Halloween scenes from around the family

Here's a quick collection of photos posted by family members of jack-o-lanterns, costumes and other Halloween scenes. The pumpkin above was carved by Gerrit, and the one below by Andy and Shannon.

Bea and her dad, John, dressed as characters from the TV series "Stranger Things" ...

...and Bea also made an appearance as a Sweet Strawberry.

Nolan trick-or-treated as a dinosaur on wheels.

"He wouldn't sit still for a good pic," said his dad, Gerrit - seen below in "Walking Dead" get-up.

Brooklyn Rae made a lovely Princess Elsa and Brennan Alexander was a super Spiderman.

Marie, Brian and Xander went with a Pokemon theme - Xander as Ash and his parents as Pikachu and Charizard (we think).

And pumpkin-carving master Brian created this Pikachu-o-lantern.

And Kathy shares this photo of Jack-o-Leo... looking a bit puzzled.

"Leo thinks this whole pumpkin thing isn't working," Kathy said.

It's official: Shannon enlists in USAF

Shannon officially became a United States Air Force recruit on Friday.

"Can easily identify today as one of the best days of my life - officially sworn into the world's greatest Air Force," Shannon posted on Facebook.

In joining the Service, Shannon follows her brother, Brendan, who completed a tour in the United States Marines.

"I am beyond proud," her mom, Mary, posted.

Shannon expects to be leaving Saratoga Springs on Dec. 31 to report to duty.

Scenes from Rick & Shanna's Wedding - Video

Here is the first of what will be a few videos of Rick and Shanna's wedding reception, taken by Shanna's Uncle Dan. The light was very low for his little camera, resulting in rather grainy footage, but the joy of the occasion still comes through.

Stephanie named to regional student orchestra

Stephanie has been selected as 2nd chair clarinet in the Ohio Music Education Association South Central Regional Orchestra.

Students from 20 counties in the region submitted auditions for the orchestra. The selected musicians will perform in concert at Dublin Coffman High School on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Meanwhile, Stephanie continues performing at football halftime shows and band competitions with her Hilliard Darby High School Marching Band.

On Oct. 4, for example, the band took part in the Westerville Central Band Classic, won 1st place in Class AA and was judged Grand Champion of the event.

Dolores takes award in plein air event

Dolores took a "best in show" award in a plein air art event last month.

Hugh writes: On Saturday, September 24 Dolores took part in a plein air event at Spruce Forest Artisan’s Village in Grantsville, Md. Beginning at about 10 a.m. and finishing about 1 p.m., she produced this pastel painting, which Dolores calls “September Shadows.”

The painting shows a wooded area across the Castleman River. The river was at a lower water level at the time. The piece was awarded a prize as best in show.

Congratulations newlyweds Shanna and Rick!

-- UPDATED 10/4 with link to more photos --

Shanna and Rick were married on Saturday, Oct. 1, in the Mary Help of Christians Chapel at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey.


Shanna's cousin Genevieve and Rick's cousin David were the matron of honor and best man. Rick's sister, Stephanie, and Shanna's cousin Vivien were bridesmaids, while Rick's cousin Mark and Shanna's brother, Kevin, were groomsmen. Genevieve and John's daughter, Bea, came down the aisle (in mom's arms) as the flower girl.

Bride gets thumbs-up from flower girl

The couple's parents, the bride's grandmother and many other relatives and friends attended the joyful ceremony.

Bride and groom with parents

Later, they were joined by more family and friends at The Clubhouse at Patriot Hills C.C. in Stony Point, N.Y., for a wonderful reception that featured a LOT of dancing!

Toasts to the bride and groom

Party!

We've put together two albums of photos from Dan's camera (including a few taken by Robert):

• Our 12 favorite pics

• And a few dozen more!

MANY more photos can be found in an album on Shanna's Facebook page. And Dan promises to come through with some video soon, so be sure to check back.