Thanksgiving 2009

Thom and I had everyone over for Thanksgiving this year. It was a wonderful morning. Thom and I played a round of scrabble after he got the turkey started. Spoke to everyone and got the impression that they would all be here late afternoon. Well surprise my mom, greg, and grandma all arrived around noon. Thom and I were in the middle of setting up so my poor mom ended up helping me clean and iron table cloths. Thom cooked and prepared the dinner. The setup turned out to be great but we had way, way, way too much food.

Amelia lost her tooth while eating! Appetizers: Strawberries, Cheese, and crackers.

Entree's: Turkey with fresh rosemary,fennel, lemon, olive oil rub (the meat fell off the bone), mashed potatoes, olives, cranberry sauce(made from scratch), sausage and apple stuffing, regular stuffing, green bean caserole (Michelle), quiche (Michelle), rolls (dad), broccoli salad (dad), green salad (Melissa), fruit salad (mom), pumpkin pies (mom), chocolate pie (michelle), and of course whip cream topping. I have a full fridge still (3days later) of food.
The Children's table! Hollie, Lauren, Amelia, Chris, and Maddy.

The adult table where we enjoyed a very expensive bottle of wine (so good thanks Michelle) !
Thom, Chris, Grandma Rizzo, Nana (not in pic) Opa, Michelle, Pat, Chris, Melissa (not in pic), and Dad.

It was a very nice evening! The best part was sitting around and talking with each other. We got to hear some details about Patrick's wedding, and talked about the old days. Pat and Michelle stayed and watched a movie. It was a great night.

Hollie's Sweet Sixteen Friend Party

I can not believe that Hollie is turning 16! She is on her way out to celebrate this next milestone with all her girlfriends. Her hair has black streaks in it, face painted to indicate that she is Team Edward (Twilight movie), and she is ready to go....

Thom made all the snacks she had Jones soda that he relabeled "Were Juice" "Type O" and other vampire references. Everything was set up for Team Edward or Team Jacob. We (needing two friends to help drive all the girls, thanks Aimie, Clay, and Robbie),drove the girls to Roundtable pizza in Federal Way. They ate over 100$ in pizza and soda. We had cupcakes and did birthday presents there. Hollie received many nice gifts but all the time dying to get to the movie. The girls went to see New Moon yet another teen love movie.
After the movie we had all the girls over for an overnight. They stayed up really late watching more movies..... Eating junk......and talking. Here is Hollie and her friend Katy.

Hollie's Sweet Sixteen Friend Party

The girls were goofing around with the camera. Starting on your left is Katy, Hollie, Alexa, and Kelsy.

Hollie and her friend Alexa. They are both into Anime and Alexa is studying Japanese. They both played an instrument, and like to write stories.
I really like this picture. Starting with Hollie, Alexa, Lilly, Kelsy, Katy, and Kate. Kate and Hollie were born only six weeks apart and while they are not in the same place right now it is always so sweet that they grew up together.


At Breakfast they ate lots and lots of waffles, not so much fruit though.


At about 1000 in the morning I was done and started getting the kids out the door. The last kid left at 1pm and it was just enough time to get Hollie cleaned up and ready for another birthday that started at 4pm.

They grow to quickly......

Katherine, Hollie, Lilly, Kelsy, Alexa, and Katy

A Full House

Why I only took a few pictures while Aimie and the kids were staying with us I don't know?

Aimie, Theo, Georgia, and Kate all came to stay with us while Jon (Aim's husband) remodeled their 1930's kitchen. It was great to have the kids all to myself for the extended weekend. I got to give baths, brush hair, prepare lunch, and visit with Kate. Aimie and I stayed up the first night until midnight talking as if we were in high school. I don't think we would have ever run out of things to share and discuss. Needless to say we did not do that anytime again as we are no longer in High school and need our sleep!
The kids were great, they took naps, they played and entertained themselves. I would have them all back in a heartbeat.

50's Barbie party

Lauren was invited to a 50's Vintage Barbie party for one of her friends on the soccer team. This girl is the nicest and most genuine young lady. Lauren is lucky to know such girls!

The concept of a fifties vintage party to the decorations, the cake, the name cookies, and the actual actress who played barbie was all unbelievable.

Lauren all dressed up even wearing heels!

We bought her outfit at the local antique store. The coat feels like it is pure wool and has the old vintage label from the department store. We put her hair up in a french roll and she did get to wear some makeup ( I thought all the kids would be so I caved)!
Probably unable to tell but the dress has soft layers one on top of the next. It is a grayish blue with a broach. The shoes were worn by the owners great aunt to play the piano as they sailed military men over to Japan to their assignments.

The back of the dress was a bit fancy, apparently Lauren's Nana wore something similar when she was a girl.

Lauren loved the party she said her favorite part was singing karaoke!

Georgia's Birthday

My best friends daughter Georgia turned 3!

Georgia really wanted a pink pony cake. I found this version of a pony really cute but there was debate on whether it looks like a pony? She was really cute the week prior to her birthday she kept asking if that day was her happy birthday?
Jon and Georgia waiting patiently for the rest of us to quit singing so she can get to the cake. She did need a lot of coaxing to blow out the candles! It was a blessing to be included in this special day.

My Christmas Picture ~ Work

A co-worker plays Santa every year for the Children's Hospital I work for, today he helped us out!

Sandie having a good time!
This is the picture we will be using for the Sedation Team Christmas Cards. I enjoy working with each person they are the best!