Collin's Senior Prom

Collin's Senior Prom June 1, 2013

I wanted to share some (probably too many) photos of Collin's Senior Prom with you.

Collin's evening began on a very hot night (June in Upstate NY - who would have guessed?). We took a few quick pics at home before we left for the events. Our Hibiscus bushes are in bloom right now and they made a nice backdrop for Prom photos!

 Doesn't he look handsome?

 Mom and Collin

Dad even got in one photo!

Before we gathered for the Red Carpet walk, we took some candid photos of Collin's date, Tate, who is an absolute sweetheart, and his buddies waiting for the festivities to begin.

Tate and Collin

There is a tradition at Seton to have a "Red Carpet" walk before Prom at Rec Park in Binghamton a block over from Seton. It was more like "Red Plastic Runner" - but, we won't quibble. It is a nice tradition for everyone to come and see the Seniors in their last public event before graduation. It is the beginning of the letting go of the High School experience and a time for the kids to cement bonds of friendship before they part for college. It is a bit of a sentimental time for kids and parents and community alike.

 Don't they look nice together?

 Are they looking a bit nervous to you, too?

Ben blowing bubbles at the couples as they wait to walk the runway!

After the "Red Carpet", everyone seemed to take a collective sigh and relax a bit. The kids all dressed up in tuxes and long dresses looked like they were beginning to wilt in the heat - but took some time for  photos with friends before they left for the next leg of their (very long - all night long, in fact) journey.

 Collin and his buddies

 Collin and Tate are both looking relaxed

 Tony, Trung and Collin with dates

 The whole gang - dates included!

 Tate and Collin make a cute couple

 The Guys

 Ben and his buddy, AP

 Collin couldn't resist trying on Ryan's top hat - made him awfully tall looking!

 Collin and AP - track (Throwing) buddies

 The boys of Collin's Senior Class - Seton 2013

 Collin and Tate were chauffeured by Tate's Grandpa in his '67 Mustang - classic!

 Wheels to the Prom which was at Binghamton Country Club

My favorite picture of the evening!

From here, Collin went to Prom, which began with a Mass for the Seniors, then dinner and dancing. They came back to Seton about 12:30 and began the Post-Prom Party, put on by the parents, which lasted until 5:30am. There were games, a bus full of video games, a bull-ride, a massage therapist - each kid could have 1 - food, prizes, but no sleeping! This party keeps the kids together and assures we don't lose anyone to drunk drivers - complete with Breathalyzers on Prom night!

After breakfast and swimming with his buddies, Collin came home about noon the next day, thoroughly exhausted and ready for a shower and bed for a few hours. He said he had an awesome time!

Seton Presents: Les Miserables

Les Miserables

Seton
October 2, 2013


Ben and Collin are in the school play this weekend at Seton Catholic Central. Many young men and women (and a few not so young:-P) worked together for several months to bring a nicely done, well performed play. Last night was opening night! We were there for the opening curtain! Great fun - especially the students.

Seton 

October 2, 2013

Ben working on the docks  

Collin on the docks 

Collin as a pimp with Fontine (Rachel Polman) and an "Old Prostitute"

 Collin holds Javert at gunpoint

Collin as student/revolutionary 

Ben standing at the barricade ready to fight 

The barricade and fighters 

Collin looks on as Marius (Vincent Paniccia) holds Eponine (Larissa Yost) 

Collin consoles Marius 

Collin at the revolution

Drinking to the good old days - Collin and Wilson Hettinger 

Ben drinking, too 

It's all coming to an end - these kids did a fantastic job as leads 

Finale' 

It was a wonderful show, it sounded very good - the sets were wonderfully done and the costumes really helped tell the story! Now, 3 more shows to go and counting......

Update from Upstate NY

I had some photos of events I wanted to share with you.

2013 already has proved to be an eventful year! No BIG news, just the daily in and our of our lives that is always nicer when shared with people you care about! Perhaps this will get too lengthy to manage in one post, and so I may break it down into "installments" - not that I have that much to write, but several photos I wanted to share with you!

Ben's Confirmation
On Sunday April 28, 2013 at 2pm, Ben and his Confirmation Class were welcomed by the Bishop into the Catholic Church as adults. It was a very nicely done Liturgy; Collin was Ben's sponsor and Grandma came to help us celebrate, which was so nice!

 Collin and Ben - two very handsome (and sweet) guys!

Collin, Ben, Bill - my 3 blessings

 My guys - dapper, eh?

 Me, Collin, Ben, Grandma

 Ben and Me

 Mom and Me

 Bill and Me

 Confirmandi class of St. James 2013

Ben, AP, Collin, Peter, Fergie

Some photos around home of Grandma's visit

 Ben has grown at least 6" since September - getting to be a tall man!

 Ben enjoying that he is taller than Grandma!

 Ben and Me

Ben is always clowning!

It's Spring!

Easter brought us unexpected family time. We took an impromptu trip to U of M to see my specialist. While there, we celebrated Easter with some of Bill's family.

 Bill and Ben

 John, Ben, Bill and Grandpa

Bill, Me, Dad

And so, we've had a full and blessed early Spring. I am so looking forward to warmer weather, gardening, walking, and replacing my prescribed Vitamin D with the sun! Winter is always difficult for me in a cold climate - but we survived winter (with surprisingly no major illness) and are happy to be embracing Spring!

I wish you all warm breezes, the sun on your face, the smell of flowers blooming, and all the majesty that the natural world and Our God gifts us with each day!

Be at peace!