P U !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It seems the mild winter we had has led to an increase in the skunk population around the lake.  Nothing worse than that smell !  It burns the eyes !!

I have been working hard to remove them but there is a lot more of them then me !!

Fireworks at Newton Lake !

Once again the weather held up and the 2012 Fireworks display at Newton Lake went off without a hitch. For a small lake we really get a first class display.  It was nice to take the kids and spend the evening out on the pontoon boat with the Fawcett's.

I know someday we are going to look back on these days and realize they were the best days of our lives.  Great times ... great memories !!

Lake Ontario 2012

Headed up to Lake Ontario to do some Salmon fishing, and we literally caught a boat load of fish.  Thanks to Tom Burke and Andy Bliss of the Cold Steele fishing charter, they kept us on fish all day long. 

Lakeland Softball 2012 !!

Emily is back for another season of softball !!  It blows my mind how serious some of the coaches in this league take these games.  Everybody wants their daughter to be a superstar.  I can honestly say our coaches are only interested in teaching the game, and making sure the girls have fun.  We aren't going to win any championships, but we also are not going to make 10 yr old softball seem like a job for these girls.

Spring Skiing at Elk Mountain

Annie & I at the top of Elk Mountain, PA.

Took advantage of temps in the 60's today and went skiing at Elk Mountain.  I have to say spring skiing isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Pretty slushy and icy and it rained off and on.  However it was a nice way to end the 2012 ski season.  Annie and I had a great time, and hats off to the team at Elk Mountain for keeping the conditions at Elk Mountain outstanding, despite a winter with little or no real snow.

Enjoying the Warm Winter Weather !

Annie's first time on Elk Mountain's Susquehanna slope !

Emily's first time on skis !

This week was another great week of skiing.  Annie is getting better every time out, and this week Emily tried skiing for the first time.

Emily took a little while to catch on but by the end of the night she was doing great.  Now if we can just find a way to keep her warm.

Finally able to Skate !

Emily & Annie

It's take awhile but the kids were finally able to get out on the lake and ice skate.  Calling for heavy rain and temps in the 50's this week so this may be the end of the skating season. It's ending before it began.

When I look back at the old pictures I can't believe how big the girls are getting.

Annie & Emily Ice Skating in 2007

Annie's Learning to Ski

Annie is hitting the slopes at Elk Mountain.  She is doing great and she loves it !  

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas !  From us to you !

RIP Betty :(

Lost my mother-in-law this week,  Very hard losing someone who means so much in your life.  The girls are heartbroken ... they loved their Nana :( 

Until we meet again ... watch over us ... god knows we need it :(

Sokoloski - Yurgosky - Christmas Tree - 2011

 

The 2011 Sokoloski - Yurgosky Christmas Tree Hunt went off without a hitch.  Weather was warm, and search didn't take long.  However if the temperature was in the single digits, the ladies would have taken at least an hour longer to find the trees they wanted.  Now we get to look forward to a month of Christmas Tree allergies in our house.  Can't wait !!

We Still Are - Penn State !!

At the Horseshoe, Columbus OH

Made the trek to Columbus OH today for the Penn State - Ohio State game.  Great time with great friends, these opportunities in life are too far and few between.   Great win by Penn State too !!

Getting Ready !!!

 

Decided to take advantage of the warm weather and started getting the lights ready for next month's 2nd Annual McGrane Family Christmas Tree Lighting !  Gotta say .. tree was a little full ...  lotta sap !!

Happy Halloween !!

Barbie & Ken

2011 Jack-O-Lanterns

Halloween 2011 will be remembered for dumping a foot of snow on us here at Newton Lake.  All the snow kind of put a damper on our Halloween party, but it didn't stop the kids from bringing in a truck load of candy.

My Lakeland Jr. Chiefs Cheerleaders

Emily

Annie

Annie & Emily are back for another year of cheering with the Lakeland Jr. Chiefs Cheerleaders.  These kids love cheerleading.  I am not as big a fan :(  Would much rather spend my Sundays watching the NFL !!

My Day as Iggy !!

Spent the day as Iggy, The University of Scranton mascot. I have a new found respect for anyone who chooses to be a mascot as their profession.  It really is a difficult job ! I enjoyed hanging out with the students at the University of Scranton, they really are a great bunch of kids !! 

First Day of School - 2011

Another school year has begun for Annie & Emily (and Marion too).  Here is the annual first day of school photo.  I hope everyone has a great year !!

Hurricane Irene Evacuation !!

OK .. today was a first for us. We were forced to evacuate Rehoboth Beach, DE due to the impending Hurricane Irene.  I guess it's better to be safe then sorry.  Great job by the governors in all the state along the eastern seaboard getting people out of harms way.  Experienced my first Earthquake and Hurricane all in the same week.

Rehoboth Beach, DE

The Sokoloski & Yurgosky kids at Rehoboth Beach, DE - 2011

Tracy & Paul, Keith & Marion

Took a quick end of the summer trip to Rehoboth Beach for a few days with the Sokoloski's. We got to experience our first earthquake while sitting on the beach, and we ended the week by getting evacuated for Hurricane Irene.  However the days in between were relaxing, and it was a nice way to end the summer of 2011.

This Never Gets Old !!

Marion and I took a little pre-anniversary cruise around Newton Lake tonight at sunset. The colors in the sky were amazing. Unfortunately I am not a professional photographer so this what you get. Sunrise and Sunset at the lake are the best !