Sunday, December 30, 2012

What a great Christmas!

Holy cow we have had such a busy but exciting holiday season.  We started off with Thanksgiving at mom and dad's new home.  Uncle Steve and Aunt Gloria also joined us which was great then Robby and the gang came the next day.

December 12th-16th Phil and I spent in Philly and South Jersey.  True (my new company) flew us both up there for our holiday party and we spent a couple extra days visiting all the Procida's. We also went to the Italian Market in South Philly, Cape May where we ate lunch at the Lobster House, and walked around the Cape May lighthouse.  God it's beautiful there.  We owe mom and dad big time for spending all that time taking care of the critters and the kids while we were away!

Then, on the 22nd we hosted a holiday party at our house for about 30 friends.  We love having everyone over and especially at this special time of year.  Such a blast!

Mom and dad came back Christmas day to exchange gifts and visit.  I love it when they're here, just wish they were closer...at least it's only 3 1/2 hours now as opposed to 10 like it used to be!  We were all spoiled again this year, as we always say we will never do again...but again it happens.  :-)

The boys made out pretty well. Phil got his letterman's jacket (pic to follow) and a fantastic laptop, money, clothes, etc.  Jeff got an upgrade on his original iPad with a iPad 2 and also got his first smart phone...I don't think he's put it down yet LOL

On the 27th we left for Gatlinburg and were fortunate enough to have the Burke's join us.  We had such a great time!  The first night we went to Toni Roma's for dinner - YUM but that's pretty much all we could do that day since we didn't get to check in until after 4pm.  The next day we spent roaming the town and then Steve and Austin skied in the afternoon/evening while we headed back to the rooms and played some sort of banana game that was really fun (I know, sounds weird, had to be there).  On Saturday Steve and Phil hiked 13 miles up the mountain (hello, not vacation!) while Lori, Austin, me, and young Phil headed to the outlets.  The boys and I could only stay about an hour b/c we had plans to go zip lining although when we got in the car they bailed on me.  Jeff still wanted to go so it was just the two of us which was fine with me!  There's a short video clip at the bottom of him getting ready to do one of our 14 lines.

Every night Austin and Jeff headed to the hot tub to chill.  It was such a nice time away with a great family.  I'm so glad they decided to join us.  We got back today and I just couldn't wait to post all my pics so here ya go!


































































Wednesday, December 5, 2012

It's Christmas Time!

Well, it's a bit weird to celebrate the Christmas season when it's in the 70s but hey, I'd rather that than 20s-30s!  Here are some pics of this year's decoration.

I've also attached a pic of the letterman's jacket Phil is getting for Christmas...he's officially a STUD!