Making new friends...

Yep, that's me and Josh in the middle! Do you maybe recognize the faces on the left and right?

Alright, lets start at the beginning. Last summer while having a glorious dinner, by ourselves, in Ocean City, MD, Josh handed me an envelope with an itinerary for a future trip in December. He had booked a room in Atlantic City, NJ at a very posh casino, The Borgata. We would enjoy massages at the spa and dinner at the restaurant of my choice and then go to a show, all of this happening in one building! (The two men above being the stars of said show, any ideas?) We were at the end of one of the most amazing meals, looking out over the bay as the sun set and here he is setting up the next adventure...I love him!!!

When we get home I look over the website, we book hot stone massages at the spa and dinner for two at Bobby Flay's Steak House. I have been giddy with excitement for months about this trip. To make what could be a very long story short, the massages were amazing...I only wish we could have had more time to take advantage of the spa itself...dinner was everything I hoped it could be, and then some.

After dinner we went into the Music Box, found our seats and got ready for the show. We chit-chatted for a bit when Josh says, "I still know something about this trip you don't." Just a simple as that. I looked at him, "What in the world are you talking about?" He then pulled out of his back pocket two after-show back stage passes! All of a sudden I was nervous, excited, stunned, confused and happy all at once. The show that followed was great, they we're really funny, in ways I didn't expect (not personally being familiar with their comedy albums). More importantly they were amazingly hospitable back stage, even recording a quick intro for Josh's new band.

We made it home today after a long 7 and 1/2 hour drive, happy to have had a great time and an outstanding family to pull together to allow us to go. Now I ask the big question. Are you still floundering around in your memories (or google), or do you know who my "mystery men" are? If you click on all of the links you might get a little help. I don't have a prize but I'd love to see who figures it out first! (Thanks for the competition idea Kate...even though I had no hope at your's.)

One stripe at a time

Summer is way behind us(almost hard to remember) and the days of frigid temperatures are upon us, forcing us to find some indoor activities. After months of waiting for the end of soccer and football, Colton's greatest wish came true. He is now a student of Lake Placid Martial Arts Academy, studying Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate. That sounds amazingly serious, and in some respects it is. The kids class is for 5-12 year olds and is very life skills oriented. Each night seems to carry a theme such as, looking a person in the eye when they are talking to you or helping out around the house without being asked. Two weeks ago Colton was surprised to be presented with the first stripe on his belt. It was an inspiring moment, watching him shake his Sensei's hand and bow with bursting pride. After class the senior students all shook his hand and congratulated him. He looked ten-feet tall as he walked over to me and Lennon, and was at a loss of words to explain what had happened. It was all he talked about for days. I think he really likes it!!

Lists of lists

My list of "things to do," which actually includes making further lists, is long and tedious this moring. I have justified this post with the fact that the kids bedding is in the washing machine, therefore I am doing something on the list, right?! I suppose I am only accountable to myself.

We had a glorious Thanksgiving weekend complete with sledding, lots of family and lots of turkey. We forgot our camera on our annual sledding adventure with Mom and Chris (maybe Mom will email me a few highlights to post), it was a blast as usual. We did get a few shots of us around the house, Tim took over our camera...but forgot to turn it on himself!

Red cheeks from sliding!

One "Great"Grandma!

My little princess.
A little background music...

On Thanksgiving day I found myself in my kitchen, carving my turkey, stuffing in the oven, gravy bubbling on the stove, at 10:30am. Josh ventured off to Peru for a Turkey Trot 5K and I packed up my goodies and my kiddies and met him in Malone. Everyone brought something and Grandma didn't have to do a thing! It was wonderful. The gang was great and the kids had a lot of fun playing with their "cousins."

Enough procrastination...off to tackle the list. Happy Holidays!