Mark, JD, Grandma, and Papa at the 1812

Last weekend JD & Mark played against each other in the 1812. Grandma & Papa were there even though the weather did not cooperate. JD Played defense & Mark was offense so it was fun to watch. JD's team won by 1. The boys were nice enough to pose for a picture at the end.

Saying Novenas Pays Off

Mark and I were doing a casual nine holes when we got to number nine red, at Willowbrook. I heard Jan bragging about his eagle and I got one. But number nine is a par 3, 110 yards. I made it in one shot which I think is also a HOLE IN ONE!! I used an 8 iron. It felt great. I'm still shaking. Maybe you guys should go to church once in a while and say a "Novena". I can teach you if you want me to!!

Little Saints Attend Doodlebop Concert

Second row seats for these little saints as they wait for the doodlebops to perform on Saturday at the Arena. Popcorn, drinks and cotton candy kept them full but all eyes were on the doodlebops with Julia claiming they waved at her because they saw her when she watched them on tv!!!! Imagine that??? Jon did think Deedee was pretty cute but with 4 girls he's a little partial to pink!!!

Saints Summer Tour

I am not sure about the rest of you but I would still like to golf this summer. I am going to plan on Golfing next Friday the 1st of Aug. If anyone is interested let me know i am not sure where yet maybe i will finall hit up Willowbrook this year or if there is any out of towners that want to go where can maybe meet somewhere who knows. All i know is my golf card is paid off, my arm dont hurt, and you guys dont stand a chance. Who is in or do i golf by myself ? See ya boys.

2008 FAMILY REUNION

Here are just a few pictures that I think sum up the weekend. Reading down those two that started all of this for without them we would not be. While we all are not always on the same team the four different cloths could have easily stood for 4 of us in cloth diapers at one time. Next we have our youngest member Nicolas Anthony (sorry Jon but you have to plan it better, maybe the next one???); and there is teamwork; family traits (daring or foolish you be the judge Tim & Jared); patience award goes to Ryan who was on the Red Hatter's Team; our future golfers who can't wait until next year; the oldest in age and oldest BS'er; Concession appreciation - Gigi's nachos were a hit but next year could you get cotton candy for Nana; confessions are always available anytime even at the reunion; the most fruitful son (just 3 more to go Jon); and last but not least, these two say it all - family + friends = forever fun!!! For those of you who took pictures.....Rose....please post.

The Best of Days

We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and once again we were able to count our blessings yeaterday. The weather cooperated, much better than today. Thanks to everyone for coming and joining in. Thanks to Jay and JoAnn for hosting at the compound and doing the cooking and picture taking, Jan for meal planning (lots of good food and too much) Jon for the games ( fun to watch the competitiveness and the way the older grandchildren helped the younger ones to know what to do) Jean for the awards ceremony and a few good laughs and to whoever arranged the golf matches. I'm not sure who had a hand in it but give yourselves a hand anyways. The swimming was great and I think everyone had a good time and cousins got to know each other a little better. To illustrate a point, Carolyn had a pink golf ball and I asked her where she got it , she said that red headed boy gave it to her. I said you mean Justyn and her reply was I know Justyn Grandma. No it was that other red headed boy. Way to go J.D. Kerry and Monica were about to celebrate birthdays. Sorry we forgot to mention it. Nano enjoyed the day and everyone took time to talk to her and make her day. She slept real well last night. Thanks again for making it such a memorable day. We hope this will continue to be a tradition. Even though we don't always get to celebrate holidays together at least once a year its fun to enjoy each others company. Thanks again to all of you and kudos to all 54 of you that were able to make it. For the ones that couldn't you were in our thoughts and hope to see you in 09. Grampa St.Croix was an only child. What a legacy. Love and Thanks for Family.

Final Pairing's for Challenge

With the win last year the Nephews retain the honor off the tee and will tee off first in a threesome. No not your kind of threesome Uncle Jan. The first tee time is 1:00pm @ WGC at Thompson Park. The team of 3 will include the youngest nephew on the course Matt St.Croix, the only one w/o the name St.Croix, Anthony Netto but we know with 4 kids and twins to boot he earns the name, and finally the third person the hard hitting Jess St.Croix. The second group off the tee will include two uncles and two nephews. First off for the second group the longest driving(with this comes the most tee shots wasted) in the game Jared St.Croix paired with the more accurate striker Jayson St.Croix. Paired with this group going over the hill this year will be the twins of the older version. Jan and Jon hopefully with them 2 together they might be able to find one game. And the last team of 4 will include out of shape golfers and a weak heart.Jeff, Jimmer, Jean and Jerome. Although pizza might have to wait with these four off last for they might need oxygen first. If anyone has a problem with this the can as Uncle Jean says EAT Somba Handicapping Institute Technologies.

