Charbonneau News

2007-10-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

THE "YAYAS" DO NATCHEZ

Dodie, Ruth, Janna and I had a whirlwind holiday in Natchez this past week. The weather couldn't have been better - I ordered it specially for the girls. We had a great time touring all the antebellum homes and eating evening meals at Monmouth and Stanton Hall. And - our long nightly cocktail therapy sessions were long overdue! We just had a great time being together.

2007-10-07T06:10:00.001-07:00

The "YaYas" at Gloucester Plantation

Ruth and General Quitman - namesake of her hometown

Longwoood Plantation - the most fascinating!

We do lunch at "Mammy's"

Our last night in front of the hotel

2007-09-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

A Baby Shower for Kate

Kate's friends, Dana and Brett, gave her a baby shower this past Sunday at the Charbonneau's home. It looked like an early Christmas with all the presents generous friends and relatives gave her. Gareth's parents flew in to Niceville from Swansea on Friday afternoon and Kate & Gareth drove them to Hattiesburg on Saturday, jet-lag and all ,to be here for the Sunday shower. Angela flew from Ft. Worth as a surprise to Kate. It was a great shower and Kate and Gareth appreciated all the gifts for their baby girl.

2007-09-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Kate

Angela, Kate & Sonia

Angela acting as Kate's scribe - Nia is sitting beside Angela

Kate showing off Nia's handknit baby sweater

Gareth inspecting all the baby clothes after the shower

The cute Christmas outfit was from Sonia and Patrick

2007-09-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

TRIP TO WALES & ENGLAND

We returned last Sunday from a great visit with Rodger and Nia in Swansea and the wedding of Karen Lee & Stephen Guilfoyle in Manchester. While in Swansea we visited the National Waterfront museum, a really wonderful museum that tells the story of innovation and industry in Wales over the last 300 years. One day we drove to Cardiff to visit the Welsh Heritage Museum - buildings and cottages were moved and rebuilt in this beautiful setting on the grounds of an old castle. Unfortunately, we did not take our camera that day - jet lag must have played into that.

Later in the week Nia took us to Carreg Cennen Castle in Carmarthenshire north of Swansea. We took the scenic route over the mountains with lots of "diversions". The drive up reminded me of driving half a century ago in the Blue Ridge mountains when there was little or no traffic and some roads unpaved. Carreg Cennen, one of the most spectacularly sited Welsh castles , sits atop a mountain with 360 degree views for miles. The castle remains that we see today date to the 13th century and the castle building efforts of King Edward 1st. The site was occupied earlier by Romans and prehistoric peoples.

Rodger and Nia drove us to Manchester on Friday. Their daughter, Lisa, and husband, Paul, recently bought a home in the Manchester area ( about 1/2 way between Liverpool and Manchester ). This was the Woods' first visit to see the children since their move from Bristol. We enjoyed seeing Lisa and having a tour of their lovely new home. After our quick visit with Lisa, the family drove us to catch the fast rail into Manchester City Center.

We spent Friday evening visiting with Karen Lee, the bride-to-be, Pete and Janet Lee, Hazel Lee, Karen's sister, and a few friends.

It had been 2 years since our last visit with the Lees - and it seemed we all talked at once trying to catch-up. The wedding of Karen and Steve was on Saturday afternoon at the Lowery Hotel in Manchester. Karen was a beautiful bride - Steve was a "glowing" bridegroom! The Lowery did an outstanding job with the wedding arrangements - and the photographer was a "hoot" as he marshaled the wedding party and guests into different poses. Pete and Janet - if you're reading this - you two looked great!

And one last note: The weather the whole time we were in the UK was beautiful -mostly sunny, no rain, and warm. We had a really great time!

2007-09-14T10:12:00.001-07:00

Steve & Karen

The Doctors' Guilfoyle signing the register

Karen with Marty and Paul

Karen & Steve cut the cake

2007-09-14T10:00:00.001-07:00

The two sisters - Karen & Hazel

The three old ladies: Shelia, Marty & Janet

Lisa & Paul's new home in Manchester

[ Lisa with her parents, Rodger & Nia ]

2007-09-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Nia & Marty at the Castle

Nia & Paul

View from inside castle

Nia puts Paul in the stocks!

