Christmas Pics

Happy New Year everybody

We spent Christmas Eve in the MotherLand of Brooklyn, at my brother John's house. Christmas morn was at home.

The tree my brother ordered never arrived so he decorated the vacuum cleaner.

He and Hope have fun together

My niece Caitlin met Athena for the first time.

Hope enjoys dessert

She was a bit surprised that her minion speaks

A pop up book of super heroes. Hope continues to love books.

We watched 'A Christmas Story' so many times that Hope finally said ' is there a football game on?'

Athena is 3 months old and pretty much oblivious to the fuss. Hope enjoyed opening Athena's gifts for her.

Hope got a new 'cartoon/football watching' chair.

Have a safe and happy new year. I wish you all good things.

Wishing You ...

All good things

Joy and Peace and at least one good Hug every day.

yes, that is bubble wrap next to Athena. Her big sister likes to be safe. True love.

Is the Chanukah Turkey Coming?

When I was a wee one I used to talk about Chanukah Claus which scandalized all the nice Jewish ladies in the neighborhood but Nana thought it was funny and that's all that mattered to me.

Nana would have loved cooking all sorts of Russian delights along with a turkey.

I am thankful for Hope and Athena.

Hope loves 'Sophia The First' and enjoys dressing like her. The Christmas Elf made her appearance that morning.

When Hope was an infant my favorite thing was her crooked smile. With Athena it is her endless look of surprise. Sometimes her mouth forms a perfect O and sometimes her eyes get really big. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you get both.

We call this photo 'Jeffrey in a Tutu' - she looks so much like her Dad.

Happy Chanukah my friends. Happy Thanksgiving too. 

You all hold a special place in my heart.

I posted my favorite colors of Fall over at The Photo Blog The rain and wind have pretty much cleared the trees now.

Life Happens While You're Preparing A Rant

I was on and off putting together a post about what's up and where I'm at and blah - blah - blah 

I get on my own nerves

Then at 9:05 this evening Hope's baby sister decided to join us a wee bit early

She's 6 pounds/7 ounces and 19 inches long

Here she is just an hour after birth, her name will be announced later

and here's Hope at her cousin's baptism yesterday

My son became a Godfather and a Father in the same weekend

I love youse guys and will try to be a better friend here on these internet tubes

Happy Mother's Day

Surprise !!

My son Jeffrey will be 40 next week, to be sure of surprising him my daughter-in-law threw a surprise party for him this past Saturday at my brother's house in Brooklyn. Jeffrey thought he was going there to celebrate my niece's engagement.

A few of the party goers practice hiding in the corner. My baby bro shows us how hot the sun is when "be there in 10 minutes" turns into more than a half hour

Finally, from the other side of the house, birthday boy and his best girl arrive. 

Lots of hugging

Lots of laughter from his friends

Once she got over the shock of a crowd of people yelling surprise at her and Daddy, Hope had a great time with her friends

Corn-on-the-cob was a big hit

Until cake came along. Dad got the first slice and then there was some discussion about who got the corner flowers. Hope wasn't happy for a moment but then everyone shared. 

A toast to the birthday boy

Me and my sweeties

Happy Birthday to a good son, a good Dad, and a good guy

Hope's Christmas Wrap-Up

I thought I'd share some photos from Christmas with Hope (sounds like a Lifetime movie) to start the New Year.

at uncle john's house in brooklyn on christmas eve

doing a move she calls 'ninja barbie'

her favorite doll from aunt lauren

just plain joyful

working hard to open the gift she got for the cats

a little exhausted

 Isadora likes her gift

Siren celebrated his 10th birthday on christmas day

Happy New Year everybody!!

Merry and Hopeful

I'm off to Brooklyn The Motherland tonight. I'm sure I'll return with some good traffic stories as well as at least one profound Guido quote.

Whatever your celebration style may be ...

Grand

Fancy

Whimsical

I wish you all good things.


And as always, there is Hope