More Christmas Party Pics

Alex having fun with Daddy.

Alex is very social, he warms up to everyone fast, my baby in the background.

Grandpa with Aidan and his new sister, Samara.

Meighan really went after the gummy bears in this goody jar.

Emmy

Dave does such a good job of decorating our yard.

Christmas Party

We had a little get together Saturday night for our kids and grandkids. We also invited our nieces and nephews but Dave's nephew, Fletcher was the only one that stopped by. We had lots of fun and it was great having everyone here. We hid ornament boxes with candy inside out in the yard and the kids enjoyed the hunt. There was dart and pool playing but mostly there was eating and watching the kids!

Emmy with a cute reindeer hairband - she is so cute!

Meighan hunting for goodies.

Alex checking out one of Grandpa's deer.

This tree had a run in with a kid, nothing Grandpa couldn't fix.

Matlin, Ian and Samara.

Weekend Plans

Charlie is visiting for the weekend - Dave picked him up today and when I got off work we picked up the twins, went out to dinner and came home to play before bath and bed time. Alex kept going over to Charlie and even crawled up into his lap. Meighan was a little longer warming up but I think they remembered him. We got some cute pictures.

The kids love talking on the phone.

Meighan has a phone at each ear.

Charlie and Alex.

Alex warmed up to Charlie immediately.

Meighan crawled under the cushion of my new chair.

More Chicago Pics

We had lunch at Macy's, previously Marshall Fields...so good- that's chicken pot pie and a chocolate rice krispie bar. I just had to get their cookbook. I need to make those rice krispy bars.

A view from Navy Pier.

We had dinner at Weber Grill Restaurant. The steak was delicious.

I discovered the best knitting shop in Chicago. The owner was lovely and she taught me several new knitting techniques, which I will share when I get them done.

I bought this Lantern Moon knitting bag - I love it!

My patient husband talking with some ladies that were at the shop knitting while I was shopping and talking to the owner. What a guy! I had so much fun at this shop. Betty, the owner couldn't have been any nicer. I can't wait to work on some of the patterns she showed me. ..maybe after Christmas.

More Chicago Pictures

The drinks were pretty and didn't taste bad either; A brandy manhattan for Dave and a apple martini for me!

The Drake was right around the corner from where we stayed. The Plaza was near also, Oprah lives on the 2 top floors when she is doing her show, or so our tour guide told us.

There was a Johnny Rockets across from our hotel and Dave and I had a late dinner. The staff was very friendly and talented.

We took a tour on this trolley. It went all around the city - you could get off at points of interest and jump back on to the next stop. We went to Mellinium Park, downtown Macy's (previously Marshall Field's), and the Navy Pier. So much to see. I would love to go back in warmer weather.

At Mellinium park looking into a large kidney bean shaped sculpture.

The sculpture.

Chicago Trip

I attended a seminar for work just outside of Chicago the first part of November. Following the seminar Dave and I headed for the big city. We squeezed a lot in during our 2 day stay. It was very cold and windy but we went prepared. We stayed at the Whitehall Hotel, a very quaint, older hotel and it was in a great location. It was in the midst of the "magnicent mile" - lots of shopping and lots of good restaurants. The first thing we had to buy was cigarettes for Dave - were we in for a shock. A carton of Marlboro's was $80.00!!!!! He usually pays about $25.00. So he only bought a few packs and maybe didn't smoke quite as much. All restaurants were smoke free.

Dave resting up before one of our shopping sprees.

Lots of people walking, so we joined in. The city was busy putting up Christmas decorations. The day we left there was to be a big Christmas parade to begin the holiday season.

This was taken inside a shopping mall.

We stopped at the Drake Hotel for cocktails. The decorations were gorgeous.

More grandkid pics.

Here are some more pictures from our day with the kids.

The kids are fascinated by a plane overhead.

The kids went for a wagon ride - Alex is ready to get out!

You can't see but the kids are trying to catch bubbles.

Waiting for more bubbles.

Can you see the bubbles?

Meighan loves doing what Emmy does.

Grandkids

Today we kept Meighan, Alex and Emmy. We had a fun, busy day. The twins love having Emmy to play with. They were very good. We went to the mall, had lunch and we were going to visit Santa Claus but he was out to lunch when we got to that end of the mall so we will go back later.

Alex going through the tree at the play area.

Climbing a lady bug.

Busy Meighan.

Miss Emmy - so grown up for a 4 year old.

It was such a warm day, the kids enjoyed playing outside.

Grandpa loves his Emmy.

Continued----

Once again I can only post a few pictures, don't know what the problem but here we go:

Dave inside Sharkey's.

Hokies taking the field.

Va. Tech's awesome band. A couple that sits in front of us are from Raleigh NC., he is a physician and went to school at MCV in Richmond and his wife is a nurse, and their daughter plays in the band.

The band at half time - Dave goes to smoke and I watch the half time activities.

Thanksgiving Day Continued

I couldn't get more pictures to post so I am trying with another post.

So cute!

Grandpa had to try a hat on too - so funny, the twins love him and I know why.

I cracked up when I saw this one.

I loved this one; I am trying some different effects with a new program Amy found for me.

On Friday we headed to Roanoke for the last Va. Tech game of the season. They played UVA and the Hokies won! Next game is the bowl game. Not sure where they are going but we hope it is Atlanta since Dave has already bought tickets. We will leave on the 28th (Dave's Birthday) and drive. The game will be on the 30th. I think I have a surprise gift for Dave - I hope he likes it. This picture was taken outside of our most favorite places to go before the game - Sharkey's - good food, good atmosphere and good mimosas!