On the Homefront

Had to share these pictures of the latest addition to the McGovern family.

Aunt Jen and Uncle Dave surprised the kids (and Lori and I) with a pet tortoise for Christmas. The yet to be named Russian tortoise has been camped out in Grandma and Grandpa’s bedroom for the past few days.

I’m trying to decide if a pet monkey or a pet alligator will cause more havoc in the Chonowski household someday.

Aunt Jennifer returned from her second tour of duty in Iraq at the end of December- just in time for Christmas! Unfortunately, we were unable to travel and see her. She and Uncle Dave generously gave up a weekend to fly to DC and spend some time with us. It was really wonderful to see Jennifer after a year and a half. We are so grateful for her service and very thankful that she is home safe. Dave and Jennifer had a whirlwind trip to humble Mason Street that began with a missed flight in St. Louis and ended with Tim oversleeping on Sunday morning and barely getting them to their gate in time! Travel drama aside, the kids had a blast and were thrilled to take advantage of the beautiful pool in the hotel where their Aunt and Uncle were staying. They also took full advantage of their attention and energy for most of the weekend. Tim and Lori did enjoy a few heated rounds of Catchphrase- men against women of course! The sisters (Lori, Jennifer and Karen) handily beat the men (Tim, Dave and Anthony). The Agnew sisters are unstoppable…

Thanks for coming to visit!

We are making the drive to Harmonsburg, Pennsylvania this weekend for the annual Agnew Family Reunion.

Grandma and Grandpa Agnew at Brendan's Baptism

This is an all-day affair held every year at Gibson Park that entails delicious food complete, laughter, dips in the creek, fishing for crawdaddies, volleyball, endless popsicles, and the famous egg toss.  We have the distinct honor of being in charge of games for the 100 plus people who will attend.  The trip will begin with a six hour drive that includes 2 tired parents, 3 rambunctious children and 1 forgiving aunt.  That’s right- Aunt Karen is daring the 6 hour drive (of course after driving to Aunt Jennifer’s wedding in Illinois with us last summer this is a cake walk).  We are looking forward to hanging out with good ol’ Uncle George, Grandma and Grandpa Agnew as well as extended cousins from around the globe.  We might win the prize for newest addition to the Agnew clan- something to be proud of!