Merry Christmas, Daddy!

Even though we went through all the motions, Christmas just wasn't the same without you, daddy. Nonetheless, we tried to have a fun time for Simone. She put on her pretty fur-trimmed dress and ripped open presents with the best of them.

We were sure to raise our glasses to you.

A glimpse of some of our Christmas treats.

The Burns send their love, and can't wait to see you!

Kailee and Victoria miss you too, and wished you were here to share the holiday cheer. They're counting the days till you're home.

Kamryne was pretty happy about her penguin, but sad she couldn't hug you.

Simone and Cole really hit it off too. They played with the doll house and fought over the strollers.

And Christmas morning...more presents!

Holiday Happenings

Mommy and Simone headed to PA to spend Christmas week with Grammy & Pop. Mommy put Simone in the car and then PRAYED that both of us made it to Nesquehoning--not a certainty given Simone's low tolerance of her carseat. She was pretty good for the first 2 hours, even took a nice nap. The last hour and half ... not so good. But we made it. (Not looking forward to the drive home.)

When we arrived, Simone's cousins--Peyton, Ella, and Seleste --were waiting to play. Simone introduced herself. Gave Seleste a kiss. And before you knew it, they were all playing like long lost friends.

Grammy gave all the girls matching socks to keep their toes toasty warm while they played.

On Sunday Mommy and Pop took all the girls on a trip to Wegmans, the world's most family friendly grocery store, to get some Christmas treats. Mommy and Simone wore our matching winter sweaters -- how cute!

The girls loved riding in the car carts.

And finally...lunch in the cafe. Bring on the pizza, mommy!

Christmas Tree Hunting

This past Saturday--a VERY cold, cold day by any standard--we decided to go Christmas tree hunting. So we got all bundled up and headed, first, to Starbuck's to get fuel. You'll be happy to know, daddy, Simone loves their scones.

Then we headed out to Snicker's Gap Farm, where just about everyone in the tri-state area was.

And we all climbed up the hill, looking for the perfect blue spruce, as usual.

Simone lobbied hard for this one! Christel and Wendy went deep in the forest...
And emerged with THIS one... Simone, of course, helped pull it back ;-)

And we ended our adventure with our typical stop for lunch at Tuscarora Mill. Simone had mashed potatoes and turkey. Mommy had shrimp and grits, you would have loved. There's always next year.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Christel and Wendy did an outstanding job with Thanksgiving dinner, as usual. Here's a peek at the table.














Lola wanted to make sure to send you a special hello! She misses you.


Simone's Thanksgiving dress. Festive, no?