The Lake - Summer 2008

This year, we went up to Griffin's family Lake House near Cooperstown, New York.  We were joined by all siblings and significant others, as well as all aunts and uncles.  It was a packed house, but we could imagine spending a better 4th of July with all our family before our big move to England!

The Lake House

The amazing leaping Bailey - who loved playing fetch off of the dock!

Our little swimmer.

All 3 Chrastina children - Ann, Jean, & Griffin

The epic Battle Boats unfolds.

And the canoe is flipped!

The victorious boys on the paddle boat.

All the contenders.

Griffin & Bailey

What a fantastic week-end!  Happy 4th of July!

The Chrastina's

Jaclyn's Baby Shower

Melissa's cousin Jaclyn is having a baby, and Melissa did a lot of the planning for the baby shower.  Enjoy some highlights from the shower!

The decorations and some of the guests.

Melissa's beautifully crafted diaper cake.

Favors and special touches.

Lots of gifts for the Mom-to-be.

The surprised Mom-to-be's arrival.

Opening gifts.

Dr. Suess themed cake.

The Mom & Dad-to-be.

Melissa & Jaclyn

Jaclyn, Aunt Laurie, & Kristin.

We're anxiously awaiting the arrival of the baby any day now!

The Chrastina's

Montréal

Melissa and her friend Kaelynn went on a week-end girls' trip to Montréal for some fun and excitement before Melissa moves to England.  They had a fantastic week-end!  Enjoy some of the highlights!

Old City Streets

The Botanical Gardens

View from the top of Mont Royal

Site of the Jazz Festival

The Girls at the top of Mont Royal

The Chrastina's

University of Maryland University College

Melissa continued to take classes at UMUC while Griffin was away this year.  These are photos from when Melissa visited the campus to take her final exams.  Check out some highlights from the beautiful campus in College Park, Maryland.

The Chrastina's

Baltimore Aquarium

Check out these pics from the Baltimore Aquarium!

The Chrastina's

Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Since Griffin has been stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for the last year, Melissa was given the opportunity to go down in visit over Easter.  Griffin had to work some of the days, but overall they enjoyed everything the base had to offer, including the beach!

The Chrastina's

Valentine's Day

Check out some fantastic photos of Melissa's Valentine's Day flowers with our new Nikon D40x!  And have a Happy Valentine's Day!

The Chrastina's