Passover 2009

This year we had Samantha as an active sedar participant. We were at Larry and Naomi's house for both sedars. The first night was family and relaxation with all the kids. Breaking in, if you will, everybody for the more "formal" sedar the second night. Samantha was very excited about the whole experience... especially the food. :) Naomi and Larry went to great lengths to make these sedars more perfect than even year's past. Bravo!

Some of the best times

Just relaxing and trying to update the blog. I know that we've been delinquent. I took some great Sunday pictures around the house but am having trouble with the SD card and uploading them. These are some of the non Xrated getting ready for bath that I was able to put up. She had even more fun in person. Ginger just had to get into the action.

Samanth's New Spot

Samantha identified her new sitting/hiding spot. After finishing up with dishes, I found her seated on the front foyer table where until now we have placed our "to read" journals. She got herself seated on the shelf and went to town. She even gave Ginger a few to look at. :)

Not high quality

The walking... very high quality. The film making at night with poor lighting... not great.

Our trip to NY and back

We just had a much needed long weekend in NY to visit Justin's family. We had a great time and can't wait to get back to see everybody again soon. Just a few pictures to share.

Samatha's Amusement

We're constantly amazed with Samantha. She's just growing up so quickly and just such a happy little girl. She amuses herself and loves to be around people -- especially her parents. She's really a joy to watch. Her favorite place is the kitchen cupboard where she goes through the boxes of snacks until she finds one she wants to give to one of us (or to Ginger). :)

SNOW DAY!

We took this beautiful day after days of snowing and blowing wind to get Samantha back into her sled. Our friend Asha got Samantha this sled to help her ENJOY her time in the Michigan winter. It worked. She had lots of fun not just in the sled but playing/eating snow on the golf course. Of course we had a great time too.

Snow is yummy. What a perfect day to brave the elements. I'm going to nap well after this while Daddy enjoys the playoffs!

Happy Channukah - visit with Grandma Beth

We had a lovely visit with Grandma Beth from Las Vegas, just in time for a local Chanukah party with cousins Larry & Naomi. Samantha got into the holiday act as well, sucking on some chocolate and making a grand ol' mess to clean up :-) We enjoyed her stay, and look forward to seeing everyone real soon.

It's a snow day!

So if there is going to be snow, let it be fun. Remembering, somewhat fondly, the snowdays of our younger years, we venture out into the cold weather. If 20 degrees is cold what does that make 8 degrees (with wind chill saying, "Feel's like -14 degrees). Anyway, although short lived, our outdoor adventure was fun.

The theme "It's been cold"

For the last few weeks here in Michigan, it has been a bit chilly. Well, a lot chilly. We've passed the evening time bundled up enjoying a relaxing dinner at home. Samantha is a huge helper in the kitchen and knows exactly what to do while I'm getting dinner ready. And Ginger. Well, she's got her own agenda during that time of day. Ginger got a haircut recently and they dressed her up for the holiday's coming up! We're enjoying good health and great times.

new foods -- > CHOCOLATE

I couldn't resist allowing Samantha to partake of Hershey's chocolate. She's a fan. She went from being very talkative to very deep in chocolate heaven. Here's a small piece for you!

My 1st birthday!

We apologize for slackin' on our bloggin'! November kinda flew right by, and into early December we are! Michelle planned a combined birthday party for Samantha (1 year) and myself (31 years) at the house. We had friends over from work and our neighbors, Samantha was overwhelmed with all the delicious food and noise-making presents! We had a great time, Samantha got right into her birthday cake with food galore all over herself. We have a lot to be thankful that she did so well with her surgery, and look forward to many more years of health and happiness.

FUN TIMES IN LAS VEGAS!

We made a trip to Las Vegas with the family (excluding Ginger this time) to attend the annual AOA convention and catch up with family.
Everybody was particularly excited to see Samantha after her recent surgery.
It was a terrific week with perfect weather!!!
We spent time at the park keeping an eye on the birds and dogs and making sure that everybody knew that we thought the Yankees should be playing in the World Series. We rooted for the Rays too! Better luck next year.

"I tried Olive Garden for the first time. Leave an extra trip for Mike the waiter cause it's gonna be messy."

The Great Grandmothers!!! (GGs)

Samantha had a ton of different balls and toys to play with. It was hard for her to make up her mind which to play with first!

Ginger stayed home to guard the fort and keep it safe from "Trick or Treat"ers. :)

Fall Foilage

We all were able to enjoy some beautiful fall weekends recently. Last month we drove to northern Michigan and explored some areas in the middle of the state: Tawas City, Oscoda, and Bay City to enjoy the fall scenery. A lot of beautiful sights alongs Lake Huron & the Saginaw River. And then more recently we checked out the Plymouth Orchard to see the pumpkin patch and delved into some fresh apple cider and pie.

Happy New Year!

Samantha is just such a happy girl. She's all dudded up and ready to go. Common Mom! Our friend Rosine made this gorgeous sweater for her. As you can tell, Samantha's a fan.

We're eating FUN foods

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Samantha is moving from only infant foods to regular "people" food. Cheerios, cottage cheese, yogart... the possibilities are now endless!7

Tampa/Orlando

Michelle & I wrapped up the end of August with a reunion of sorts in Western/Central Florida. We stayed for two nights outsdie Tampa reuniting with our cousins and seeing colleagues from residency. We then spent the rest of the week in Orlando as Michelle attended her ACCP Pulmonary Review Course. Yours truly was her chauffeur as well as babysitter for little Samantha. We all rented a villa for the week, staying with my mother as well as Aunt Gladys and her grandson Julian. All in all a great time!