Paul & Nia in front of Plas Gwyn, the Wood's home

2007-08-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

New Car and Twins' Haircuts

Know it's been quite awhile since I last posted - just can't get myself to sit long enough to put it all together. I would have probably postponed putting up pictures here if Dodie hadn't asked to see my new frivolous purchase - a Toyota Solara convertible. I started making noises last winter about having a convertible, but whined that I would feel "guilty" about buying one. Paul kept prodding me and I think at one point he hinted that if I didn't buy the car of my choice, he would get himself something. Guess that tipped me over the edge - and I found my car through the Internet in Sarasota. I love it - but here in MS, you don't drive with the top down in the middle of the day in the summer. I expect come Fall - my top will stay down a good bit.

Another milestone for the twins happened this past week - their first haircuts. The boys were really good and Pat & Jane, who have been cutting Charbonneaus for years, did a great job! The better pictures of the Hair-Cuts are on Patrick/Sonia's blog - take a look.

2007-08-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

Marty's new plaything !

2007-08-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

Philip gets his first haircut from Pat at PJ's Salon

William's hair is being cut by Jane

Pat gets "loving" from Philip

Jane says good-by to William & Sonia

Typical new-parent pose !

2007-06-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

We Hit the Beach !

It's been awhile since a posting - I guess it shows how laid back I've become over the past few months. Anyway - we had a really great visit with Ruth and John at Alligator Point. The weather was absolutely superb!!! And plenty of good food with good friends. It really doesn't get much better than this.

After our visit to the Point - we moissed on over to Niceville to be with Kate and Gareth for Father's Day weekend. Once again the weather held - and we had a wonderful weekend with the kids - and really enjoyed their pool. I think I miss having a pool. I so enjoyed the one we had at the farm.

Kate is feeling great and we had news this week that the baby most certainly will be a girl. I'm already thinking pink - as are the YaYas who have been commenting!

2007-06-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Marty & Ruth soaking up the rays at the Point

Paul & John

Paul and his friends - Book & Beer !

2007-05-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

CATCH - UP

It's been quite awhile since I've blogged anything at all. Seems like there wasn't time or inclination to sit down and post anything. I think Ruth got me started by asking about pictures from Rusty and Shari's wedding.

After Paul and I returned from our Sicily trip at the end of February, we left in mid-March for Kentucky and the wedding of Ruth and John's son, Rusty to Shari. We had a great time - a wonderful wedding. Our only set-back was car trouble Big Time. We extended our stay in KY and with the rental car and became tourists for a few days. We toured and stayed in Bardstown at one of the oldest on-going inns in the US, visited the Trappist Monestary of Gethesemene ( Thomas Merton's place ), Marker's Mark Distillery, the Patton and Armaments Museum in Ft. Knox, and one of the Mammouth caves ( we did the cave tour with Ruth, John, Ray and Dodie ). Turned out to be a great vacation and Ford Motors finally reimbursed part of our car repair.

We made a short visit to see Kate and Gareth for her birthday in late March - Had a nice evening with them and their good friends, Luke and Amber ( both in K & G's wedding ). I guess we're home for awhile and will re-group! Marty

2007-05-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

Kate & Gareth in front of their new home in Niceville

Kate, Paul, Luke, Gareth & Amber

Kate's birthday dinner - March 26

Aunt Nelee turns 92 - March 24

Our Zona and Angela - early March

2007-05-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Len, Janna, Rusty the Groom, Marty & Dodie

The girls kicking back

Ruth & John with the newly weds - Shari & Rusty

Standing in front of the 2nd oldest Inn in KY ( circa 1779 )

Paul at Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY

2007-03-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

Sicily

We just got back from a great winter trip to Sicily. We also got a day and a half in Rome,an overnight in Sorrento with a half day on Capri , and an unexpected side trip to Pompeii on our way down the coast to Sicily. We toured with Trafalgar ( same company we did the Ireland trip with in 2005 ) with a very diverse and interesting bunch. We especially enjoyed the company of an Australian couple about our age, a Malaysian couple and a couple from Singapore. The weather could have been better - we had cloudy and sometimes rainy weather the whole time. The trade-off; however, was that we had Sicily practically to ourselves. We did see other tour groups ocassionally - but at most historical sites, we were the only ones there. It was great to tour and look around the Greek temples with so few around. We packed a lot into the 10 day tour - our head is still swimming! The food at sites other than the hotels was excellent - we enjoyed the local cuisine very much along with all the Sicilian wine and olive oil. Below are just a few of the many pictures we took - we won't bore you. If you really want an overview of Sicily - we'll haul out our photo CD when you come to visit. And next we have our sights on Australia and New Zeeland ---------Whenever!

