Bowling

I am not so good at bowling. Turns out some of us (Elaine, Lee) are pretty good & Josie has potential. The rest of us will be out there just for fun. But another chance to do something we don't typically do. Plus the shoes...ewwww!

Miniature Golf

Vacationing in Naples, we headed to miniature golf. It got competitve (Josie), but I came ahead with the win. We treated ourselves to ice cream to cool down afterwards. Excellent way to spend an afternoon.

Christmas at The Arces

More food, more drink, more presents & most importantly more good friends. We spent a wonderful day with Kathy, Al, Debbie, Wayne & all our kids. Yummo food, the hot tub & Cleveland Cavs with a win...a great Christmas Day!

Christmas morning

As mentioned in our previous post, we had a few gifts to open up- let the celebrations roll on. Fortunately our kids let us sleep in...and we rolled out of bed by 9:30! Fa La La La La La La La La.

Santa Please follow these directions

Good Jewish family that we are...we prepped for Santa (or I should say Josie did)so cute.

ps- Santa did stop for those of us who have been nice!!!!

Christmas Eve at The Benetti's

Our Christmas Eve tradition has been to hang with the Benetti Family for WONDERFUL food, conversation & all around merryment. Dee is always a fantastic hostess & it was great to catch up with the McIntoshes as well...we are so grateful to be included in their celebration.

Christmas Eve Day Brunch

The Holiday was kicked off with a gorgeous day at The Erickson's courtyard for a yummy potluck brunch. So great to relax with friends- the kids played with scooters, bean bag toss etc. We ended with a secret Santa gift exchange. We scored Love Actually & Elf by snagging away from the Wein family (sorry about that- but you gotta do what you gotta do!!!)

Our Parade of Lights

Here are some photos from our annual NEV trek through Celebration looking at all the decorated homes. Love it. Hot Chocolate & some enthusiastic homeowners made it a fun outing. Griffin started to get cold so he used his blankie as a scarf. One of our favorites was down our street- a Sponge Bob Squarepants themed Christmas scene.

Ho, Ho, Ho

Look what arrived early this a.m. for our family!!! It IS a magical time of year when a dozen fresh Dunkin Donuts arrive on your doorstep (on a cold day when you do not want to get out of your pj's, let alone leave your house). THANKS Uncle Wayne ( we mean Santa)! It really is the small things in life that make you smile.

Last night of Hanukkah

We made it through 8 crazy nights! When Hanukkah falls while the kids are still in school it seems it is hard to all be home...activities, parties, homework (and even birthday parties this year)- I think there was only 1 or 2 nights we were all home. But it was successful & so cute to see Griffin start to recite the prayer. As much as I try to stay organized, by nights 7 & 8 I am always running out to the store to get another gift b/c something hasn't arrived or I miscalculated. Happy Hanukkah!

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!

I have definitely not been baking at full capacity this holiday season, but when I do, my little helper is all too ready to lick the bowl! After I made brownies to take to a party, Griffin was ready to make some more...and just like most 4 year olds he kept reminding me & reminding me & reminding me!!! Too bad licking thebowl does not count for clean up.

Celebrating with family

Wednesday night we got together with Mom, Mollye, Debbie & Wayne to celebrate the holidays. A very yummy dinner & some fun gifts were on the agenda. Fun & delicious- love the holidays!