Better than Percocet

Last month at another celebration, a very pregnant Kristin Merrill said "y'all..I can't wait to have one of these (apple-tini's) after I give birth." Not ones to deny a new mother of 4 boys, Kathy & I set a plan in motion...to deliver an apple-tini post-op to Kristin. Bonus...I received 2 full martini sets for the holidays, so we were set to go. I traded in my lab coat for a pink & white zebra shaker & ice bucket! We had a lot of fun & although I am fairly confident that Kristin was feeling no pain from her IV meds, I think we can all agree that an appletini is way tastier! Congratulations to the Merrill family- baby Jones is beautiful.

The final night of Hanukkah

We missed night 7 since we were at the hotel, but we came back in time for the last night of the festival of lights! This was a great Hanukkah...the girls can now recite the prayer on their own & understand the story of Hanukkah. We were able to celebrate with both parents & over all I think the kids really enjoyed our family celebrations. Happy Holidays to all.

A quick weekend away to Naples

With all the planning surrounding the busy holiday season, the last thing I wanted to do was plan a weekend away (sounds like not a big deal, but I just couldn't think about making another reservation). Lee really, really wanted to get away & booked a night at a hotel. We combined a family visit to see Grandma & grandpa who watched the kids while we got a litle break. What a nice, relaxing weekend we had. We stayed at The Ritz-carlton Golf Resort just down the street from Lee's parents. The weather was perfect. We read, relaxed, sat by the pool, sat at a sushi bar & went to the spa. The kids were able to go to the movies & play miniature golf...so all in all a win-win for everyone. This is one reason it is great to live in Florida. The weekend getaway is a great option!

Skipping ahead...6th Night of Hanukkah

We made it down to Naples to visit Elaine & Larry & celebrate the 6th Night of Hanukkah with them. Another great meal..the latkas were fantastic. It was great to be able to celebrate with them.

Merry, Merry to all

Since we celebrate Hanukkah, we usually open all the gifts from friends, and extended family on Christmas morning. I have to say everyone was really patient...since we were out late last night we hoped for a lazy morning..not so much, but the kids allowed me to make breakfast before the chaos started. We had a great morning...I really, really love the mornings hanging out & not rushing off. Happy Holidays to all!

Halfway through Hanukkah!

We are halfway through The Festival of Lights!!! Griffin can now recite the hanukkah prayer with his sisters. I have blanked out on what the kids are receiving, so having them open up their gifts has been a surprise for us as well. And as you can see from the 1st picture...I opened my 1st gift!!!!

Lights, lights!

We decided to get our pajamas on, make hot chocolate & drive around in our NEV to view all the spectacular light displays throughout Celebration. Really, some families can rival a Disney display. It was really fun. Here are some of our favorite light displays.

Hanukkah- Night 3!

Norma made one of the best meals ever on the 3rd Night of Hanukkah. Afterwards we opened up our gifts & it was an great celebration! Sydney made a picture for Lee of Yankees Stadium with "Yankees 100 Red Sox 0!"

2nd Night of Hanukkah

Our 2nd night of Hanukkah was a bit rushed. i unexpectedly got called to the hospital to deliver a baby...and I knew that it would be hard for the kids to wait until I got home (& Griffin may be asleep). So we quickly said the prayer & exchanged gifts. As I was leaving for the hospital, I got a call not to rush in after all, so we were able to eat dinner together.

Happy 1st night of Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah!!! Our 1st night we lit the candles, and had a wonderful dinner of brisket & latkes...yummmmmmmmmmmm!!!! Lee & i had a moment of panick...we lost track of the 8 gifts, which I wrote down on a piece of paper & then lost...so I had no idea, which gift was what 9hard when you have 3 kids & 8 nights). the kids are at sucha great age for celebrating Hanukkah. Everyone loved their gifts...& can't wait until tomorrow night!