Las Vegas! Cha-ching!

At the end of July, Jimmy and I ventured to Las Vegas with Suzi and Mammie for a relaxing and sin-free weekend of gambling and seeing a couple cool shows - Cirque de Soleil (KA) and the Tournament of the Kings (at Excalibur Hotel). A good time was had by all! None of us walked away significantly richer, however, Jimmy did win $50 at one point. I believe we walked away without being in the "hole." Here are some highlights!

The four of us at "Tournament of the Kings."

A couple of cuties in the casino!

Gamblin' pals! AKA slot machine addicts!

Here was our lovely home, The Bellagio! What a great hotel. Highly recommend if you plan on visiting Las Vegas.

I'd like to tell the other stories, but remember.....WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS, STAYS IN VEGAS!!!!

In the midst of summer...

Well it's hard to believe today is July 30th. I must admit, I'm having one of the best summers of my life! Jimmy and I are spending a lot of time with family and just returned from a trip to Las Vegas. Before we get to that, there are a few people I would like to acknowledge. First of all, World's Best Parents:

Here is my Mom with her Mother's Day din-din of shish kabobs!

And here is my dad on Father's Day with his choice of a picnic lunch!
Also, I feel it's necessary to post a picture of the cake from DQ. It's not too often you'll find such skill and creativity on a store-bought cake.
I love you, parents. If you're reading this!

May also brought the birthday of World's Best Mammie!
Everyone gathered at Mammie's house to celebrate. A good time!

At the end of June, Jimmy and I traveled to Delaware to attend the wedding of my friend, Erin, from grad school. What a fabulous couple. Here is a pic of Jimmy and I before the ceremony and reception.

This summer has been filled with random visits between Sara and I to one another's houses. This happens to be one of my favorite pics of Sophia - playing dress-up in Aunt Jesse's clothes!

And last, but not least, (believe me, this bird is a big deal around here!), Minute has started taking baths! Hopefully this continues.

Happy 55th Birthday Mom!!

Well, we pulled one off on my Mom! About a week after her real birthday, my dad and siblings and I decided to throw a surprise party for her at my apartment. We had 14 cars parked in my driveway and front and back yards. It was a very tight apartment to say the least, but well worth the gathering of all the family.

For some reason, this picture cracks me up. If you look closely you can see her eyes straining to look at the cars and the total confusion that washed over her face!!

Here's our ever-growing family at Lloyd's bar!

And now for some random shots. Sorry if I didn't get you in here! There were many people here!
By the way...we had an up and rising celebrity in the house!!! Lil' T is his stage name!

When it's all said and done, it was a nice little party. Hopefully Mom will remember it forever and look back on it as a good time.


Earlier in the day, Matt, Jen, Amy, Jimmy and I went to the Blue and White game. We attempted to stay for a bit, but only ended up being there for a short time. It was worth the trip into the busy town for a cone of "peanut butter fudge cluster" creamery ice cream!


What a busy, tiring day.

Congrats, Dad!!

All things come to an end...and that's just what happened to my Dad's long stretch of unemployment!! Mom, Sara and I decided to throw a small "surprise" party of some sort to celebrate.

When asked to give a speech, he succinctly replied, "Unto coal I was born, and unto coal I shall return."

The real party got started in the basement. Sara and Amy finally karaoked "Sweet Home Alabama."

Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum. Or do they look like the guys from the cartoon "King of the Hill?"
John and Mom got into a pretty serious game of Foosball....or as Mom called it, "Fuzzball."Sophia getting an early start on her music career.

Great Aunt Bonnie and Sophia waiting for Fred.
Here are some action shots:
(Don't worry, my mother is drinking juice and smoking a straw)


It was a wonderful time. I realized I never captured a picture of my mammie, except for half of her sitting at the bar. I will repost as soon as I have pictures of everyone who was present....including myself!!!

Highlights of 2010

It seems like every year moves quicker than the one before - and more exciting things are happening. How is that possible?

First of all, welcome Jackson Welsh!! My friend Erin gave birth to her first baby over Thanksgiving break. I finally met him - he is just wonderful!

Here's a first-time-mommy who's doing a good job!

Alert-Baby!

And here I am holding the little Jackson!January also gave us one of the biggest snowfalls of the winter. It was nothing for us here "Central P-A" folks....but worth documenting the pictures that look almost...fake!

Master of Home-Snow-Removal...James!

Look how pleasant and friendly I am.

Cousin Amy prepares to brave the drive home.

In January, Sara, Sophia, Amy and I went to the PA Farm Show. NEVER, will I go again. It was very boring and depressed me, but here are some snippets from it.

Sophia's first bus ride.
The girls in the farm show complex.

Sophia bundled up in the car!
And while we're on the Sophia topic, here's one for the road:

Holiday Season 2009

This post will be huge, as I had many pictures to post of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Enjoy the Cheer!

Jimmy and I at Mammie's annual Thanksgiving Feast!

A view of our delicious meal!

The other end of the table (only one person is actually posing for this....can you spot them?)

Father and Son in-laws.

A silly video of Anthony playing the crowd!

The Hostest with the Mostest!

Some after-dinner visiting.
My mother and I were crazy enough to go "Black Friday" shopping in State College, after driving to my place on Thanksgiving night around midnight. We did manage to find a few good deals. I must admit, my favorite part was breakfast at the Waffle Shop!





Tis the Season for decorating!



My latest crafting attempt at a Christmas wreath. One of the easiest and most enjoyable crafts to make!









Christmas at Mom and Dad's
Mom opening her straightener.

Sophia in her beautiful red Christmas dress!Sara and Andy showing their stuff on Jimmy's new karaoke machine!





And finally, our new Christmas tree! I snagged a good deal at the after-Christmas sale at Target.

Oh, how I love Christmas!