New Years Eve

For many years Jody and I have been celebrating New Years Eve with Amie and her family. Grandma is at the head of the table. Antonio and Crystel also call her Grandma. She lives in Arizona. We see her once at Christmas and once in the summer.

Dave and Max. Sue Ann drums with Amie.

Cara and Amie are office mates. She is helping Antonio set up his present.

Cara and Antonio have a special bond. We don't see her often enough.

Ah. The boy gets to take over.

Playing Wii. Amie in the hat. Her sister, Carrie, watching her.

Grandma and Chili.

Thanks Aunt Pat

Antonio and Crystel have been taking swim lessons year round since they were three years old. This year Aunt Pat gave them hooded swim towels which they love. They are the cats pajamas at swim lessons.

Trouble Queen

Santa brought Antonio and Crystel TROUBLE. Crystel is a serious gamer. She will not take her eyes off the board. She can't understand why Antonio can't focus and play. She beats her mom's nightly at the game. Antonio has gone on to other things.

Happy Birthday, Mary!

Happy Birthday Aunt Mary!

Mary is 51 today! She hasn't changed a bit. It's Antonio and Crystel that have aged. How does that work? It only works for some people - like Mary. I was told today by a classmate of Antonio's that I looked like his grandma. Thank you very much, I said.

Mary continues to play through the years.

By the time Antonio is able to drive the skidoo - she'll still look the same.

A picture from Christmas this year. Mary, Crystel, Jen and Antonio.

I was excited about the excitement. Jen got Crystel a hair beeder. I'm sure that isn't what you call it. Now - we can put beads in Crystel's hair any time we want to. Crystel is a bit worried that I'm so excited about this.

Siblings

Sarah and Mike's son - Elliott - was born on Christmas Eve. She holds an annual Christmas Eve birthday brunch. Since I have eleven brothers and sisters you take a picture when more than a few are gathered. In this photo -Peter, Sarah, me, Joe, Alice, Leo and George. Brothers and sisters who were not in attendance - Jim, Fred, Andy, Mary, and John.

A bird at my window.

Church Play

Crystel is dressed in garb for a Las Pasodas play. I hope I spelled that right. She is suppose to be a Guatemalan child. Now she looks like a Guatemalan child in Minnesota.

Antonio was a cat. He had one line which he performed very well. "I'm faster than a gecko, meow, meow."

And that was our first play.