HOLIDAY FAMILY GET TOGETHERS

There were plenty of get togethers in Columbia,SC and in Raleigh over the past week. First stop was to take Ray, Patty, and Bruce to SC to wisit with Mama Cooper at Still Hopes and at Jane and Peter's home. We were fortunate that Maury and I could take some time off to prepare for lots of family and lots of celebrations. Christmas Eve we shared an Indian Dinner with the Steele Family, Caren and the Kids and plenty of fellowship and presents to open. Christmas morning we all gathered at Jason's and Meredith's for a wonderful / tasty holiday brunch. Amelia began her three day "princess frenzee" opening plenty of dolls, Fancy Nancy, pjs, figurines, books, eating utensils, Cinderella wedding ensemble, etc. at more than one family celebration. With all that was going on....she remained very polite, appreciative, and quite the little lady. Friday brought a weekend visit to Raleigh from Jane and Peter bringing Ray, Patty and Bruce back to our house for more celebrations and time together. We also enjoyed celebrating Hannukah and Caren's birthday during our time together. Everyone returned home safely after a great five day holiday.

A FAMILY OF HOLIDAY COOKS AND MEAL EVENTS

This holiday was filled with plenty of international cuisine...Chinese, French, Indian, and Italian and just good cooking! Some cooked by us...and some provided by Raleigh's restaurant scene. It was great to see friends and family from Portland, Oregon, Columbia, SC, Brooklyn, NC, Charlotte, NC and Raleigh, NC . Everyone appeared to have a good time and was well fed!

"POPPIE....CAN I GO TO DISNEYLAND NEXT TIME????"

An almost perfect evening for a "PERFECT PRINCESS"! Princess Amelia and Bubby plus Poppie were among the first in line to see the Disney Princesses, a quick bite to eat, and then to our ring side seats. Besides the few fireworks, dark moments, loud music, the "scary Ursula Octupus Queen under the sea" we had a wonderful evening! Amelia especially loved the disney booths selling dolls, books, magic lights, etc. It sure was hard to take photos with Amelia clutching to my hands and neck at the few "not so favorite moments"....but she decided that Ariel, Prince Eric, Tinkerbel, the flying fairy princess, Sabastian the "Crab", bubbles and snow from the ceiling of the RBC center were among her favorite parts. Poppie really liked "The Cars" and Bubby expecially liked "The Lion King". Amelia could have done without the "Hyenas"....with big teeth! At the end of the evening she asked if she could go to Disneyland and sleep in the castle where Cinderella lives....guess we will have to go!