Do the Dragon

Tony and the gang produced a great snow sculpture for grandma's front stairway.

Mike seeks enlightenment on his journey to raising Jill and John.

Christmas 2007

Maria and Hannah enjoy a quiet moment in their new "Man Cave" downstairs. Karl completed his New Year's Resolution by completing the downstairs family room---Just under the wire!!!

Long Weekend

Spent the weekend painting the deck and getting rid of that awful orange color that has haunted me since I applied it a few years back. My camera's batteries have died so I haven't been able to get a picture on the blog---but it will be published next week, I promise.

A Tuell Family Tradition

Every time we're together we find a way to build our family pyrimad. This time we sucked in the Rishell's ---They seemed willing AND ABLE---Go Luke

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

We were impressed with the Rishell family---They actually swam in the Altantic Ocean@!!! Our trip to Acadia National Park was inspirational---We enjoyed a wonderful hike up Pematic Trail---The kids (and Mary) enjoyed Sand Beach and the seagulls. We went into Bar Harbor to soak in the Maine ambiance of the harbah ----

Day 3 AT ACADIA

Jillian Tuell, Chloe Yoder, and Ella McPherson enjoy the summer breeze at Green Lake. Mary sits back and relaxes as she watches her children jump from a slide and platform at the swimming hole.

A Visit From the Southern Cousins

We've been enjoying our visit with Jane Yoder and Mary McPherson's families---They've been a fun bunch with lots of spirit! Lobsters and boating on days 1 and 2---Day 3 Acadia National Park for hiking and swimming in the OCEAN---Who will survive the frosty frolic in the Maine Waters.

Fashion Show

Well, the evening ended with a wild fashion show showdown! Hannah and Jane faced off in four categories---Exotic, Sporty/School, Dressy, Vintage, and Memorable---Jillian joined the runway on the Memorable category and blew the competition away. The girls were quite creative in their outfits and ideas.

Facials in the House

The Douglas and Tuell girls had facials on Wednesday night of Camp Grandma. The girls have beautiful skin, with the except of Aunt Bunny. The girls were ready and relaxed to participate for their fashion show.

Summer Babes

The Douglas, Tuell, and LaChance girls pose in the hot tub and flash their beauty to the camera. We're happy to have the LaChance's visit and have movie night with us!!!!

Gone to the Birds

The Jeans are busy making birdhouses in between golf swings. Save your license plates and place your orders prior to the start of school!

For all those who care...
Jeanna and I openned grandma's "swimmin' hole" a couple weeks ago!
Elija was the first one in the water this year. All in all it seems the winter was not overly harsh on the pool, and more importantly the water level did not drop significantly and the leak we repaired last fall on the east skimmer was successful...the filter sand I'm told was replaced and the water has been clearing ever since. Perhaps with some help from Aunt Annie we can get the chemistry right and the official openning of the pool will go forward with the tossing of the first father into the pool this Sunday....stay tuned!

Oh, I almost forgot...Happy Fathers day to all whom it applies!!

I want to say a special thanks to the the "Jean's" for the zen garden they created in my back yard. They transformed the weed patch along the back of the house into what will eventually be a beautiful spot full of hosta's and a barbary bush, among other things. So far Vianne & Stanley have enjoyed it from afar...Thanks Girls. As soon as I get a digital camara I'll post some pictures.
In other news...Elija looks forward to being finished with the forth grade, and Mrs Zoller in particular. Despite having some difficulties with her at the end of the year, he managed to be the most improved student in Math and his reading scores improved by more point than anyone else in his class...good job Elija. We finished reading "Peter & The Starcatchers" a must read on anyone's summer reading list. Next week we'll be attending an open house at Camp Tracy in Oakland. It's a day camp that features a climbing wall, a lake for water sports, a 3/4 scale replica of Fenway park, along with a 50 ft. climbing wall. We're looking forward to a visit from the big Z (Zeb) for hockey camp in a couple weeks.
That's it for now from Sidney...I'm off to Hockey. Peace out!

Uncle Tony's New House

Finally Tony has a place to call home. He's excited about his new home and hopes to be more settled in the next few weeks. He says he has limited landscaping (hint, hint), but knowing Tony--he'll have this addressed by the end of the summer. We're all excited about his move and hope to have many family functions in a place with great KARMA!

Fighting Joe Doesn't Get US

Phil, Jean, and I golfed an amazing golf course today called Fighting Joe. It's a beautiful Robert Trent Jones Course in the town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. We were warned by the bagboy that Fighting Joe was a tough course with a lot of punch. When we first started out we thought perhaps he was right, but after a few shaky first three holes, we were able to tackle ol' Joe to the mat and make him pay---well, really Phil paid for our lunch and we cut our losses! What a beautiful day at 77 degrees and no wind! Enjoyed every moment.

Rachael's Soccer Team Wins BIG TIME

Rachael Tuell's Austin Black Bears took on their arch rivals from Decatur last night. Rachael played valiantly through the pain of bruised ribs!!! The teams battled back and forth until finally the one score by Austin was posted with about 3 minutes left to play. Phil indicated the Decatur team was a monkey on the girls' backs, having lost to them in last year's championship. The victory was sweet and fun to witness. (Note to all the newbies---Decatur has two high school in their town---The Austin Black Bears (Rachael's team) and the Decatur Somethings. We were proud of the girls and their efforts.