Netto Twins hit Three!!!

They might have been double the trouble in their terrible twos but I would bet we will all be saying: "glad it's not me now that they're three". They had a wonderful last minute birthday party complete with pizza, cake and gifts. Looks like Anthony might have a lax player after all.....now all Uncle Fred has to do is figure out which one it is!!!! I have a set a twin girls working for me this summer and Jay knows them. They both played three sports throughout the school year but neither played the same sport as the other. That's six sports the parents had to learn and attend. Cheer leading looks pretty good now doesn't it Anthony???? Happy birthday to Hannah and Jennah.

Special Days have been updated.

One event was left off of the special days. Sorry about that!!!! Why don't you wait until the end of the month to tell me!!!!!!!!!

Our heart & prayers for Jonna, Jo Jo & Josh's Grandfather

Our sympathy goes out to Jonna, Jo Jo and Joshua with the passing of their grandfather, Bob White. Bob enjoyed watching and supporting his grandchildren especially when it came to softball. If there is anything we can do please let us know.

The St. Croix's attend the Clough Wedding

Both Jonna and Jared were in the wedding party for the St. Pierre & Clough Wedding on this past Saturday. Funny how family meets up with family as Jonna was a friend of the bride and Jared a friend of the groom. It was a very exciting day that even seem to "arouse" a near-by bear!!! If you ever visit the Edgewood Resort in the bay watch out for the bear and room 114!!!

CHALLENGE

For you of those who can not read i will officially post who i have for teams:
UNCLES:
Jon-It took me seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course.
Jan-Give me the fresh air, a beautiful partner, and a nice round of golf… and you can keep the fresh air and the round of golf.
NEPHEWS:
Jayson(purple just for you)-I don’t need to know where the green is. Where is the golf course ?
Jess-Golf is a game in which you yell “fore,” shoot six, and write down five.
Jared-The other day I broke 70. That's a lot of clubs.
Anthony-Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps.
Matt-You've just got one problem. You stand too close to the ball after you've hit it.

This is all i have. Josh and Mike cant make it as for everyone else no idea. Lots of help guys thanks. Maybe next year someone else can plan it who has not responded yet and let them see how fun it is.

SOMBA handicapping

I thought you may want to know where the SOMBA handicapping odds were created. I got them from a company called Somba Handicapping Information Technologist. I believe they have an acronym for their name but I can't remember what it is at this time. I do know Jon really liked the site as was known as someone who was full of Somba Handicapping Information Technologists. I also know that some people used this with cows and were known as BULL Somba Handicapping Information Technologists artists. I know for a fact Jean is one of these gentleman. This company is very useful and can be used for a variety of reasons. Jayson ate their one day and the people said he should eat Somba Handicapping Information Technology. When he was done he was full of Somba Handicapping Information Technology. Jared once had a great shot and people soon referred to it as Somba Handicapping Information Technology shot. I am also pretty sure Jan has been there because I believe he smells like a Somba Handicapping Information Technologist.

Just thought you would want to know and remember this is Somba Handicapping Information Technology post.

Rules for the Challenge

As the eldest nephew, I am appointing myself as captain of the nephews. As the "best" of the uncles and aunts, I am appointing Hero the captain of the Uncles and Aunts. If it were an LPGA event, I would have got that chocker of small bones in cohoes :) Let me know what you think Hero. It isn't any different than our challenges.

Rule 1: NO FLUFFING!!!!!!! We both have members who have been known to do this on occasion, and that's fine. But when we are playing high stakes golf, it must be legit. Hit the ball as it lies. If you don't like the result of your shot than here is the advice I give saint8 on the course: "hit a better shot!". It usually gets me a profanity but he knows I love him. The course has designated areas that are spray painted on the fairway that you can take relief from, they will be white circles around the dead spots. You may take relief from these designated areas but no nearer the hole(golf hole jan, I don't want you taking any relief in any holes).