Caio - Paul and Marty

2007-03-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

A traditional old Sicilian cart - now at home

in a wine store in Palermo.

Paul took a picture of me taking a video shot ofVatican Square

Paul looks around the Colosseum in Rome.

2007-03-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

This plate of mozzarella, tomatoes, and panceta was

a real highlight. We actually saw how the cheese was

made - then had a wonderful sampling drizzled in olive oil

and washed down with a glass of limonichella, a really great

Sicilian liquore.

Paul ( in the drizzle ) at Pompeii

The Isle of Capri in the mists - but beautifulnever the less.

2007-03-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

In the Valley of the Temples - Agrigento

Part of the walled city of old Agrigento. After the Greeeks

and Romans left, the Christians carved catacombs into the limestone.

Mt. Etna - the dark streak is a lava flow.

One of many hill towns in Sicily

One of the wonderful mosasics at the Roman

Villa of Casale. The floors in all the rooms of the

villa all covered in mosasics.

2007-03-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

One of the really great Sicilian dinners we had!

The beautiful mosaics at the Norman Cathedral at Monreale.

Depiction is of Noah unloading the animals after the flood.

Mosaic showing the building of Noah's ark.

The yellow background is real gold leaf. The Cathedral is

literally covered in mosaics - very impressive.

Appolo Temple at Agrigento

One of the Dorian Temples at Selinunte.

No other groups but us here at this site -

It was great having this temple all to ourselves.

2007-01-29T19:26:00.000-08:00

Reunion with Friends

We had a wonderful week in Florida with the "gang" at Dodie and Ray's new home in DeLand, FL. - what a really great Mediteranian house! We had a proper house-warming with champange & goodies & non-stop talking. We had not been together as a group in a year and we tried to make up for all of our lost time. The weather was fickle - but didn't slow us down a bit. On our last day we took a trip to Blue Springs to see the manatees. These wonderful mammals come to the springs just off the St. John's river in the winter because of the warm water. We saw so many manatees and many with babies - what a sight! One day while the girls had gone shopping, Ray and Paul spotted a bald eagle in a tree just off the patio ( see picture below ). We also saw a pair of sandhill cranes in the pond just behind the house.

On our way to DeLand we stopped to spend the night with Kate and Gareth in Niceville which made a nice break in the trip on the way down. We were planning to stop there on the way back home - but we decided to push it and get home in a day - a very long day. We had a much needed winter break and a really great time with our old friends.

2007-01-29T19:19:00.000-08:00

The YaYas Celebrate Once Again !

Dodie, Janna, Ruth and Marty

YaYas and Their Men

Ruth, John, Dodie, Ray, Paul, Marty, Janna & Len

Blue Springs, Florida

2007-01-29T19:11:00.000-08:00

Gareth, Kate, Marty & Paul

Niceville, Florida

Bald Eagle in tree just off Dodie & Ray's Porch

DeLand, Florida

2007-01-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

Gareth ,Kate, Paul, Marty, Rodger & Nia toasting the New Year

Happy New Year !

We had a great holiday. Our children from Texas were with with us until the 28th, then Rodger and Nia flew in from Swansea, Wales on the night of the 28th and were with us along with Kate and Gareth until New Year's Day. Kate & Gareth have taken his parents to their home in Niceville, FL for a visit and some good old Florida sunshine!

And now in 2007 we hope for good health and much happiness for us and all of our good friends and relatives.

2007-01-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

Rodger & Nia - New Year's Eve

Rodger, Nia, Gareth & Kate packed and ready for trip to Florida after the holidays

2006-12-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day at the Charbonneaus'

We had quite a gathering on Christmas Day. Kate and Gareth had been with us for a couple of days prior to Christmas. Patrick and Sonia came with the boys straight from Ocean Springs that morning after being with her mother. Aunt Nelee arrived mid-morning followed by Chris, Angela and Zona coming from Jackson where they had celebrated with Angela's folks. After seeing everyone in my living room I had brief thoughts about expanding the living area! We had a great day with our family. Below are a few of the pictures we took.

