A Visit to Stony Creek

What we really wanted was a family portrait of the Santellers. It seems Grandpa and I aren't too keen on our picture-taking skills. At least Uncle Eric and what we can see of Aunt Kerie looks pretty good.
All these pics were taken when we went to visit them in June for Eric Robert's high school graduation. Besides seeing our loved ones, we were treated to all the beautiful Adirondack scenery.



We decided to take these pictures one person at a time. (To make up for our lack of skill.) We had a little trouble getting Skyler right side up. Did we tell you he is as sweet and cute as ever? I predict he will become a world famous comedian. He's great with stand-up comedy. (Did I mention he is also an excellent student?)















Jeff is still as handsome as he is brilliant. (Do I sound like a grandma?) This picture shows him receiving one among many honors-The National Junior Honor Society Award, that's besides being a class officer.



















Amy is still going to Albany SUNY and working in the psychiatric hospital near there. While we were in Stony Creek, she celebrated her 20th birthday - blew out all the candles, too.




















Last but not least, our graduation boy Eric Robert. I think I told everyone already he is planning to go to Adirondack Community College, living at home, and plans to be a RN.


Our trip was outstanding in every respect, but the best part was seeing everyone in the Heller household. My apologies for taking so long to catch you up on your New York cousins.

Love you all, Grandma for Grandpa and me

Aaahhhh! It's accomplished.

Finally, after months of talking about it, I am putting Eric Robert's senior activities down for posterity. On June 28th he graduated with many honors - he was in the top 10 students in a class of 72 and the recipient of the Environ Team Award, Boys State Award (Junior year), Great Sacandaga Lake Citizenship Award, Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Award (Junior Year), Saratoga County School Boards Association Award, Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology (Junior Year) and, under Athletic Awards, the George Doherty Award and New Visions Program participant - just to name a few.


You all know that he received the Eagle Scout Award earlier this year, but did you know he was honored for his environmental work. This honor included a $500 scholarship and a personal handshake from his state senator.
Every weekday of his senior year, Eric Robert would arise early, don good looking slacks, dress shirt, tie and lab coat and drive to Saratoga for a session with the New Visions Program. His work there, along with about 10 other students selected throughout the area, was to attend class during the mornings and in the afternoon to shadow a doctor or work in a pharmacy or visit a hospital or do some task geared toward helping the student find a suitable career in the medical field. It worked, because Eric Robert easily chose to attend Adirondack Community College (ACC) to study nursing. In 2-1/2 years he will be a Registered Nurse and from there he will have many options for specialization. (He's had a lot of experience already, in that he is on the local fire department and is a New York State Certified Fireman and was called out on an emergency case almost every night we visited.) Pictured below you see Eric Robert in a restaurant. He is either studying the menu or opening a graduation gift.


By attending ACC Eric Robert will live at home while attending college. He'll like that for many reasons, like saving money and being able to visit his girl friend Stacy more often.


You can see, in spite of a heavy downpour outside the high school, graduation was a very happy occasion for Eric Robert's family. He's a very good student, but he is also a hands-on person, so we expect to see many exciting things happen with him in the years to come.


We'll be praying for you, Eric Robert, and watching your progress in the years to come.

There! I did it! I was slow getting this post down on 'paper', but not because I didn't like the subject matter. Eric Robert is a lot of fun to write about. Next on the Grandma's Gazette agenda you'll hear about our visit to Stony Creek and the rest of his family. 'See' you then.

Love you all, Grandma for both of us

And again we are new grandparents!!!

This time it is the Santeller household that has brought honor to our clan. This little kitten is named 'Domino' (don't know why) and he is a feisty little bugger.


Jeff laid back on the carpet and pulled Domino on top of him and suddenly Domino had a mouthful of Jeff-nose.


There's always room for one more in our critter menagerie that extends from Upstate New York to Morgan Hill, California. Like grandchildren, grandpets are all play and no responsibility. We're for 'em! Let me know, if you are the next to get an animal. Any volunteers?

I'm waaaayyy behind on my posting, but the next one should be that long-promised and long-awaited story of Eric Santell and his high school Senior events. Pray for me and my efforts. I've not made much progress in that department.

Love you all, Grandma for Grandpa and me