Rule 2: Absolutely no gimmies! Everything gets putted out. It is a more accurate score as we know that sometimes people try to wheel and deal for cheap putt. We have all used this one "you're good if I'm good" When in fact if either of anyone who said that was good, they would've made the put.

Rule 3: No mulligans. Easy enough

Rule 4: Jan must play from the white tees and not the red or gold ones

Rule 5: Jeano may not have his eyes dialeted the morning of the challenge. This only went to prove that even a blind squirrel can find a nut every now and then.

Rule 6: I will wear a "clean" hat

Rule 7: Uncle Jeffy isn't allowed to say 7 novena's before he hits it. If this is the case, God may send him a message as he holds up play.

Rule 8: Saint8 can not get that guy we saw at the park who had to go in the woods to retrive his driver to play with him. One Saint8 is enough.

Rule 15: Don't let us beat you by this many holes again. I know that someone is jealous that we beat 15 holes but he will have to just fantasize.

Rule Bitches: That's right, that's what you'll be, our bitches. I finally figured out what I was missing from my game on firday. If anyone noticed I had something different on. It won't happen again. (No Hero, get your mind out of the gutter)

As per the discussion from last year, I think the nephews should golf with the nephews and the uncles with the uncles. We will divide up the nephews as we see fit. You guys will go off in between nephew groups, it's what we like to call a HERO sandwhich!!! I expect you, Hero, to call your boys out if you have to, and I will do the same if I see anything shaddy.

Handicapping the SOMBA

For the first time the official odds for the SOMBA will be posted. Remember that all wagering is for fun only and this is not to be used for any monetary benefits.

Team 1 - odds of winning 3to 1- The preseason favorites as Jayson came out of camp firing on all cylinders. However, his latest 9 has made bettors leary of putting big money on his team. Look for Josh and Matt to contribute as this team may finish in the middle of the pack, unless Jayson can find his touch and avoid big numbers. Dark horse on this team is Dunc as he is the best looking and will have the ladies swooning as we expect the gallery follow this team.

Team 2 - odds of winning 50 to 1- This team also known as the "cardiac kids" does not appear to have the heart of a champion. Look for this team to fade down the stretch as they play to a BEAT of their own drummer. Darkhorse here is JD and Mark, if they can keep this team together with their play and the use of the AED a better finish might pump this team up.

Team 3 - odds of winning 4 to 1 - Jan has been known as choker and Jerome has not touched his clubs enough to be a factor. Jerome should get a 10 month job if he hopes to contest. Darkhorse here is Ryan, as rumor has it he has taken lessons. Roman appears to be a golf cart driver only.

Team 4 - odds of winning 5 to 1 - Anthony has the home course advantage but lack of sleep with a new born could be his undoing. Jim knows lacrosse only and does not appear to be much help on the course. Liam is a skilled a driver but may not contribute much on the course. Darkhorse is Sean who may have enough game to pull the upset.

Team 5 - odds of winning 1 to 1- this team is obviously a favorite as two very good golfers show up here. If Jess and Mike can help Sam and Noah at all this is the team to beat. Darkhorse here is if Mike as learned the most important thing about Greece. If you are wondering what he learned in Greece the question is how do they separate the men from the boys in Greece? The answer of course is with a crowbar. If Mike brings his crowbar and Jess brings his "A" game lookout.

Team 6 - odds of winning 2to 1 - Jared can really drive the ball but Jon has been letting the nerves get him with the short game. Since this is not for money Jon may be able to get overcome his Yips with enough medication. Make sure this team has enough time to hit the portapottie as this could be a necessity. Darkhorse here is Emma and Tim as they are immune to the pressure of golf and may be able to take advantage of Jared's long game.

Team 7 - odds of winning 3 to 1 - Ryan looks to be the best golfer on the course. No person can win this tournament by himself, if he gets any help from Becky and Monica (with her lessons look out). Darkhorse here is Justyn and how long his father will let him participate. Justyn may have to leave early Papa Jay.

Once again no wagering please this is only for fun.

Somba correction

Team 2 should be Mark not Caroline. That's what happens when you hire the handy capable. Sorry about that Mark. I also apologize for putting you with your father, although rumor has it he has improved.

