stuck in traffic

This is where we were for over an hour yesterday as I watched the clock while our 11:00 fingerprint appointment time passed. We left in plenty of time to allow for normal New Olreans traffic and to arrive a little early on top of that.. We were zipping along just fine until we got on the twin span bridge. It was so frustrating-not moving but a few inches every few minutes-and try to call a government agency to talk to someone to tell them you will be late-forget it! I had pictures of our last visit to that office in my mind-200 people packed in a small room-all waiting and happy when someone did not show up so they could jump in that space.

Well, all of the angst was for nothing to our pleasant surprise. When we finally got off the bridge and rushed to the office and up to the third floor for immigration-we were the ONLY people there. The fingerprint people had not left for lunch like I had feared. They got us right in and right out and couldn't have been nicer. So 10 minutes and it was done. Fingerprints done-check!

scenes from Christmas

Sweet Alyssa

little Bruiser

our big girls

li
littlest angel

nativity scene stars

We hope every had a merry,blessed Christmas. We started our celebration Christmas with Christmas service at church and a Christmas pageant in which the girls were angels. Then we had some family and friends over for gumbo and visiting. Olivia and Ave Kate settled in that night with great anticipation of Santa's visit. Ave Kate was the first one up Christmas morning and announced to us that Santa had indeed come and brought the Barbie diamond castle that she had been dreaming of for months. Olivia, too, was happy with all of her gifts. They were busy all day playing with everything. I cooked and got everything ready for Christmas dinner at 6. The big kids and their children and Grandma were all here. All the food turned out great if I do say so my self. A good time was had by all and everyone left with a carload of gifts. Erin stayed for the night so we had our nice late Christmas visit enjoying the Christmas tree and the quiet of the night.

Today is a lazy day but this evening we will go to my neice's house and enjoy the holidays with

my sister and her children and grandchildren.

fun and sun

Olivia is 6 now Ave Kate is 5

relaxing girls, Olivia scared that Ave Kate will get to close to the end of the pier, beautiful sunset

Olivia with an attitude and sweet pea

We came down to Panama City Beach for a few days. Olivia's birthday was Thursday so we went out for sushi which she loves. Both girls ate their share of California rolls. Then we had sun on Friday which was a treat. The last several days at home were humid with thick fog. It was nice to enjoy the sun poolside in late December. We ended the day with a nice sunset. I did some last minute shopping this morning and found something that I did not think Santa had available.. I am now making my seafood gumbo to take home for Christmas Eve. We will be going home in the morning. I can't believe Christmas is Thursday. Still so much to do!

Olivia's Christmas Play

Olivia's school had their Kindergarten Christmas Play this morning. It was very cute. I was surprised and delighted to discover that Olivia had a big part playing Carter the Cat. She did a great job and I was very proud of her. All of the kids were so cute in their costumes and makeup. I forgot how special these school plays were. It just warms your heart to see all those little ones and hear them sing in those sweet voices.

It was a Pinkalicious Day

The girls celebrated their birthdays together Sunday with a pinkalicious party. It was the first official birthday party that they have had since in past years we have been out of town for their birthdays. It was the first birthday party that I have thrown since I can't remember when but it has been many years... Anyway it was a good party with many pinkalicious little girls. We had fingernail and toenail painting, boas and crowns, cookie decorating, and of course a pinkalicious reading by Ms Angelina. I had some good help from Caroline and friends. Ave Kate's actual birthday was Sunday. Olivia's birthday is Thursday. So for four days they are both 5 years old.

Fingerprint Appointment!

We received our appointment for fingerprinting today. It is for Dec 29 in New Orleans. Moving right along-as slow as the pace seems-it IS progress!

Other news of the day-It snowed! It was beautiful to watch-for all f the 30 min or so that it lasted. I didn't even get to get a picture. It has been icy cold all day. I just love it. It feels so Christmasy.

Thanksgiving in NYC

Erin and Ryan

Parade scenes

Big City Girls

We just returned home yesterday after spending a week in New York . We had a wonderful trip. This was my first time to see NYC and I loved it. Glen had planned the trip to take us to the Macy's Day Parade which is something I have wanted to do since I was a kid. It was such a treat to be there for it. Crowded but worth every minute. Other highlights of our trip were Little Mermaid Broadway play, Central Park, attending local Christmas events, lots of NY pizza-and plenty of other great food, shopping, and just being part of the excitement of the city. Ave Kate and Olivia loved every minute of it. Erin joined us ther for several days which was a treat.

NY will definitely be on my list of places that I want to go back to visit-but as the old saying goes ther is no place like home and we were happy to return home.