Happy Halloween from the Stavrakis'

Here are Dina and Chris in their costumes...she was Snow White and the little guy was an elephant...too cute!!! Here are just a few pictures.

Happy Halloween

Lexi does not like pumpkin goo!

We are carving Hollyn's Dogs Paw - In honor of Gabby.

Finished Product

Happy Halloween - Pictures of the girls in the costumes to follow.

OXI Day

On Sunday, Maria's school celebrated OXI Day with a program after Church. All the traditional poems, skits and songs were presented by the kids in their ethnic costumes. If you would like a brief history on the significance of OXI Day, ask Uncle George or Uncle Mike ;)

Michael's Senior Picture

Well...we saved the suit & tie picture for the yearbook and opted for the photo that reflects Michael in his true form. Hard to believe this is the end of HS before heading off to college, but ready or not, here it comes!

College applications are in at Illinois State, Bradley University, Northern Illinois, Ball State & Penn State. While I'll be thrilled at him being accepted at any of these universities, my wallet is hoping for Illinois State or Northern Illinois. Geez....can you believe the tuition prices? Ouch!

I hope he does well so I have a place to live when I'm old...which isn't that far off either :(

Girl's School Pictures

Alexis, age 5 and Hollyn, age 8.

It's that time of year - School photos of our girls, 2007 - 2008.

Look how much they have changed from the Christmas 2001 photo.

Look how much Dorie and I have changed!

The years have been a little more kind to Hollyn and Alexis.

Zachary George Shuber celebrated his 5^th birthday this last Saturday and Papou, Nana and Auntie Katherine were on hand to enjoy the festivities. We also got to meet Damien, our exchange student from Samoens, France (he’s the tall one). Kim made a cake with Zach-friendly ingredients and it was delicious.

Hail, hail, the gang’s all here!

It was a “CARS” theme with pin-the-lightning on the car (Zachary won – really) and a neat "car" pinata full of candy.

Woooosh! - Many happy returns Zach!!!

All I Want for Christmas....

So I can with you a Merry Chrithmith

Lexi lost her two front teeth - 10/18/07

Look who'll be one!!!!

Hello everyone..hope all of you are well. Chris will be one on the 16th and we will be celebrating his birthday this Sunday at 3pm at our house. I know it's a little short notice but I hope all of you that live "in state"(ha ha) will be able to make it. I sent out invitations today....hope to see you there!

WhoTube

Popou Whirlyball

Dad - you can use this video at the hearing when you sue me.

Twin Bundts

(ene cakie, moree)

Video courtesy of the flip camera Mark's mom gave him for his birthday. Highly recommend it. Slightly smaller than the Samsonite suitcase-sized model Thea Katina dutifully dragged to family events. It weighs less than a cell phone, has a usb that pops out of the camera, and is truly plug and play. It only holds an hour of video, but come on, how much do you really need? Life is really just snippets and sound bytes, right? xx cheryl

My three ladies...

Just a great day at a pumpkin patch in California.

We are doing well out on the left coast!

Tom, Dorie, Hollyn and Alexis

Reese & Connor Celebrate 12th Birthday

Barbara , Auntie Sharon and I made the long drive up to Atlanta to be with Mark, Cheryl, Reese and Connor to celebrate the twins' 12th birthday. We also had a surprise visitor in Aunt Nancy Brogato, who was in Atlanta for a Hotel show.

What a week-end it proved to be! We went to the boys' soccer match early on Saturday and their team romped to a 7 - 2 win. These guys mixed it up all through the game with all of us doing the cheering on the sidelines.

Then to cap off the great day, we all went to play WhirlyBall - sort of Lacrosse with Bumper Cars. Since there were only nine kids, we had to dig deep into our reserves to round out a 5 to 5 match and - Papou was the one. Oh, my neck- I tell you that they all targeted me and I got WHIPLASH ! I am suing.

After a 10 hour drive from sunny Florida, we arrive at the Prater's home.

These guys can run! Connor fights for the ball and Reese backs up to defend the goal.

Soccer Mom cheers from the sidelines.

Reese gives the "V" for victory sign and Connor says they won by 7 to 2.

All the kids had a great time playing WhirlyBall.

All in all, it was a great visit !


Next week, tune in for Zachary's 5th Birthday.

My Big Fat Greek Homecoming

Today is Sandburg's Homecoming. Angela is escorted by her friend George again today. The kids all got together at their friend Dimitri's house for pictures. Over 20 couples in all. Luckily, the weather was beautiful..and so were the girls. The guys looked great too!