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!

Halloween Party 2009!

In my eyes, the 2009 Halloween Party at our new bar was quite a hit. I'm hoping everyone will return this year and spread the cheer again! Here are some highlights from the night:

Your hosts, Zeus and Hera.

A pumpkin farmer with his pumpkin (oh how sweet!)

A mother with her two goddess daughters (hey we can dream too!)

Bobsy Twins - I think they just like wearing makeup!
Hippie and French Maid.
Little Red Riding Hood and his wife, er, Big Bad Wolf!Nikki the cute pirate with some ugly demon thing.

My mother and brother in law even stopped by for a bit (one of the many reasons why I get along so well with my new family!!)

Good friends of the fam - the wonderful Williams! All of these costumes are crafted by hand, except the wolverine. Such talent!

Aunt and Uncle Tree. This wasn't the last time I saw the leaves!

And finally, the siblings of the year, the GRESLICK KIDS!!
A family that parties together stays together. Isn't there a saying like that or something?

We had to end the party when things got a little crazy!

Happy Halloween!