2006-12-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

Sonia with Philip

Philip & William arriving at Pop & Nana's

Pop holding Philip

Kate & Gareth with William

2006-12-27T19:01:00.000-08:00

Our Zona in her Christmas Cracker Crown

Aunt Nelee & Kate with their champange toast

"Nana" with Zona

2006-12-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

Angela holds Philip

Paul relaxing with Lola

Kate & Gareth !!!

Zona with toy ball

Patrick holds William who is grasping his Uncle Chris' finger

2006-12-23T16:00:00.000-08:00

It's Almost Christmas and Kate is Home !

Kate is back from her Air Force assignment in the mid-east. She arrived at Eglin AFB Thursday afternoon and by Friday evening she and Gareth were here in Hattiesburg to begin our Christmas celebration. It's wonderful to have her safely home.

We will all go to Christmas Eve services tomorrow evening, then on Christmas Day all the other children will arrive at various times during the day. We feel especially blessed to have our family around us . Paul and Marty wish everyone a very Merry Christmas !

2006-12-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

Kate & Gareth

2006-12-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

Some Pictures of Our Zona

Angela forwarded some pictures taken earlier around Halloween of Zona. Thought you'd like to see her playful nature. She definitely plays to the camera most of the time. Maybe there is "star" quality there. Move over Shirley Temple!

2006-12-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

Angela with "Vampire" Zona - Halloween

"Diaper-head girl" Zona - the observant Islamic daughter?

I hope the full burka isn't the next piece of costume !

Potato Head Zona - She knows where the pieces go!

Zona & best friend Daniel

2006-12-02T12:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a'coming !

This post is mainly for Kate who is away. She wanted to see the house dressed up for Christmas, so here is the first installment - House at night - House in day. We've decorated the outside of the house ( minus a door wreath ) but done nothing inside yet. We tend to take this decorating thing in stages.

2006-12-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

2006-11-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day

We had an early Thanksgiving Lunch so Patrick and Sonia could take the twins to Ocean Springs for another Thanksgiving feast with Sonia's Mother and her brother and sisters. We played pass the babies during the meal and eventually everyone got to eat - though not at the same time ( such is the nature of juggling 2 ). My 91 year old Aunt Nelee was with us and was feeling very well and enjoyed the meal and being with the family. Gareth has been with us since last weekend and he will attend USM's last game this Saturday before going back to Niceville. Kate e-mailed us from "over there" and apparently the Air Force really put on a whiz-bang Thanksgiving dinner. We're glad she's safe and out of harm's way during this deployment. We have much to be thankful for at this season.

Take a look at our Thanksgiving photos below. Gareth did a great job of "jiggling" Philip to sleep.

2006-11-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

GOING -

GONE !

2006-11-23T15:59:00.000-08:00

2006-11-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

Sonia , William & Patrick with Aunt Nelee

Sonia with William

Pretty in Pink! Marty with Aunt Nelee

Happy Philip with Marty at the table

William studying his image

2006-11-15T08:59:00.000-08:00

Paul's 67th Birthday

Today is Paul's birthday but we had a small celebration yesterday so Patrick, Sonia and the boys could be with us. The best present is having your family with you. Kate sent birthday greetings from her post in the mid-east. So far she has been able to e-mail us most days. Since she can't receive blogs, Sonia is sending her pictures of the babies by e-mail. The boys were especially cute yesterday and "talking" quite a lot between smiles. William talked so much he got the hiccups!

2006-11-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

Paul with William

& Patrick below with Philip

Paul wielding the cake knife !

2006-11-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

Big Week

This has been a big week for the Charbonneaus. Kate and Gareth made a "flying" trip to Hattiesburg this past Monday ( they almost didn't get to come!) for the twins Baptism. The boys were baptized at Ascension on Monday evening at a special service done by our priest, Susan Bear. There are lots of good pictures of the Baptism on Patrick and Sonia's blog ( see the link at the right ) . Kate and Gareth got to visit with the boys for just a little on Tuesday morning before they had to go back to Niceville, FL. William was napping, so we have no pictures of Kate and Gareth with him that morning. Better luck next visit!

2006-11-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

Patrick with Philip & Sonia with William

Gareth feeding Philip

Kate holding Philip

Philip with his winning smile

Kate feeding Philip

2006-10-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

Catching Up !

