Spring Break - 2008 - in the land of Snow!

Molly and I decided that since we are on the "right" side of the country we would take advantage of that to go visit our dear friends the Campbells in New Hampshire.  There are three generations of silly Campbells there - Grandparents Fred and Deanna, Parents Chuck (who I adopted to be my younger, little brother) and Pam (his lovely wife), and amazing kids Ian, Rachel and Alicia.  

Deanna met us at the airport with the perfect present for Molly - her own bottle of SNOW!

The roads were clear but there was still plenty of the white wet cold stuff for Molly to play in and climb on and throw and sled on once we got to Center Harbor.  

And no snow stops a good BBQ!  Those New Hampshire folks are a sturdy breed!

We were treated to a special day of Scottish festivities - including lots of pipes and drums. Who knew men could look so handsome in a skirt...and be soooooooo loud!

We hated to leave to come home.  Thanks for a great time, oh Campbells!

Molly's New Career

The headline in the Fuquay Varina Newspaper read, "Life in Fuquay - Career Day gets a lift". Molly joined her middle-school buddies in participating in career/truck day and got to ride in cherry picker. Now where else in the world is career day called "career/truck day"? Gotta love the South!  Now, how do I keep her out of the clouds?

Mile Hi City - a quick get-away for Susie

I got a nice treat, a weekend in Denver with BFF Regina Leeds.  Regina, the Zen Organizer, had a speaking engagement and I went to join her.  I grew up in Denver, so it was nice to see my old stomping grounds.  I also got to see friends and family.  Big brother Harlan and his lovely wife Georgia came into town for the engagement, all the way from Cheyenne Wyoming.  It was so great to see them.  I also got to see the wonderful Sally and Bob Bartalot, dear friends who have known me since I was 10 YEARS OLD!!!!  (And for those wondering, that was a loooooonnnnngggg time ago, since I'm now 51 years old.)  Molly, who couldn't miss school 'cuz her mom is mean that way, stayed home with friends.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!!

Who says it never snows in the South. After waiting patiently (well not exactly) the weather predictions came true and Molly and I were treated to a white, fluffy, wet treat from the heavens...snow! Molly was absolutely amazed by it. She had never seen snow falling and only played in it once years ago. (Having grown up in Denver, I have years of snow experience.) It is still falling tonight and we hope that there will be some left in the morning to make snow people. Max isn't quite sure what to make of it...but I'm pretty sure he doesn't like it!

What is on top of the car?

Where's the car?

Where's the shrubbery?

New Year, New Hair

The long and short of it...shorter do's.
Both Molly and I were over the long locks and decided it was time to get them cut off. Molly's friend Katie was willing to come along and get her hair cut too, so off to Great Clips we went.

Before...









After...

Party, Party, Party - LA style

Being the party animals we are, Molly and I flew west again, less than a week after returning from Phoenix.
Destination - Burbank and LA.
Reason - To Party!

Dec 13th - First we celebrated my birthday in fine style. We met up with some friends at Mo's on Riverside. It was so nice to see some of my buddies.

Jane Marsh, Regina Leeds and Moi AND Jessica, Molly, Alana.
Two happy couples - Ailette and David AND Diana and Rene
Dec 14th - Office parties - department Pirate outing at the beach (aaarghhh matey) in the morning and LRW party in the afternoon (too much alcohol - not consumed by me but lot's of other folks...gee I'm getting old), dinner with Regina at our fav Indian restaurant.

Dec 15th - Brunch with the Campbells (thanks for the excellent housing and TLC),

Party at Ailette's house in the afternoon.












Dec 16th - Lunch with Cousin Jay, flying home (oh so sad to leave)

December in Phoenix - the best time to be there

We surprised my niece Katy with a visit to Phoenix, in honor of her being awarded the World of Community Service award from the Arizona Girl Scouts. Here she is with her proud parents and her proud aunt.

















Here is a link to their site: http://www.girlscoutsaz.org/site/c.kkI1KgMZIxF/b.3530275/k.383E/2007_Honorees.htm

It was a blast to see my family, join in the celebration, and enjoy a Hanukkah party on the Saturday. Molly and Marina enjoyed a cousinly moment together.

One of the highlights was watching Katy play basketball. For a not-so-tall kid, she is pretty darn good! Not just a smarty, but a jock too!
The trip was much too short!