Monday, June 16, 2008

East Coast Roundup

I'm still recovering from a whirlwind trip back to the east coast to spend some quality time with the family. We managed to pack this trip full with major life events. First on the docket: my dad's ordination service as a set-apart minister in the Church of the Brethren.

Here's my dad in full-on preacher mode, greeting his congregation after the service. He joked during his sermon that beginning "set-apart ministry isn't supposed to coincide with collecting of social security benefits", which got a good roar from the crowd. He went on to point to all of the people in history who affected major changes in our world - after the age of 65. Well done Dad! Congratulations!

On Monday, my brothers and I hit the road for Ocean City, New Jersey. We hit all the usual spots...34th St. beach, the Boardwalk, Mack & Manco's Pizza, Hamburger Construction Company, Dot's Donuts (!).

Josh & Ben


We stayed with Uncle Glenn & Aunt Mary in their fantastic new home at the beach.

On Tuesday evening, it was back to Royersford for the Spring-Ford High School Baccalaureate service, where my Dad was to give the sermon to all of the 2008 graduates. Of course, most of our time at home was spent gawking at the new family dog Bella.

Mom & Bella on the porch


Josh, Bella, & Sara

On Thursday, the whole family attended Sara's graduation, the seventh and final O'Donnell to graduate from Spring-Ford.

Ahh...smell the nostalgia!


Freshly graduated and adorned in roses.


The calm after the storm. Congratulations Sara!