July 4th 2008 Golf Outing: The usual crew were back on the links friday. Jayson, Jess, Saint8, and Jon were at Watertown Golf Club. The scores were Jon (42&42), Jayson(45&49), Jess(50&46), and Saint8(48&51). Amy, Dunk, Jensen will have to eat on somebody else this week. Maybe Amy will have to work this week???????? Jayson didn't drive to well but when it got down to the last hole and the money was still on the line Jayson erupted for a solid 9. That's a 9 on a par 4. You know almost a 10 and 1 more than a snowman. Saint8 had a bad arm which definately hurt his game but he didn't shoot no 9 at all. Jess still hasn't found his game and I only hope he still loses it for the Somba. Jared had at least 4 rim jobs which from my understanding he got 1 of them back yesterday. Also if we were playing the uncle and nephew challenge I won 4 holes and lost 4 holes and tied 10 others. Thats 3 against 1. Now I know Mike and Matt and whoever else will help these nephews but if they don't all I need is for 1 of my brothers to win 1 hole...Just 1 hole bro's....Hopefully my bro's will win more than that so I don't have to carry them all over the course????? One more thing, thanks Jeano for your advice. Not only did I not listen to your coaching but I didn't take my medications either. Maybe your defense in lacrosse should't listen either? I did hear your defense set some kind of record in the final game.... Maybe Jim can move to Carthage and help coach because his team seems to do okay....

Somba teams

Team 1 Jayson, Dunc, Josh, Matt
Team 2 Jeff, Jean, Caroline, JD
Team 3 Jan, Jerome, Ryan St. Croix, Roman
Team 4 Jim, Anthony, Liam, Sean
Team 5 Jess, Mike, Sam, Noah
Team 6 Jared, Jon, Emma, Tim
Team 7 Ryan, Becky, Justyn, Monica

Any complaints can be referred to my lawyer who is on retainer from Dewey, Cheatum and Howe.

2008 Tragos Quest to Greece

From June 20th-29th, I was in Greece on the Tragos Quest to Greece, which is a 10 day journey put on by the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity's Educational Foundation for 16 undergraduates nationwide each year. We visited ancient sites in Athens, Delphi, Olympia and many other places, climbed Mt. Parnassus, gave oratorical presentations from ancient works, enjoyed an ancient meal and discussed some reading from antiquity. The sites of Greece are incredible and the guys that I went with (along with the mentors who went with us) were great to be around and we made some good friendships.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Greece, I would highly recommend it. The hyperlink is to a site with hundreds of other pictures from the trip.

Say Uncle Challenge

It is official folks there is a tee time and a golf course selected for the Say Uncle Challenge. We will be showboating our awesome golf talent at The Watertown Golf Course @ Thompson Park. Tee times start @ 1:00pm. I have tee times for twelve people right now if you people could let me know who is in and out it would be nice incase we have more than twelve.

4 Week Tour

There will be a Foursome hopefully for golf this weekend again counting on Jayson, Jon, Jess and I. 8:10 will be the tee time and a $40 dollar purse. Jayson is up on top the money list with jared second on the leaderboard but first in talent. Jon and Jess well they are lucky i mentioned their names. Anyone else is welcome if you are home for the holiday their will be a party at the compound after.

July DATES to NOTE

The summer will come and go but the opportunities to make memories will live on forever:

July 4th - Annual St. Croix Compound Red, White & Blue Picnic all are welcome to come and enjoy the day.

July 9th - James D. II will be sporting my football number of 46 this year.

July 14th - Hannah & Jennah will celebrate their 3rd birthday.

July 15th - Jim & Kerry will celebrate 19 years of heavenly bliss.

July 18th - Who's your Daddy Tee-off will take place. Handicap parking available. Pizza, cards, and SOMBA prep time will follow the knighting of the nephews by the Uncles ceremony.

July 19th - St. Croix Reunion

July 20th - Anthony & Jill will celebrate their 6th Anniversary. Four kids in 6 years at this point they are the only ones that might beat Papa & Grandma's 8 kids in 10 years. Another set of twins would give them some breathing room to spare!!!! How about it????

July 20th - Monica is my age in reverse at this writing anyways....25!!!

July 21 - Kerry will celebrate her birthday.

To those who celebrate a special day many more we pray. To those who make the reunion lasting memories forever and a day.