Random Christmas Joy 2010

I always have a Christmas Eve get-together. So for brunch, Linda and Stephi came over to share some special time with us. It is the first holiday without my brother Tim, but we have our God to help us through these times, comfort from the Holy Spirit and family arms to hug and squeeze each other. Linda and Stephi

Bright Eyes Jayden

Jamie and I guarding the food from Jim

Last but not least, we always sing a few Christmas carols, and we played a few games. Good times with family make wonderful memories.

Christmas Day is always celebrated at George and Mickeys home. Everyone gathered to have a great time! Jim and Mom

George on his knees...

Had to throw in this sweet pic of Alana!

Bev working hard at her awsome greek salad with her girls.

Diane and Mickey putting the finishing touches on dinner.

Sharai finally gets to relax!

Matt getting ready to open Christmas presents!

Alana and dad opening gifts celebrating the most wonderful gift to us, Jesus Christ. A wonderful Christmas gift was having my son Aaron and his family, Ivory, Alana and Aiden with us for Christmas. They moved to Orlando this year (which is closer than Oahu).

Bless you in the new year with God's protection and grace!

A December to Remember

Knowing I would be traveling with Jim, my decorating for Christmas was put to a minimum. The tree a must, and stockings hung, I packed my suitcase: hello Seattle! here we come! Our dear friends Steve and Teresa took us to a Dickens play the first afternoon. The theatre was intimate with circular seating so every seat was a great one. A wonderful time and we will always remember it.

Afterwards we met up with our other friends Mike and Lynette and had dinner at McCormicks and Schmidts in Belleview. We finished a great dinner just in time to see the Snowflake Lane activites just outside. The cool air and smiling faces made everyone jolly!

The guys with the "snow queen"

We jumped into the car and rode over to the botanical gardens that were all decorated for the holidays. It was a beautiful end to a fantastic day. Good memories we shared with others!

We flew home from Washington State and repacked as Jim was taking me to New York City for Christmas! Went to see the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular Show and later trucked up and down the city streets to find the famous Macy window displays. We explored all of Central Park from one end to another. Got our walking in I'd say! We met up with Jim's sister Diane and her daughter Sharai. Below Grand Central Station, there were many shops and tons of places to stay warm and have lunch. Had wonderful sandwiches with soup. Later that evening we all met to go to church at a Hillsong Outreach. Sharai heard about this famous hot chocolate made at a place called Max Brenners....mmmm you have to experience it to believe it! Manhattan

Rockerfeller Center

From our room

Macys

Central Park

Sharai and Diane

Grand Central

Below Grand Central

Max Brenners hot chocolate

New Orleans Came home and repacked for Jims annual Christmas dinner weekend in New Orleans. The Big Easy....we stayed at the Hilton on the Riverwalk. After we settled into our room, we headed outdoors trying to see as much in the short 2 days. Horse-drawn carriages, local eateries decorated for the holidays and of course Community Coffee! A hot cup of joe to wrap my cold fingers around in the cold weather put warmth in my heart! Explored the French Market for local goods and strolled the Riverwalk on the Mighty Mississippi. We lunched at the Cafe Maspero and visited old hotels for Christmas "eye candy." That night we dined at Mortons Steakhouse and the 2nd night we dined at Emerils. Wonderful times shared with wonderful people. Cheryl, Maria and me

French Market

The Riverwalk

My pirate

Emerils

Thanks for taking the time to share in our memories of fun and treasured times. I hope you will do the same with your loved ones!