Christmas Cheer

Home for the holiday.........

I had a wonderful time visiting "home" (which has been a year) and spending time with the family. My parents redecorated the house and it looks great! Jenny and David also came in from Miami, so I was able to give and get lots of love from my precious nieces and nephew.

Maggie in her vest

The Christmas Eve party

Becky and I in front of the newly finished fireplace

Uncle Hank and his buddy

Max's parents (Maxine and Marty) and my mom

And of course the Christmas sweaters

Max (though it is hideous, it still matches his shirt and eyes)

Jody being refined

Ryan (My dad genuinely liked this sweater. He asked Ryan several times where he got it and wanted one like it. Hilarious!) if you must know- it was purchased from a thrift shop 

for 50 cents.

Christmas Day!

Juju pooped all over herself and David upon arrival, so opening presents was delayed.

Juju loves her babies

What a handsome boy

EJ with her accessories from Aunty Melissa.

Tricia feeding the babies at Aunt Susan's Christmas get together. (introducing Tricia's first "Benton" on the right)

Just hangin' around

Too funny. Jody was on the phone with his girl and Juju took it upon herself to sit right on top of him. She is too much.

Dad and Captain Jack

Late night with the big people and enjoying her icecream. Whatever you can to keep em' happy.

Going out......

The best gift this year "The Snuggie"

Appears not just once.....

not twice.....

but three times

 And that is only what I caught on camera. They definitely came in use this year.

 Thank you Pat and Melissa!!!

Winter Storm

Well yesterday brought us our first snow of this winter and it was a big one. It came down for almost 24 hours. I managed to stay out of this freezing weather and in my warm, cozy apartment for the most part. I literally have only left to eat and run a few errands. 

This afternoon the sun is out so, I did do a quick walk to park for it is currently a winter wonderland. I had to capture some photos of the beauty and of course the Central Park sledders. I would have toughed out the cold and joined the kids on the hill, but I don't have a sled,  cookie sheet or pizza box to make do with. 

Anyway, trying now to get organized for a busy Monday. I think I am going to need to a coffee perhaps with some liquor to get through the remainder of this afternoon/evening full of snow piles, gusty wind and work emails. Only two days until I go to SC to see the fam and friends. Yippppeeee!!!!!!!!

LIVIN' ON A PRAAAYER!!!!!!

On Wednesday some friends and I went to a birthday party where Bon Jovi was the entertainment. It was awesome!!!! We literally sat at a table right in front, so we had an excellent view. Let me just say that he still has it and is still so fine!!! Gotta love him!! Whoooooooa, we 're half way there, whooaaaaoooooo...................

Work holiday party

The Brooklyn Girls- Susan and Jackie

Lou and Joanna

Tara, Emran and Tom

Getting good use out of my sweater.

An IT sandwich. We love our tech guys!!!

(Dean, Jackie and Anthony)

 

Thanksgiving weekend

Well Thanksgiving weekend was quite eventful and emotional for me at the same time. Not because it was a holiday and I was not home, but because someone tried to pick pocket me on the train to Rob's parents' house. Luckily I had nothing in my pockets that I know of and all my belongings were in my zipped up purse specifically for that reason. You prepare yourself for times like these, but you never really think it will happen to you. Though it is a petty crime that does not physically harm you in any way, it still leaves you feeling violated and so, so small and helpless. So DON'T FALL ASLEEP ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION!!!!! As for me, I won't be taking that train anymore.

Okay on a better note.....

Thanksgiving was full of wonderful food, family, friends and all together good times. Rob's parents fixed a lovely meal with more food than you can imagine. We visited with family and listened to Christmas music (my favorite). I just can't get enough. I got to meet the newest member of the Kenney family, Chloe, Michelle's new pup. (pictures further down) She is quite the snuggler and I had  a good time stuffing her between the couch cushions to get funny pictures. We just never grow up do we? 

Since I had to work the day after Thanksgiving, lovely Rob drove us back to the city at 10:30 at night. Not a bad ride and you don't have to watch your pockets. Well I stayed in the city and my cousin, Carrie (who also lives here) had my aunt and uncle come visit. We had a great dinner down in Little Italy. It had been forever since seeing Aunt Carol and Uncle Mike, so it was great catching up with them.

Little Italy

A lovely setting

Just hanging out.

Chloe

Meeting Avery!!!!

The weekend before Thanksgiving Rob and I went for a long overdue visit to Katie and Chaz's. We got to finally meet Avery for the first time and she is just precious. I also learned that she loves to watch football. Good training Chaz! Also, I think she really liked me because she would cry when Rob would try to take her from me. Maybe she just didn't like him. hehehe. 

Anyway, we had a great time. Katie made ribs and chicken and twice baked potatoes and a delicious pie. We stayed up talking, laughing and drinking lots of wine. We slept in nice warm, cozy bed in a very quiet  bedroom (just heaven when you live on 1st ave in the city), in a perfect house. It was such a treat. I recommend you go visit. Thank you Katie, Chaz and Avery. We'll be back!

Avery hanging out in her swing. You can't see them, but she is wearing some stylin' Uggs!

Avery and Chaz

Beaufort- shrimping and engagements!!!!!

Beaufort- So two weeks after Rob and I got back from Europe we made the trip down south. 

Family, fishing, shrimping, boating, relaxing and a surprise proposal. We had such a wonderful time. The beautiful trees full of spanish moss are just amazing to look at and provide such an escape from our hectic city life. I could not stop taking photos..........

SHRIMPING

Rob making bait balls with no gloves. Eeewwwwww

Ryan and Rob hard at work throwing the net.

The outcome.

Seasoned and boiled. Yummmmm!!!!

This was the first time Rob has worn a lizard as an earring. Guess this is not a yankee child's common outdoor activity.

Settled in our kayaks for a photo finally....... A few minutes after we got in our kayaks and I assured Rob we would not get wet, he flipped his and floated down the waterway. Dad and uncle Tracy had to come save him. Hilarious!!!! That is the last time he will listen to me.

THE PROPOSAL

soooooooooooo happy!!!!

And on a perfect beautiful evening the surprise got even better.........

Melissa's mom was secretly hiding at our aunt and uncle's house waiting for the arrival of the newly engaged.

Happy gals.

And one tired fiance.