Kate called this afternoon and reminded us that we had no new pictures or news on the blog. We've been busy the past couple of weeks and posting stuff hasn't been on our radar screen. Anyway - Kate said she'd be happy just to see a picture of her Dad reading a book - so without any forced poses, I snapped "The Dad" at his favorite pastime this afternoon.

We have lots of small children in the neighborhood and so most of the houses on our cul-de-sac are decorated for Halloween. Paul and I will be at our stations here at the house next week giving out candy to all the little ghosts, gobblins, spacemen, pirates, and princesses. I thought my neighbors, Butch and Gale, did a really great job decorating their front porch.

We've missed seeing the twins and their parents for the past 3 days. Pat and Sonia took the boys to Ocean Springs to visit with her parents and attend Sonia's High School Reunion. We're looking forward to next weekend when the boys will be christened and Aunt Kate and Uncle Gareth will be with us for the event. I'm hoping that my 91 year old Aunt Nelee will feel well enough to be with us also.

Marty

2006-10-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

Paul & his book on a lazy Sunday afternoon

Our House dressed for Halloween

My Hibiscus - the last blooms of summer

Neighbor's (Butch & Gale ) house dressed up really great for Halloween

2006-10-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

More Baby Pictures

Patrick and Sonia brought the boys over for a visit and dinner yesterday. We tried to coax a smilie out of William( and in fact did get smiles - just not on camera ). The boys are growning like little weeds and have outgrown a lot of their outfits.

2006-10-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

Marty with William

"Pop" with Phillip

William again -studying Nana

Smiling Phillip-Not so smiling Pop!

2006-10-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

A Trip to Ft. Worth

We spent 4 days with Chris, Angela and Zona at their home in Ft. Worth last week. Chris was able to get a long weekend off so we were able to take in the Queen/Pharaoh Hatshepsut exhibit at the Kimbell Museum and see a spectacular airshow. The Hatshepsut exhibit was fabulous - we enjoyed it more than the King Tut exhibit over 20 years ago as we were able to really take our time looking at all the pieces. The airshow was worth the wait to get into the airfield - but we left before the conclusion because of the heat - I mean it was "some hot" out on the tarmac. The best part of the show was a re-enactment of the Pearl Harbor invasion called "Tora-Tora". The WWII fighter planes really did their stuff - complete with fake bombs and lots of smoke.

We spent our last day "doing" Central Market where every food item known is sold. We took our cooler and loaded up on Stilton Cheese, marinated olives, eggpant, tamales, fancy chocolates, spices and great bread - just to name a few items. Going to Central Market is always a treat for these provincial Mississippians!

2006-10-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

Paul & Chris at the Kimbell Museum

Paul & Marty at the Kimbell

Chris & Paul at the Ft. Worth Air Show

Chris, Zona and Angela at Ft. Worth Central Market

2006-09-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Visit from Gareth & Kate

Gareth and Kate came from Destin for a 2 day visit to see us and the twins this past weekend. There are some pictures of their visit on Patrick and Sonia's blogsite ( link is to the right ). Paul filled Kate up with his shrimp and remolaude and Gareth dug into the barbeque short ribs. The Charbonneau house "rocks" with food ! Maybe that's why our children like to visit - and they love us too.

The weather has turned beautiful and the humididty is down. We now have yard work to do that we'd postponed because of the heat. Mums and pansies are on my planting list for the next week.

Marty

2006-09-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

Grandparents on Duty

We've been spending the day with the boys while Patrick and Sonia sleep. Patrick is on night duty at the hospital this week and Sonia get zip sleep at night with the babies, so they both hit the sack in the mornings ( at least for this week ). Schedules change and we'll change with it. The boys are taking all this in stride - that is - they are doing their "thing" regardless. They are really filling out - their little cheeks are puffing out and their legs are now "squeezable".

2006-09-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Paul - half asleep; William definately asleep

Philip very much awake and studying the mobile

2006-09-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

Visitors

Rodger and Nia, Gareth's parents, flew in from Swansea this past week to see the children. Paul and I picked them up in Gulfport and "captured" them for a night here in Hattiesburg before driving them to Destin to be with Gareth and Kate. I guess it wasn't fair to take their picture so early in the morning - I think they look great for having just arrived the day before. Rodger is wearing one of Paul's Navy T-shirts---Hope the Royal Navy doesn't see the picture! Gareth was neatly pressed and about to leave for work. I forgot to take pictures the night we arrived in Destin ( we were all taking a blue streak! ) so you can't see Kate's new hairdo. She's gone short - and it looks great.

