn out like that.
For those left in any doubt about this summer’s weather, the release of official figures yesterday proved that it has been one of the wettest and dullest on record.
Met Office statistics show rainfall this summer is already up to 50 per cent higher than normal and August is on course to have the fewest hours of sunshine since records began.
The average rainfall across the UK from June 1 to August 26 is 317.7mm, 40 per cent more than normal, with five days of readings still to be considered. (If we get 40mm more in the next 5 days, it will be the most on record since 1914-already 2 0f those 5 were constant rainy days!)
This month is also expected to be one of the dullest since sunshine records began in 1929. The national average of 96.3 sunshine hours up to August 26 is already 40 per cent below the month’s average. The previous dullest August was in 1942, with 111.4 hours.

History of Labor Day

How much do you know about the history of Labor Day? Here is a little history lesson on Labor Day as we all enjoy this holiday with family and loved ones.

You might need to click on the article to enlarge it for reading.

Hayle's We Rock Video

ok, here's the video she won with. we now know she is one of 17 winners!! Wow!

Hayle WON!!!

OMG! Hayle and her friend entered the Disney 'U Rock' competition and WON!!!! I cannot believe it! She gets to go to the Jonas Brothers Camp Rock movie premiere in London, in a limo, watch them perform, and MAYBE meet them! Here is Hayle finding out she won!

Mexican Fiesta

It's a Mexican Fiesta Celebration. I know there is a lot of traveling in everyone's future, so let me know if you will be able to make it.

Leeman's Genius film work

I don't mean to overwhelm the blog with costa rican stuff......but leeman's film work is impressive

Lake Garda

This is Hayle and I standing in Juliets balcony. There truly is the Montegues and Capulets from Verona, and this was her balcony! Cool! Then we went on a wine tour. OMG! delicious wine, olive oil and snacks! of course we bought too much crap to take home with us, our luggage will be way overweight. And then there is Hayle in the vineyard. It is amazing here! Tomorrow we will hang by the lake. (ok, boys, stop reading now) That is, if I can find tampons, because of course, I got my period a week early and I am not prepared. I know, TMI, but I'm really annoyed right now.

Banana Pancakes

pura vida con leche

Yes...Yes...Yes...

Just another wedding to plan for the Braun family! It doesn't get more exciting than this!!!!!!!!!

Costa Rica

We did the zip lines through the Costa Rican forest. We LOVED it and had so much FUN! Some of the lines were really high...like flying with wonderful views of the forest below. We also did the TARZAN swing which was amazing! A few in the group were scared though. We were pushed off a platform to swing out over the forest. The initial jump was scary but then the swinging was so much fun. That was everybody's favorite. We are off to another adventure tomorrow...adios!

Foam Party!

OMG!! We went into the Bay tonight for what we thought was a little 'Wow!' Festival. It was music and guys on stiltsm acrobatics and stuff. We kind of walked around, then chose a spot by the fence to watch the show. they did fireworks and we thought it was over. THEN, they picked up this bag looking thing, and FOAM came FLYING out at us!! And it did NOT stop! Literally, it was up to our waists!! we were soaking wet, at some points we were wiping the foam from hayle's face so she could breath!! OMG, it was SO MUCH FUN!!!

Go Away

New Date - Friday, August 8th

Fun at the Park

Yesterday we had fun with friends at the park. #Hayle hopped on this contraption. then Pete went over and spun it around for her. then 3 other kids came over and got on. after that our friend helped pete spin it. of course they got going too fast, and you see what happened to pete!! OH, I am still laughing!! In the 3rd picture, it looks like our friend is trying to get away saying 'I didn't make him fall'. and I just showed this to hayle, she laughs and says, can't you make the picture bigger?........so funny!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTY!

Message in a Bottle

ANOTHER BRAUN ENGAGEMENT

Gerry and Jada took a walk Tuesday, July 1st on Panama City Beach as the sun began to set. As they walked down the beach they heard some music coming from one of the night clubs and began to dance on the beach. As they strolled back they noticed a bottle sitting in the sand. Jada opened it to read the love letter as fireworks went off Gerry bent down to his knee and asked Jada to marry him (with cheers coming from up the beach). They went back up the beach to where all of Jada's family and friends were, they formed a tunnel for them to walk through as they all hummed hear comes the bride.

CONGRATULATIONS GERRY & JADA

Surf Camp

Happy 50th!!!

Happy 50th Birthday Dad! 

We surprised my dad on Friday with a 50th birthday bash! He was just back from Mexico and very wiped out, but we did our best to secretly drag him out to The Amato's House. Of course, you know how my dad is with surprises, he asks a lot of questions!

Thank you Lori for sending some HILARIOUS gifts and some delicious cookies--just so you know , I think I may want you to do some of my wedding favors :) :) 

Enjoy the pictures of dad's big day!! Love you all!

The infamous "guppy" face :)

Havasu Falls

1st & 3rd

Check out the winner at the top!

Meet Coco

I couldn't get the black and white dog because she did not like cats and the rescue place wouldn't allow it since I have a cat. So I got Coco. I liked her name so I didn't have to change it and she is soooooo sweet.

Kelly's First Communion

What A Family

Kathy Grech came to visit and brought a couple of photos she had. Nancy and Gerry's school pictures were taken in 1971. The family photo was taken in 1966

HELP!!!

I need a new name for this little girl.

He's a Master!!

Adam graduated with his Masters! 

Super excited for him. He starts his new job at IBM on May 28th! It is just about the same time my dad started at IBM 20 some years ago! Crazy. Thank god the starting salary isn't what it was when my dad got hired, some odd 18,000 a year or around there. RIDICULOUS. Anyway, this picture was taken just after his graduation ceremony. 

As far as wedding plans go, Sorry to say we have none yet! We are in the process of doing things to try to get there though, we'll keep you posted, I promise :) Hope everyone is doing Great!

Love, Jen

We need some action here!

This is a bunch of Bull! Where is everyone?

May Bank Holiday

Hi everyone, we went about 2 hours west of home this weekend to a beach. we took the dogs because walking and playing with them is so much fun, you see one picture of them inside a pub!! and that was right after pouring rain, so wet smelly dogs, only in the U.K. it did finally get really warm on Monday and we really enjoyed it. So, what did you do this weekend??

Meet the Jada

We are coming down for my niece's graduation so thought it would be a great time to introduce Jada to the family. Jada is Gerry's girlfriend and she is excited to put faces to all the stories we have been telling her about the family. So mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7th. We will be meeting at the "Florida Party House" aka The Biasotti's. There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, and yes mom, macaronni salad. So everyone bring your own beverage and feel free to bring a favorite dish or desert. Bridget I know you are always in for a party and of course no one else can tell a story like you, so I hope you can make it. Christy and Heather I am counting on you tell the guys since I am sure they do not read the blog. We will be in town late Wednesday so I am sure if any of you kids, or as Melissa would say "cousins to me", would like to hook up with Gerry and Jada Friday night, I am sure they would be game. See you all in June.

G-ma not Neil

SEE....that other picture of Neil looking very nerdie wasn't him at all. The truth comes out!! It was G-ma all along.