Christmas activities

Two days after Christmas and things have quieted down a bit. My sister left on the 23rd...made it home before the big snowstorm hit the northeast and brought an unusual 9 inches or so of snow to Virginia Beach! Megan left this evening...no problem getting to Atlanta and so far her flight into DC (Dulles) is only 2 minutes delayed. Actually the hour delay out of Melbourne made her layover a bit more tolerable...so she kind of lucked out. When she called to check in...lots of folks were running from the gate hoping to catch their connecting flights.Christmas day we decided to head to Vero Beach for dinner at the Disney Resort there. Brenna came up with the plan and was on the phone for a long time on Christmas Eve...trying to get a reservation at one of the Disney resorts...Vero Beach was perfect!since it's just about 45 minutes down the road. It was a BEAUTIFUL day on Christmas...sunny, warm, breezy. Absolutely beautiful...perfect for all those recipients of new bikes, skateboards, fishing poles!
We had a reservation for 5pm...so we left our house about 4pm. Arrived at the VB resort and walked around for a few minutes. We spotted Goofy and a cookie/gingerbread village...actually a replica of St. Augustine, Florida.
"Buildings" were composed of cookies, crackers, candies, gum, candy rocks and fondant...90% edible.




we had time to get in line and get a photo taken with Goofy, The photographer also took one with my camera.
John and I on the lobby stairs.
In the tunnel back to the parking lot on the opposite side of A1A Brenna and I were hamming it up.We had a great dinner and saw some people we knew... it was a great afternoon!
Christmas Eve John wasn't feeling too great he finally caught my cold so Brenna, Megan and I went to the Christmas Eve mass without him. We went to the contemporary service at 8pm. Megan and I liked it...Brenna said she would've preferred the traditional mass...Oh well. The choir sounded great...especially the young woman who sang the readings and prayers...she had a beautiful voice. It was a pleasure to hear her sing the prayers. Another highlight was the choir singing "Silent Night" in English, French, Italian, Spanish and (our favorite) German sung by one of the men in the choir...definitely a native speaker...he also had a beautiful voice. The priest gave a nice sermon and all in all it was a perfect Christmas Eve mass. When it was over...we dropped Brenna off; and Megan and I ventured up to Satellite Beach to a neighborhood that goes all out for the holidays. All but the two end houses decorated this year and as usual people came from all over town to walk around the cul-de-sac to enjoy the music and lights. We used to go every year...still go when we can...but it's more fun with the girls. Megan and I had a fun time walking and taking pictures and admiring the displays. Each house has it's own unique style. It was chilly so it felt like Christmas like I remember it as a little girl...minus the snow!



I had different shoes on when we went to church...but they weren't great for walking around the block...so I changed into these sandals...they look a bit goofy with my winter coat! haha
Megan's favorite house was the one one with the lighted flamingos...we need to get one of them!




Next up....New Year's...now I just need a plan...............................hahahaha

More party

For those family members and friends who want to see more...here's some photos that Brenna took
(or as you can see...someone took with Brenna's camera) Brenna -Megan & Ryan (cousins)
G & L

D.C. & V. dancing...we had a wide variety of music...from all age groups...everything from Michael Jackson to Talking Heads to Rhianna to Spoon to The Bravery to Lady Gaga to Depeche Mode to????
Anne & a long time friend Gayle
group outside
B & L

A Birthday/Holiday/Graduation Celebration

Wednesday night we had a celebration.Our birthdays, Megan finishing at GMU with her Master's Degree, my sister Elizabeth, nephew Ryan and their friend Jon B, were visiting, and of course the holidays.
Almost everyone we invited came and we had a great time. I had to work that day...for 6 hours...then came home and put the finishing touches on whatever projects weren't quite done. Brenna, Megan and Elizabeth had gotten a lot done while I worked (did you notice the cheese ball shaped into pine cones by Brenna...pretty impressive!)...they set up the tables and made a few things. I had also done some things the night before...so we were ready when folks started arriving at 7pm.
With the almost full moon and the beautiful weather...we lucked out! It was cool enough to build a little fire in our fire "pit"...but not too cold to enjoy sitting out on the porch.
Megan ,Amanda & Allison...classmates sine 2nd grade. Allison is studying to be a pharmacist, Amanda a nurse...and Megan is working at MITRE.
G & B
Charlie & Ben checking out the food
B & D
Four of them were posing for the picture when Mike & Ben snuck up behind them
M, M & John
and G
my brother Paul & Charlie


We danced, we talked we had some punch and beer and who knows what!!!!(the recycle man was busy the next day...we had four containers of bottles, cans, etc) But we all had fun. The party was shceduled so Liz, Ryan, Jon, Megan and Brenna would all be here. Fortunately none of the travel plans were altered...no weather delays...so everything went according to plan. My brothers all came, lots of friends we don't get to see all the time made it...and everyone really seemed to have a good time. Lots of laughs! We missed the few who couldn't make it...but I'm already working on plans for the next party...hahaha

Cookie Time

Saturday it rained all day long...so it was a perfect day to make some cookies!
I have lots and lots of cookie cutters, but some are more trouble than they are worth...so I opted for these...easy to use ones.
The more detailed the cutter...the harder it is to get the dough out in one piece...so I didn't use many of that type.
Some of these I bought myself, a couple were gifts over the years (like the angel from my sister-in-law and the sign language symbol for "I Love You" from my mom.
The simpler the better...I'm not really trying to impress anyone...just want to make some sugar cookies! haha
The reindeer are always good with a little dusting of cinnamon sugar. And the hearts are just the right size for a little tasty treat no matter what holiday you're celebrating. A little red & green sugar...and it's Christmas!
My little collection of "gingerbread" men cutters. One was my Great Aunt Martha's.
I keep them in a little basket on my hutch all year long.