Check out Pat and Sonia's blog at the link to the right to see some pictures of Nia and me holding the twins.

2006-09-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

Rodger & Nia with son Gareth

2006-08-31T05:52:00.000-07:00

Patrick at "36"

Paul and I surely aren't old enough to have a 36 year old son ! Never-the-less we celebrated the happy occasion with dinner and a cake. AND - the boys behaved beautifully.

2006-08-31T05:49:00.000-07:00

Pat and his chocolate cake

4 candles - one for each member of the family

2006-08-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Tom

Kate and Gareth's cat, Tom, has come to live with us. We thought they might like to see that Tom is just fine and looking pretty good for an old, retired cat.

2006-08-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Tom

2006-08-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

Aunt Nelee Visits the Twins

Aunt Nelee paid her first visit to see the twins this past Monday. She had been looking forward to seeing them since they were born. We will be taking her frequently to see the boys.

2006-08-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

Aunt Nelee with Sonia, Patrick and the boys

2006-08-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

Aunt Nelee with Phillip

Aunt Nelee with William

Aunt Nelee with Phillip

2006-08-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

VISITORS

Our niece, Melissa Charbonneau, breezed through town this past weekend on her way back to D.C. She had been on the MS Coast doing a story on the first anniversary of "Katrina" for her network. She and her mother, Marie, got their first glimpse of the boys on Saturday.

Marie is a veteran "baby-rocker" and has volunteered to come help feed and rock babies some mornings with Marty when Patrick returns to work after Labor Day.

2006-08-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

Marie Charbonneau rocking Phillip

"Pop" and Melissa Charbonneau with William

2006-08-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our Grandsons - One Week Old

What a week ! The boys are now a week old and doing great. It has been wonderful to see the day to day changes in the twins Being with the boys this past week has made me realize just how much Paul and I missed when our first grandchild, Zona, was born 3 years ago in Ft. Worth. Maybe one day I'll have all my grandchildren closer to home.

The other news is ............that there is no news but the very hot weather - the kind of heat and humidity that takes your breath away. Would love to see temps in the mid-80's - that would be a great cool-down for us. Marty

2006-08-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

Sonia with William

"Pop" with Phillip

2006-08-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Twins Go Home !

Phillip and William were able to leave the hospital mid-day Sunday. Patrick and Sonia were very eager to get the boys home. We have not been making pictures the last 24 hours as everyone has had their hands full. It seems feeding and diapering have taken front stage. Patrick and Sonia will be posting some of their pictures ( which are better than ours ) over the next few days on their blog.

The boys are doing so well - If we leave them for just a few hours - they seem to change. They are growing before our eyes!

2006-08-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Phillip & William ready to leave hosptal

Patrick with his boys

Aunt Kate sees the twins for the first time

Sonia with her wonderful nurse Christie

Sonia is ready to be wheeled out to the car

2006-08-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

Twins - Day 2

Phillip and William enter Day 2 - and personalities are already beginning to surface. William makes more faces and has had his eyes open some this morning. Phillip wants to cover his face with his hands - sort of like a boxer in the ready position. Today the boys look even more alike to us. We spent the morning debating who was holding whom - and we sometimes had to rely on checking their ID tags. Sonia is putting a dab of nail polish on William's big toe to aid in identification. Something new every hour. Stay turned !

2006-08-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Phillip & William

Sonia & Patrick with the boys

2006-08-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Sonia with Phillip & William

"Pop" Charbonneau with William

Sonia with William

2006-08-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

More Photos of Phillip & William

on their "Birthday"

As promised earlier today - here are a few more pictures of the twins. This has been such a wonderful day for all of us and we are so thankful for healthy baby boys. I honestly don't know when anyone will get any sleep - as we are riding "high". Having the babies in the room with the parents is definately an experience in instant hands-on from the very beginning.

2006-08-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

Phillip & William

Troy McIntyre, OB, with Sonia & Patrick.

Troy went to Medical School with Patrick and

was the delivering physician.

