New York City

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Went to the city today and we had and exhausting but great day..a little chilly but the weather couldn't have been better except for there was about a MILLION people up there! It was also so busy at the train station that we had to wait & finally get on the 3rd train to NYC. We got to see alot today, we went to St. Patrick's Cathedral for a little bit of mass, the girls bought lot$ of stuff at Tiffany's, the World of Disney, American Girl, Build-a-Bear, Rockafeller Center, even got to see an Israili protest & sooo much more!! And the best part was that it was decorated for Christmas, which I love!

Jesse & Kate's wedding

Just a few shots from my cousin Jesse's wedding

this is what the bride & groom were wearing on their feet!

Isn't this a cute idea - a pic my grandparents. 

This is how the table seating was done, my family was at table 1938, it was a bit confusing at first but when I got closer to the table, I finally understood when I saw the pic & started crying! This is the year my grandparent's were married 70 yrs ago.

the Zito's 

the new Mr & Mrs. Jesse Schade

Baby Bluble'

One of the only things Gyllyan asked for from Santa was a Water Baby ~ although, she told me that she wanted me to buy it not Santa & she was so very excited when she opened it. When I asked her that night before bed what she wanted to name the baby, she told me "What's that guys name who sings Everysing?" and I responded "Michael Buble"
Welcome to the world baby Bluble'!

Christmas Day

Random shots from today

Christmas Eve

Our annual Polish Christmas Eve dinner at Aunt Pat's house.
I wait all year long for this dinner ~ I love it!

breaking of the bread

McKendra was the only kid home after dinner so she was the only one who got to open her presents from me early

Christmas with Gyllyan

This year was much more fun with her opening gifts!

Love the hands in the pockets!

showing off their matching jammies

~ Oh Christmas Tree ~

My Christmas tree is finally done being decorated!! After 4 days, it's got all of it's ornaments, bows, candy canes & even the Tirggel ornaments ~ my aunt brought them back for me from her Alpine tour vacation this year. 

(Tirggel are a traditional Christmas cookie from Zurich, Switzerland)

I know these are a little blurry but my camera has some dings on the lens and I just wanted you to see my tree all lit up!

Sassy girl

This little girl told me numerous times the past 2 days that she was "gonna smack my ASS!"

FINALLY..Getting ready for Christmas

My finals are over (I passed) & I have a break for 3 weeks

~ WOO HOO!
I had off today so since Gyllyan has been calling me at least 1x a week for the past month, I thought I would take her overnight. We decorated my new Christmas tree (it was a freebie) and then went to Feeney's to see Santa.

it's not quite done (see the lonely red bow in the middle of the tree), I still have a few more things to add.

My Family Christmas Party

Tonight was my annual family Christmas party at the Hunter's house. This year they kept telling us there was a "surprise" & it was driving us all crazy. After dinner, finally the surprise came in ~ a bagpiper dressed as Santa walked in the house playing. It was a great surprise..we all loved it (we are all Scottish) so a bagpiper is a big deal to all of us!

McKendra Leigh

the "Chinese Auction" pollyanna

the "Celebrity" Name Game

I love the expression on my Aunt Joann's face while she was watching the bagpiper.

this video is from my phone so it's not the best footage.

11 months today

That's how long ago it's been since my dad has passed away...I can't believe it's been almost a year already. This Christmas season is already getting to be very emotional for me. I spent every Christmas with my dad (except for 1). I remember as a little girl looking so forward to going with my dad on our Winter break & as soon as we would cross the bridge from NJ, he would drive us all around Levittown looking at Christmas lights.

I miss him more & more each day.

I love you daddy!