...Just a Reminder...This story builds FROM THE BOTTOM UP...so if you're joining late, be sure to catch up by reading from the beginning...Thanks.




In case you're interested, we invite you to read Kyle's Story and Dylan's Story


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Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Happy 10th Birthday, Ashley!!

Good evening,  Dad here again...

Today is Ashley's 10th Birthday!  DOUBLE DIGITS - Can you even believe it?!

We're recovering from a tornado of activity since just before Thanksgiving.

Our whole family visited China for THREE WEEKS to bring home Ashley's new little brother Zachary.  She's taken a lead role in being the ONLY Big Sister and has really bonded with Zachary.  The trip was exciting and exhausting, and was a wonderful experience that we shared with Aunt Meg and Uncle Curt.

Then, just after we returned it seemed like everyone took turns getting sick!  Dad was in the ER for about 5 hours, due to dehydration and lower lobe right side Pneumonia!  Then, it was Mom's turn...  What a week and a half!

Just as Zachary was getting used to being home, we traveled to Michigan to visit Grandma and Poppa Wedder for our traditional Christmas in Grand Rapids.  The trip was smooth but, again this year, there was no snow!  The kids were getting a touch of cabin fever, so we tried to get out and be active as much as we could.

We drove home on Sunday, and recovered yesterday.  The we had some New Year's Eve fun at the Marshall's annual NYE party.  We had to bail before the turn of Midnight though because the little ones were winding down.

Today, the Birthday Girl had a very good day.  She was cheerful and pleasant and really wanted to savor every moment as the center of attention!  For Breakfast, we made Belgian Waffles on her new waffle maker that Santa brought.  We visited Grandmom and Pop-Pop in Philadelphia so they could meet Zachary.  And Ashley picked out an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins, and everyone enjoyed a big piece after we sang Happy Birthday.  All in all, a good day.

As she heads back to school tomorrow, Ashley starts her second half of 4th Grade.  She enjoys her teacher Mrs. Irish, and she's made new friends this year, too.  Her health has been great ever since her reversal surgery, and she's managing herself well.  She's getting to know her body and how to understand what it's telling her.

Zachary's Travel Blog has a ton of Photos and Stories of our trip.

Here are a few additional photos...



It's a LONG way to Michigan!!






Christmas Morning






At the Lake at Grandma's House - not quite Frozen!






One of our Cabin-Fever reducing walks around the neighborhood!






Cousin Logan and his new workout!






Ashley's FAVORITE Cousin, Paityn.






With all of the MI Cousins






Downing our Hot Chocolates at Biggby's






Zachary's First Visit to Grandmom and Pop-Pop's in Philadelphia






10 Candles!!






Zachary LOVED singing Happy Birthday!






QUICK, before the Smoke Alarm goes off!!!

Happy Birthday, Ashley!!  From all of us...
We Love You Very Much!





Friday, October 12, 2018

Ashley a Lockhead for 8 YEARS!



Hi All,

Thanks for stopping by. Just a quick post to mark the milestone of Ashley's 8th anniversary as a Lockhead!

Ashley just started 4th Grade!  She's doing well in school and is making new friends.  We're coming off a great summer, where we covered a lot of ground, and made lots of wonderful memories.

She's doing really well health-wise, since her reversal surgery.  She is maturing and understands the importance of managing her lifestyle and balancing her diet, exercise, and lifestyle to make sure she stays on track.  She's gotten to be a very strong little lady, and enjoys long bike rides, hiking, and tearing up the local playgrounds.

In the spring, we vacationed at the Hard Rock Resort in Riviera Maya and spent most of the week with Uncle Mark, Luke and Logan - something we've never had the chance to do - what a great time we had!

In the summer, we visited Grandma and Poppa in Michigan and had fun at Uncle Mark's lake Cottage, went fishing at the local neighborhood lake, and even went on a Dune Buggy Ride up by Muskegon.  We even visited a wild animal park near Grandma's.

Then, the very next week, Uncle Mark and Luke came to visit US!  Luke had two LAX tournaments and we made day trips all week!  Lots of fun!

Later in the Summer we were fortunate enough to visit Hawaii.  We went to Maui on Vacation.  Ewe had a great week - except for the Hurricane!  We lost a couple of days, but we managed to sneak in a bunch of great times!

Also in the Summer, we visited with Dad's High School Friend Mr. Hunter and his B-I-G (Literally!!) family - and had a great Day at the beach!

It's been a great year... here are some photos of our adventures...




Last Day of School - Spring 2018




Lip Sync 2018




Lip Sync 2018

3rd Grade Play - Spring 2018


Prepping Valentines

Celebrating Dylan's 12th Birthday

Winter Fun 2018



Pittsburgh with Mom

Schenley Park - Where Mom and Dad used to Hang Out!

Celebrating Ryan's 9th Birthday


Longwood Gardens









In Mexico - checking out the Fish and Coral in the Lagoon







With Luke in Mexico







Pool Party - Mexico






Day at the Beach in Mexico






Kyle & Ashley



3rd Grade Field Trip to Elmwood Park Zoo






Bike Ride - Summer 2018







DaVinci Science Center






Eastern Sates Penitentiary






Harleysville Fair









Most Improved Player at Basketball Camp!!!






S'mores at the House!





Spring Planting with Mom





At the Arboretum



At "The Needle" in the rain forest in Maui




One of our many Cat Friends in Hawaii





At the Aquarium in Maui 






At the Hotel in Hawaii



Black Rock Beach at the Sheraton in Maui




At the Hotel/Pool in Maui (BEFORE the Hurricane)



Gotta Get Us Some Shave Ice!!





Wild Animal Park



Feeding Giraffes at the Wild Animal Park







Always Enjoy our visits with Grucle Marty



A Place for Sculpture





Steamtown in Scranton, PA



The Bronx Zoo!




Brandywine Battlefield





At Uncle Mark's - Lake Michigan



Dune Riding




About to head out on the tube!





River Tubing on the Delaware




 Hershey Gardens





Cape May with the Hunter Clan





Big Families mean Big Fun





Sand Castles in Cape May





Celebrating Tyler's 8th Birthday




Celebrating Kyle's 13th Birthday!!