Lets Get Ready To Rock

The Newest Bender

Meet Roxy the cocker spaniel. She just had 10 puppies and doesn't have her figure back yet, so she didn't want me to post this but oh well...marley and her are getting along great. in fact they are playing tug-o-war right now w/mary ann's shoes - i let them do that while she is in class. ssshhh.

Action at the Baby Pool!

Jack and his daddy enjoy "wading"!

Mimi loves watching!

Clancy Man and his mom - what a sweet guy he was!

Meanwhile in Melfa....

Jack schooling his Pop on use of the "mouse"!

Jack loves Mimi's hair! The Benders of Lafayette Hill get ready for some breakfast chow!

Chicagoans in awe of ocean!

Chincoteague VA - Mark reels in a "big one"!

Another Awesome Engagement Picture! Jeff and Erin!

Last Mango in York

Here are a few photos from the last hurrah in our home.

Mom, dad, jeff, and the pups.
"I don't want to leave her!"

Da' House!

Jeff slept all 11 hours on our drive home

Ladies and Gentleman, the President of the United States. (w/a brown bag lunch)

Meis' Wedding

We all had a blast at Meis' Wedding on the Chesapeake Bay. Jeff and Erin were missed but soon enough we'll be at their wedding! Below is a viedo of a lightning storm that rolled in during the reception, very cool.

Engaged ! ! ! (finally)

Yup it's true. We finally got engaged on the 1st of June at a park in York, PA. Perhaps the last time we would be in our home town I took the opportunity to propose marriage. Erin was thoroughly shocked, even though my plan had been in the works for several months. Everyone back home and in Chicago knew, except for her! Thanks to all who kept the cat in the bag. So, she said yes, and the ceremony will be held in Melfa, VA the first weekend of October 2009. Can't wait to see you all there!!

The Last Supper

We sat down together for dinner countless times at this table. The laughs and serious conversations we had here shaped each of one of our lives. Although we will never again sit around this particular table in this house we will, with ease, recreate this very same atmosphere whenever we join each other at our homes. From one amazing home we have branched outward and made Chicago, Lafayette Hills, Oak Park and Melfa home too, yet I continually look forward to sitting down together at the same table and of course Mom's Home cooking.

Out--Of--Doors

Erin taking the lead for a day of hiking and fishing. The whole gang taking a moment to watch the sunset, contemplate life, and pound some beers. Amazingly throughout the course of the canoe trip not one canoe got swamped nor a single person went over board!

Native Chicagoan Spears Orange

Michigan orange caught unawares while crossing in front of wood pile. Unprovoked Mark Bender threw approximately twelve spears at the innocent orange and then ran around with said orange on the end of the spear and celebrating by pouring beer on his head.