2006-08-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

William

Phillip

Sonia with William

Phillip - eyes open

2006-08-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Phillip & William

Have Arrived !

Phillip and William Charbonneau arrived about 7:00 a.m. this morning. Mother and babies are doing.........absolutely wonderful. These boys are large for twins at 36 weeks. Phillip checked in at 6lbs. 5 ozs. and William weighed in at 6lbs. 8 ozs. They are beautiful boys and the family is so thankful for this miracle of birth.

Check this site over the next few days as we will share more information on our new grandsons and some photos of them ( hopefully with eyes open ) throughout the weekend.

2006-08-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

Patrick holding Phillip

Phillip after his first bath

Nana with William & Patrick with Phillip

2006-08-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

William ( I think ) with "Nana"

Phillip with Sonia & Patrick after his bath

William with "Nana" before his bath

William getting ready for the first bath

2006-08-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Marty Celebrates "65"

Our children helped celebrate my birthday a few days early. ( real date is Aug. 9th ). Kate and Gareth were in town for a wedding this past weekend so we had a Birthday Party Sunday night. I wish Chris, Angela and Zona could have been here - one of these days maybe I'll be able to get all my children together at one time.

I am now on Medicare and Tri-Care for Life - Yippee! - A big plus in turning 65 and not having to worry about medical or Rx bills. Yes - there is "Life" after 65. I'm in good health and Life is good. There is so much to look forward to in the coming year and........ we are waiting for the twins arrival on Friday ( as planned ). Stay Tuned !

2006-08-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Blowing 'em out for # 65

There should be 65 candles !

The "Old Couple"

Patrick & Sonia - Kate & Gareth

2006-08-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

Kate & Gareth relaxing after eating cake

Sonia & Patrick doing the same

Brillo guarding the porch

2006-07-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

Heritage Sunday at Ascension

Today was Heritage Sunday for our Church. This event was started about 20 years ago as "Gospel-Sing Sunday" for singing all those hyms and songs that are so much a part of most protestant churches except the Episcopal Church ( we tend toward non-swinging, no hand-clapping type music - a pity!). We enjoyed our Sunday song-fest so much that it became a annual tradition and we eventually renamed it "Heritage Sunday". The majority of our church members have come from various protestant backgrounds and we felt they "missed" the old music. As a matter of fact - I LOVE the old hymns and gospel songs and I didn't grow up with that tradition as an Anglican/Episcopalian.

After our church service with the wonderful music, we had an old fashioned picnic suited for South Mississippi summer weather ( 98+ degrees ) ............... inside the parish hall! Hey - it's the only way to have a picnic in July in this part of the world. Below are a few pictures of us gathered for the inside picnic.

2006-07-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

Church of the Ascension

Melissa McCarty and Marty

Melissa and I go "way back" . She was a Library Science student at USM when I was at Cook Library - Seems like 100 years ago.

Laurie Ryba and her mother Mary Ellen Stainton

Laurie and Mary Ellen are old friends who were also on the Anglican Pilgrimage with us last summer.

Ken Garbee with his daughter Meagan

Meagan has a special honor to attend a leadership conference in Washington, DC this fall. Paul and I will be the special "cooks" for a benefit dinner in late August to help Meagan raise money for the trip.

The Rev. Susan Bear with Jeanne Garbee & Madalyn Decker

Madalyn is our newest church member at 12 weeks.

2006-07-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

AXO HOUSE

For Janna and Pat - I found this picture of the sorority house at UGA taken ? I have no idea. It

did bring back memories.

2006-07-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

HOT, MUGGY SATURDAY

It's hot - it's steamy- it's miserable - typical July weather for us. There is little incentive to do anything outside. We do what we have to outside early in the morning - then read or go shopping during the heat of the day. Paul and old friend Mike spent a little while on the back patio this morning chit-chatting before the temp began to go up.

2006-07-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

The two old men - Paul and Mike

2006-07-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Future "Nana" and Mom-to-be

Sonia had a check-up today with the OB Dr. and she's doing great! The Dr. is looking to deliver the twins either on August 11 or 14. Now we hurry up and wait.

2006-07-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

101 - That's what it topped out today! [ For the Welsh and Brits - The Woods & Lees - that's 38.33 celsius ]. The small, pitiful bit of vegetation you see is being kept alive by daily watering. South Mississippi is now in draught mode and it will probably continue until early fall. The slightly green grass you see is our start at repairing the backyard after all the tree loss from Katrina. Hopefully we will be able to create something of a yard next spring. We pray for rain !

