Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Cookie Business - Not!

In all my years as a mom, we have never made cookie cutter cookies.  The closest we got was making dog treats.  Anyway, with all four of us home, I decided this year was the year.  I supposedly made the best ever sugar cookies.  Guess what?  Not!  I made an icing we've used before.  It became our own concoction as Pumpkin splashed lots of vanilla extract into the mix.  We quickly decided we did not have what it took to make picture perfect iced cookies.  We went with it in our own way.  The blue ones are angels.  There were trees and bells and snowmen.  This was fun but not something we will do again.  We do like sugar cookies but not these!  And, our future is not in the cookie business!

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Towel Ride

When it rains, we place a towel by the back door using it to wipe Buddy's paws off.  He is so funny.  He winds up relaxing on the towel.  The boys did not want him snoozing on the towel by the back door.  So, they picked it up at the corners and moved him in with us.  This dog will let you do just about anything to him.  He doesn't even seem to mind.  They put him down and he remained on the towel just enjoying life with us!


Monday, December 29, 2014

Vandy vs Penn

On our way home from Cincinnati, we stayed over in Nashville.  The new Homewood Suites on West End is lovely!  It sits across the street from one of the dorms I lived in and brought back lots of memories.
We were all excited about the basketball game.  The Big Guy graduated from Vandy and got his Masters from Penn.  It wasn't hard for him to decide who to cheer for, though.  With most of the students gone on break, we got to sit in the student section.
There is something special about the Memorial Magic!  Granted.  The lighting with the iPhone is not the best!
 Love the pano feature!  My niece ended up joining us for the game too!
We were glad the 'Dores came out with the win.  It was a great night adding to the memories of this holiday!

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Cincinnati, Day Two, Christmas 2014

Before heading to Cincinnati, I printed down some photo props.  My siblings moaned and groaned at my request to use them in pictures.  BUT, the wonderful memories were captured and we all had a lovely time!  My sister gave us light up necklaces you will see in some of the pictures.  Looking back through all these pictures makes me wish we lived closer.










Saturday, December 27, 2014

Cincinnati, Day One, Christmas 2014

Visiting my mom - wonderful having all four of us there

 She got a new haircut.  It looks lovely.

 Peanut is the best wheelchair pusher.  He does have a knack with the elderly.
 We gave her this pillow last year.  Here they are with it.  Real.  Live.  And, in person!
 Off to Newport to the Haufbrauhaus…Pumpkin is going to Germany over spring break with the Academy choir.  We are so jealous!
 A beautiful tree in Newport...
 Love spending time with my brother and SIL
 Gotta have some ice cream - finished off the day with UDF's peppermint chocolate chip.


Snapshots!

Peanut swam his first 500 the night before finals were over.  He did ok and I think he enjoyed having Pumpkin there to watch.  The funny thing is that we had to wait for Pumpkin after the meet was over.  How is that the case?  He did not even swim.  It was just like old times!
As soon as finals were history, we hopped in the car and headed to Cincinnati.  Our stop for a late dinner was Skyline in Louisville.  Yum!

Friday, December 26, 2014

Time Flies...

Pumpkin flew in last Wednesday night.  Loving the time with him.  Unfortunately, we are in the 24 hour countdown until he flies away…gotta go spoil him!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Soup Kitchen

In the spirit of feeling grateful for all that we have, we volunteered in a soup kitchen over Thanksgiving.  It is always humbling.  I hope to spend some more time helping others...




Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Turkey Trot 2014

The boys ran the Turkey Trot 4 Miler on Thanksgiving.  It was at a new venue and it was cold!  This photo was after the finish.  All three ran well...
I know.  I am bit behind with my posts.  Not sure why...

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Cheering on the Grizzlies

I've never been a big NBA fan.  But, I've got a few of them in the house.  It was heart warming to have them all together watching the game.


 SomeBUDDY else was glad to have Pumpkin home finding his comfy spot on his bed!