IT IS ALMOST A NEW YEAR!

It is hard to believe that another year has gone by. It was just about 10 or 11 months ago when we were surprised about the announcement regarding a new baby in our family. Maury and I are finally Grandparents! The nine months of pregnancy went fast... now three months of life is hard to imagine. Amelia is growing and changing so quickly. She will be dating and in college before we know it!

We are glad that we were able to spend some time with Amelia and her parents after Christmas and Aaron and Caren for the weekend of Christmas. Here are a few photos of Aaron's and Caren's visit, our visit to San Francisco and the Wine Country, and today's Raleigh New Year's Eve visit. It was special to be in California for Great Grandma Simon's 90th birthday. Great Gandpa Oscar Simon had his 96th birthday in November!

We love that Amelia is beginning to smile and recognize all of us. We are taking bets now on her hair and eye color. It looks like Maury is going to get his wish for a little red head!

Here's hoping for a happy and healthy New Year for us all. It will be a new year of employment transition for the Raleigh Grandparents and lots of family togetherness with Amelia.

Happy New Year to all family and friends!

PRE-CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Santa came early to Bubby's and Poppie's house for Amelia, Dad and Mom. Amelia got a great "Audrey" doll, an engraved silver cup, hand knit sweater, and they all got Amelia's "aquarium " high chair. It won't be long until she's up sitting at the table eating with the rest of us. Mom and Dad got a new 6 piece place setting of the dishes that they have been wanting. We enjoyed our pre-christmas pizza dinner. It was a nice little visit before Bubby and Poppie go tomorrow to Nappa Valley to the Spa and then on to San Fransisco to visit the rest of the Simon family for the week.

Here's a few photos of Amelia trying to hold a spoon for the first time and some other family photos. She is beginning to discover what her hands are for.... Amelia sure let us know that she was tired and needed to go home. Putting on her coat and getting strapped in the car seat is not her favorite thing to do.

We hope that they have a safe trip to Charlotte for the Christmas Holiday.