Little Angel

Doing Art

Grandpa's Birthday

January 2nd is a good day for one more celebration before everyone goes back to work and we go back to the regular routine. This year Grandpa celebrated the big "65" with us!

Madeline and Uncle Mark looking at his favorite book- "Where's Waldo".

New Year's Eve

We weren't able to celebrate New Year's Eve with them last year because the had just brought Ryann home from the hospital, but this year we were able to continue our tradition of spending the evening with Chuck and Bryna. Laid back dinner, kids to bed fairly early, a rousing game of Bananagrams, lots of laughs, and ringing in the New Year with champagne and counting down with poor Chicago programming. A wonderful way to start the New Year. :)

They spent the night so they wouldn't have to move Ryann after midnight, and we enjoyed brunch together the next day in our pajamas.

Retro chairs

Dan's Aunt Vicky and Uncle Phil pull out their Big Bird chair for the girls to sit in whenever we visit their house. Remember the Halloween pictures? It has been quite a treasure, so they tracked down TWO chairs (thanks Ebay!) and brought them over as Christmas gifts.

I think the smiles say it all.

Ryann's birthday

On the 29th we got to celebrate our dear friends' daughter's birthday. Bryna and I were the best of friends when we were young, and now Ryann and Evie are only two weeks apart. Unfortunately, the live in Boston so we see them only a few times a year.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Visit to Quincy

A few days after Christmas we made an impromptu trip down to Quincy to visit my grandma and a few cousins who were in town. It was just a one-day trip; on the train from 8:30-noon, visit from 12-5, back on the train from 5:30-9pm and asleep in our own beds. The girls do really well on the train with all there is to see and everyone there to entertain them. The laptop and a few movies don't hurt either.

We surprised my grandma at the care facility where she lives, and she was just thrilled to see us! At 92 she looks smaller and more frail every time I see her, but she still has the sparkle in her eye and warm laugh that I love to hear. Her vision and dexterity are still good so she is still able to do needlework. Here, Laura picks out a baby blanket from the many she has made.

Of course the kids loved watching the birds. (I think birds in nursing homes must be universal).

Gathering for a meal at my Aunt Elaine & Uncle Bill's house.

Madeline loved playing with her second cousins!