Mandy's off to the Rose Bowl!

Amanda left yesterday afternoon to head back out to PSU for their trip to the Rose Bowl with the Blue Band. They flew out early this morning and we heard from her that she has seen the Hollywood sign and all is well. We are really excited to see if we can find her on TV either in the parade or halftime of the game. So far, only Grandpa has seen her on TV during a game, standing along the side of the tunnel when JoePa came walking out. Hopefully we will catch a glimpse of her.

Today Danielle and I went to the Exton Mall using the Garmin GPS that the girls got me for Christmas - it was awesome! I love not having to worry about looking for exits and remembering which way to turn. I feel like I could go anywhere!

Christmas Eve

Every Christmas Eve, my parents, brothers and our respective immediate families take turns gathering at each other's houses. This year was mom and dads turn.

Mom and Dad's Tree:

First, there is food, and lots of it:

Then, a gathering forms, consisting mainly of the younger crowd, anticipating presents:

But some of us are still on the food, or like Mom, waiting around to clean it up:

I hate having my picture taken, but I allowed my nephew to take it, so here is how I look if you are the size of an 8 year old boy. Scary.


Now it's time for presents:





Next, we get to play with the toys:

Or just goof around a little bit:
Perhaps head back to the food:

Then, there are obligatory photo ops. Here are my 3 girls, with one nephew making bunny ears:


My niece Nikki and her boyfriend Scott:


Steph and Simon:


Brother Dean, his wife Kathy and their boys Mickey and Ryan:

Brother Bud, his wife Andrea and daughter Jackie:


My mom and dad:

Why you should not leave your camera lying around....

This is what the girls were up to after I went to bed last night:

Steph and Simo's Family Christmas Party

Tonight we went to Steph and Simo's apartment in West Chester for a party. They invited me and the girls, their dad, and Simon's parents and sister.




Simon got the Kitters all dressed up again. I think he's starting to like it:

Danielle - Lots and lots of Pictures!

I guess it's only reasonable that since Danielle is the only one living at home full time, that I should have enough pictures of her to wallpaper a house.

My first day with the camera:


Saying goodbye to her friend Elise, off to college in Colorado:


In her bedroom, in the usual position (pencil and sketchpad at the ready).


Before the first football game:


This is not a clear photo, but I love the look on her face:



At Penn State:




Getting ready for the Halloween parades, she was totally 80's for one:




We found a potential prom dress and bought it just in case:


She went super ninja for the other Halloween parade. I think she was kind of disappointed she wasn't allowed to take the sword:



The 2 of us went out for her 17th birthday:





Here is her first pumpkin carving:



Hamming it up with Amanders:



Christmas parade in Reading:

Decorating the tree:

That is it, I'm totally caught up, at least with digital photos. You don't want me to get out the photo albums, believe me. Though it is a thought.