Merry Christmas 2009

Amanda made this darling paper doll mobile for Jane.

She loved it.
Janie is sooo excited to open presents.
Of course the ribbons were a hit too!
Molls opening her gifts.

a box of art supplies for our little artist.

Kimberly opening Molly's roller skates.

I think she is secretly hoping they will adjust to fit her.

Grandpa reading Skippy jon Jones to Molly.

Jake had him record this on a CD for the grandkids.

They love his spanish accent.

Total adoration!

Jane gets a vintage telephone.

Grandma knows what every girl wants.

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We didn't get pictures of the rest of the gang.

This year brought about new traditions as the kids have all grown and left home.

Amanda, Porter & Brittany opened gifts on Christmas Eve

and I was so exhuasted after the Christmas Eve dinner

that I didn't even think about getting my camera.

Of course we missed Jake, Alicia and Tyler being so far away.

Christmas traditions may have changed for us

but we are grateful that

the reason for celebrating and loving our family is eternal.

The Gingerbread Man

Nan held her annual Childrens Christmas Party and she asked her crazy friends to put on a play "The Gingerbread Man". As you can see, I was the gingerbread man and spent the evening running away from the "little old woman and the little old man"...

and the butcher...

"the old cow and the sow"... and evetually fell victim to the clever old fox.

November festivites ~

Janie turns 1!
Her first birthday cake, made by mom.
Auntie Amanda gives her a little encouragement to "dig in" with a little taste of frosting.

Ummm, yummy !

Now she's getting the idea!
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Molly in the "Wizard of Oz" after school play.

Here she is playing the part of a flying monkey.

Flowers for a performance well done!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our booth at the 2009 Quilt Show in Houston.

Great fun and so much to see.

New York, New York!

Of course our first place to eat after arriving is our favorite delicatessen, Carnegie Deli.

Rick had a turkey burger and I had the pastrami sandwich. Of course we took a slice of strawberry cheesecake back to our hotel room for dessert.
The next day while Rick was in meetings I went to check out some of the eating places that had been recommended. Le Parker Meridien has the best Burger Joint. It is tucked in the back corner of the lobby and plan on standing in line. It was totally worth it.
This the menu. Notice at the bottom it states you need to be ready to order or else you back to the end of the line. There is very limited seating. I offered to share a table with the gal in line behind me. She was from Australia and I happen to like Aussies. We had quite a good lunch and a great conversation.

I liked this sign that was posted in the resturant as well.

Later that afternoon and quite a long walk around town, I found my way to Serendipity. They are famous for their frozen hot chocolate. Rick and I had walked over there last time we were in town and it was so crowded that we opted not to sample their wares. This time I got there just before the crowd and found a seat for one was a short wait.

Inside Serendipity
My frozen peanut butter hot chocolate...yummmm.
Just down the street on the corner is Dylan's Candy Bar.
You're not suppose to take pictures...oops. This big bunny is just inside the door where this clerk is passing out samples of candy.

The steps are inlaid with candy.

This logo is made with jelly beans and inlaid in the floor. So clever.

Here are some of the old fashioned signs and candies available. Amazing.

That night Rick and I went to Vynl. Quite a fun place to eat and of course the theme of records.

The restrooms were each decorated with a famous artist. Their picture was done in tile. Their doll on display in the wall and their song playing in the background.Cher

Dolly
The next day as we were walking around we came upon the Naked Cowboy playing his guitar.

This trip we decided to try Crumbs Bakery. Fabulous I must say!

We went to see the Lion King. It was so amazing. I was emotionally moved when all of the animals walked down the isle and then ended up on stage. The music was fabulous.The next day we decided to go over to Madison Park to the Shake Shack. On the way we stopped at the City Quilter.We passed by Home Depot. Quite the architectural building. And we passed by the Flat Iron building and we finally arrived at Madison Park and the Shake Shack.and this is the lineRick jumped in line as I went to save us a seat.
Here he is...still in line.

and still in line...
until finally it's his turn to order.
and let me just say...it was worth it! Unbelievably good.

Great burgers, fries and the best shake ever!

Amanda makes her first Thanksgiving pies - lots of pies.
Cherry, fabulous cherry
mixing rolls for the Thanksgiving feast...
Lizzie and Amanda - ready to mix up the ingredients for the festivites.

Picture Perfect Pumpkin

a must have Thanksgiving tradtion

Pecan cream cheese

new to this years list of must and a new favorite

Porter and Amanda looking over a few of the pies.

Our tradition - make everyones favorite. Our grand total was 18 pies!

Rick, Amanda, Porter, Brittany & Lori

We also take our Christmas photo on Thanksgiving day. Since we couldn't have our entire family together, we had them send us photos of their families to include.

Jane, Matt, Molly & Kimberly

Tyler, Jacob & Alicia

Notice we are all in front of a fireplace? We certainly all think alike.