New Hampshire Crazies do The Loaf

Aunt Jeanna has accused me of being a slacker and I can't have that so here you go. Had a great time skiing and hanging with the family. Maria and kids arrived Thursday afternoon, we visited while the kids swam and racquetballed. Thursday night we chatted with the captain and waited for Karl to bring some real entertainment. Friday Hannah had a lesson while the rest of us ripped it up on the hill. Saturday brought 6" or 8" of mashed potatoes topped with freezing rain. It was pretty miserable but they all toughed it out. Jane and Hannah even skied the birches alone, very impressive. The kids went turbo tubing Saturday night while Aunt Annie went to Winslow for Hockey. Sunday was a beatiful sunny day and we all got to ski together, even got to take some runs with Elija "the tele-skiing" Tuell on his birthday. I can't believe what great skiers Hannah and Jane are. They both improved so much over last year. Hannah did tote road from the top, that's a big deal. Ben and I ended the day by skiing Sluice, Narrow Gauge and Comp Hill. He outlasted us all. We had lots of laughs and can't wait for next year. Tone Tuell arrived from Mexico at 2:30am Monday. It was another beautiful day in the mountains and we skied most of the day. Another day in paradise. Happy Spring. Thanks so much for the visit.

Love,

AA

Mum's Birthday April 6

Mum's birthday is coming up on April 6th. All you daughters and sons trying to find the perfect present for our much deserving mother? Too late...I've already secured the best present ever!!! I found the fan mail from our grandfather, Dom Travalini's band the Beacon Street Trio and made a shadow box from a sample of the mail. Pictures were included of Grampy from his Beacon Street Trio day---The final product was awesome! Good luck topping that!

Uncle Tony In Mexico

Be looking for Uncle Tony's update on the blog---He's vacationing in Mexico! HOLA!

Winter Break 2007

The family was reunited for a small recreation moment. Some migrate workers were available via the Portsmouth busing system---aka, Mammaria, not a bad flight!!!
The workers demonstrated great skill and precision with their OTES sculpting assignment. The students at OTES will enjoy this display as they return from winter holiday.
Uncle Tony served as lead sculptor and had the project envision in his scope. We all had a great time without any injuries---a good day in the Tuell family.

A Blast From the Past

Let's not forget about the hot sun and our summer fun during these winter days....

Good Luck Jillian

Jill's team, fresh off a cheering victory, will compete on Saturday, Feb 10th for another Cheering Title---Good luck, Captain Jillian. We think she has wonderful spirit and great leadership! RAH RAH RAH!

Pictures?

Now that I think I've got it I'll attempt to add something to the blog.

Me & E on the outdoor ice @ sugarloaf and a photo-op on the sofa at my old house in Oakland.

But before I forget...a happy birthday to Big Z! Sorry we missed the birthday dinner, hope you had a great one.

Test Post

Just trying to get this blog stuff down...

Orono Cheerleading rah rah rah!

I have my first cheerleading competition on February 2nd and February 10th. Come and cheer for me! It will take place at the Doughty Middle School in Bangor. The first competition starts at 5:00 pm, and the second competition starts at 11:00 am. My team has been working very hard, and as captain, I've been wiping these girls into shape(or at least trying LOL). I hope that we actually win first place since we have been coming in second place for the last 2 years that I've been an OMS cheerleader. So mark your calender for Feb. 2nd and 10th.
From your favorite cheerleader,
~Jill~

Snow in the mountains

Got Snow? Yup! 'bout 10-12 inches. Skiing was great all week but too cold today. 12 below and wind blowing like stink. Should warm up with more snow on the way. Maria- Paul's is booked Presidents week only-be thinking of some dates for a visit and I will reserve it.

Luke Turns 7 Years Old

Luke celebrates his 7th birthday with a "Celtics" focus. Luke received a new pillow, sheets, and comforter with the Celtics theme. This birthday appears to be following his New Year's Resolution of practicing his basketball skills!

Any plans to include the upstairs Water Closet in the new years resolution??
The Girls both got Camera's for Christmas so we'll post some photos soon.

FYI- Dana's bday is the Feb 21st, Gaby's July 21st

New Year's Resolutions

Okay you slackers...What's happening to all those wonderful New Year's Resolutions? Jill, what's up with the piano...And Ben, what about you? Jane, are you practicing the flute? Hannah, are you bossing those siblings around? Maria, the little workouts??? Zeb, what about you? Write in and let me know....I need a posting for the blog!!!!

The Queen's Closet

Since one of Jeanna's New Year's Resolutions was to fix the closets in the house. Thought folks would enjoy seeing one of the finished products. This is a picture of the Mum's closet. Two down and only fifteen more to go!!!

Three New Beauties in Town

Jillian, Jane, and Hannah are the next Tuell beauties!!! They continue to grow and shine as beautiful young ladies--inside and out!

Mr. Cool

Elija was able to purchase a "do-rag" with his gift certificate from Aunt Dana and Uncle Pheel. His "do-rag" will be making a debute at his hockey game on Sunday, January 7, 2006.

Greetings from Rochester, NH
Here are a couple of pictures of Jane & Hannah's new bedroom!
Look for more pics from New Year's eve at Grammie Dottie's