2006-07-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT OUR NEW BLOG !

Well - I guess old Paul and Marty are testing the waters of the 21st century. Patrick and Sonia have helped us create this blog-spot so our friends can see what we're up to. Now the trick will be to see if we can enter pictures and other things correctly so it won't look like a mess.........We'll see ! Interesting things computers can do ..........especially with a little help from the grown computer-literate children. While visiting our site - check out Patrick and Sonia's site at the link to the right. They are expecting twin boys very soon ( maybe as early as mid-August) and we are all very excited.

We hope you enjoy viewing some of the things that we're doing in retirement. Please feel free to leave comments - we love hearing from you.

Paul and Marty Charbonneau

2006-07-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

July 4th Weekend

We had a great very long weekend over the 4th. We had a nice visit Friday & Saturday with Kate & Gareth in Niceville, FL - then drove over to Alligator Point ( about 3 hours away ) to spend Sunday through Tuesday with John & Ruth Robbins at their beach house. The Robbins' daughter, Paige, and her family were also at the Point at their beach house - and we enjoyed being with them and the children, Hunter Marie and Blaine. Alligator Point is where you go to let your mind float free - we love it. Ruth and I caught 18 blue crabs ( 3 mamas we had to let go ) and we combined these with some jumbo shrimp for a really great July 4th meal. We had fireworks on the beach for 2 nights - and also went to the neighbors to see their fireworks display on the bay. It was a terrific 4th !!! Maybe we'll be invited back next year !?!

2006-07-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

Paige and Paul

John, Paul & Rick (in the UGA chair)

Ruth has orders to find me a Georgia Chair since

I can't find one here in Mississippi !

Paul, John and Ruth enjoying the beach to the max !

2006-07-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

Short Visit with Gareth & Kate

We stoped in Niceville for 2 days to visit with the "kids" on the front end of the July 4th weekend. They are enjoying being in a house for the first time. Kate is trying to beautify the yard with plants and also trying to keep everything watered during the extreme heat of summer. Gareth is a manger- in -training at San Destin Resort - about 40 minutes from home - and Kate commutes to her job at the Eglin AFB hospital - about 4o minutes in the opposite direction. They live about 4 hours from us - so we will be able to see them frequently while Kate is stationed at Eglin.

2006-07-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

Kate and Gareth - Niceville, FL

Gareth and Lola in her new "digs"

Gareth & Kate in front of home

2006-07-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Visit to Ft. Worth

We left the second week in May to visit with Chris, Angela and Zona before striking out on our Western trip. Zona celebrated her 3rd birthday while we were with them - AND - she had her first haircut! We're looking forward to spending a little vacation time with them in Destin, FL this fall.

2006-07-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

Zona turns three

First haircut

All Done

2006-07-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wild West Trip

We took a wonderful 3 week trip out west in May. This was a much needed vacation as we hadn't really been anywhere since "Katrina" hit our area last August. We managed to avoid all the crowds by going early in the season - it really made driving enjoyable. We toured the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone and managed to see the last remnants of snow. Our next stop was Devils Tower, SD - a really impressive piece of rock and also the very first National Monument created by Pres. Teddy Roosevelt. From the Tower we toured the Badlands of SD - very interesting landscape, sort of moon-like. Leaving SD, we drove through S. MN to Spring Grove to visit with Janna and Len Myrah, the sheep, and Cleo ( the dog who visited a pig farm !). Our last stop before heading home was Kiethsburg, IL to visit the grave of Paul's great grandfather, Louis Napolean Charbonneau. We had a safe and wonderful holiday and are already planning another spring trip our west to new sights next year.

2006-07-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Grand Tetons

Buffalo - Yellowstone

Old Faithful at sunset - Yellowstone

Paul and Shoshonee relatives - Wind River Indian Res.

Lander, WY

2006-07-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Mt. Rushmore, SD

Devils Tower, SD

Chief Crazy Horse Monument - uncompleted

Mammouth Hot Springs - Yellowstone

Janna, Len and Cleo

2006-07-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

Len and the orphan twins

Paul found the great grandfather's grave

Dakota Badlands

Hiking the horse trail with Janna, Spring Grove, MN