Dec 18th
My Mom and Sister arrive in New York City. The fun began as soon as they showed up at my door. We talked girl talk into all hours of the night. It was the perfect beginning for one exciting week. I was out of school and got work off so it was vacation for me too. I love when people come into town because it gives me a chance to break away from my normal routine and appreciate what the city has to offer. Thank you to all who made this trip possible.
My Mom and Sister arrive in New York City. The fun began as soon as they showed up at my door. We talked girl talk into all hours of the night. It was the perfect beginning for one exciting week. I was out of school and got work off so it was vacation for me too. I love when people come into town because it gives me a chance to break away from my normal routine and appreciate what the city has to offer. Thank you to all who made this trip possible.
The first picture of the week. We are trying to train Jenni to keep her eyes open when the flash goes off.
West Village
On our way to see Wicked
Most of our pictures were taken at arms length. We took maybe 20 of these. Jenni either has her too closed or too open. Shes getting better.
On the Brooklyn Bridge walking to Grimaldies, my favorite pizza place. This was one of my favorite nights. That might have a little to do with the fact that Richard (on the far left) was with us.
Richard, I put this one on for you.
It would not be Christmas in New York with out seeing the tree at Rockefeller Plaza
Dec. 22nd
Saturday night we fly home to a very full and cozy house. When we arrived everyone was asleep so it was very quiet but when Sunday morning came everyone crept to the kitchen form the various corners of the house. With six grandchildren it was the exact opposite of quiet. Thats when it started to feel like the holidays. When I think of home I immediately think of the kitchen/family room. No matter what time of the day, if you want to be around someone, go to the kitchen. And with my family always expect interesting conversation. I'm not sure what it is but it seems to me that snacking plus being around people will always equal some type of debate. This is one thing I love about home. Now my mind is on a roll thinking of things that I observed this Christmas.
1. Brad and I shared food really well this time around. Jenni claims that Brad and I got in open fight over food in the past, but I am guessing it was more like I was annoyed with Brad but kept it from him and told Jenni, and Brad did the same and confided in Jenni. But I think we have come up with a solution when it comes to both of our appetites. Make a lot of food.
2. The best way to be able to get a nap in the day is to quietly disappear.
3. If you want a grandkid to behave, hand them over to Grandma or Grandpa. You know you love it Mom and Dad.
4. There are so many things that I think of that people would not what me to share.
5. Its so easy for me to get up in the mornings when everyone is around. Even if I am only running on five hours of sleep I have to get up for the fear of missing something. Thats the youngest child in me.
6. If you want to enjoy dinner, put the kids to bed. Thats for the parents, I am totally okay with the kids being around for dinner.
7. If you bring cheese out of the fridge to snack on there is a 75% chance at least two people with join you. If you take out Brads salsa there is a 100% percent chance everyone will show up in the kitchen to take part and It will be gone in one sitting.
8. Jenni and Brad need activities. I am already starting a list of activities for the next visit to guarantee us zero down time. And I will not even think about going to hang out with my friends.
9. We did not play cards this Christmas. Hmmm....We did not really have problems with being competitive. Are these two tied together? Looks like the train game might have to be the only game we are allowed to play when we are together.
10. Why does everybody hate to be the last one up that has to turn off the lights? When we decide to go to bed we always race out of the room so we don't have to get stuck with it.
11. We are learning how to discuss politics a little more rationally, either that or I wasn't around for that fight.
I could probably go on forever. Hope I did not hit any soft spots with anybody. Bottom line is that I love you all. I love the little things that give life to our family. It is so wonderful to watch our family evolve and change as each of our lives take course. As crazy as the holidays can be, I wouldn't want them to be any different. Thank you to everyone for keeping in mind why we are all here together, and working hard to remain close. Thank you to Mom and Dad for helping us understand the value of family, and for laying such a firm foundation. Miss you all and I will see you soon!
Saturday night we fly home to a very full and cozy house. When we arrived everyone was asleep so it was very quiet but when Sunday morning came everyone crept to the kitchen form the various corners of the house. With six grandchildren it was the exact opposite of quiet. Thats when it started to feel like the holidays. When I think of home I immediately think of the kitchen/family room. No matter what time of the day, if you want to be around someone, go to the kitchen. And with my family always expect interesting conversation. I'm not sure what it is but it seems to me that snacking plus being around people will always equal some type of debate. This is one thing I love about home. Now my mind is on a roll thinking of things that I observed this Christmas.
1. Brad and I shared food really well this time around. Jenni claims that Brad and I got in open fight over food in the past, but I am guessing it was more like I was annoyed with Brad but kept it from him and told Jenni, and Brad did the same and confided in Jenni. But I think we have come up with a solution when it comes to both of our appetites. Make a lot of food.
2. The best way to be able to get a nap in the day is to quietly disappear.
3. If you want a grandkid to behave, hand them over to Grandma or Grandpa. You know you love it Mom and Dad.
4. There are so many things that I think of that people would not what me to share.
5. Its so easy for me to get up in the mornings when everyone is around. Even if I am only running on five hours of sleep I have to get up for the fear of missing something. Thats the youngest child in me.
6. If you want to enjoy dinner, put the kids to bed. Thats for the parents, I am totally okay with the kids being around for dinner.
7. If you bring cheese out of the fridge to snack on there is a 75% chance at least two people with join you. If you take out Brads salsa there is a 100% percent chance everyone will show up in the kitchen to take part and It will be gone in one sitting.
8. Jenni and Brad need activities. I am already starting a list of activities for the next visit to guarantee us zero down time. And I will not even think about going to hang out with my friends.
9. We did not play cards this Christmas. Hmmm....We did not really have problems with being competitive. Are these two tied together? Looks like the train game might have to be the only game we are allowed to play when we are together.
10. Why does everybody hate to be the last one up that has to turn off the lights? When we decide to go to bed we always race out of the room so we don't have to get stuck with it.
11. We are learning how to discuss politics a little more rationally, either that or I wasn't around for that fight.
I could probably go on forever. Hope I did not hit any soft spots with anybody. Bottom line is that I love you all. I love the little things that give life to our family. It is so wonderful to watch our family evolve and change as each of our lives take course. As crazy as the holidays can be, I wouldn't want them to be any different. Thank you to everyone for keeping in mind why we are all here together, and working hard to remain close. Thank you to Mom and Dad for helping us understand the value of family, and for laying such a firm foundation. Miss you all and I will see you soon!
