Headed Up The Turnpike

Uncle Brent left for Atlanta after Church this morning. We squeezed the last photo in and sent him on his way. He made a pitstop in Gainesville for lunch with Jeff and Alison.
Megan and Brent in front of The Wellington Ward Angel Tree

Reception....Brent fits right in where ever we go. Last night, was not exception. We took him to a reception dinner.

Nohemi and Brent... Note the new Gator Orange Christmas Tie. Brent put that on the first opportunity he had.

No event is complete with a photo with my amiga, Nohemi!

We managed to get Andrew to hold still for the click of a camera... Right before dinner was served.

Not a bad photo for two tired old parents who need a long winter's nap. Note Ron's priorities are always in line...a Gator Orange Tie completed his outfit, also.

The Truckload of Christmas Week Photos is about empty.

I have a few more loaded up, however, soon it will be time to return only a few photos a week rather than a Truckload every few days.!

Palm Beach Christmas Break

Uncle Brent

When visiting South Florida from the cold north, a Christmas trip to Palm Beach is in order. There is no question as to who the locals are...we are NOT in the water and are wearing JACKETS. The visitors from the north are in speedos and bikinis soaking up every glorious ray of warmth before they return to ice, snow, and single digit temperatures.

Katherine, Brent, Megan, and I enjoyed a short walk along A1A in Palm Beach. With more quarters for the meter, our walk would have been long and leisurely.

Yep...I am a "native"...I am wearing a jacket, while everyone else is basking in the sun!

Having Brent visit at Christmas always adds fun to our celebration. The fact that he is a Rock Star and plays Rock Band like a pro, has made this trip super fun!

My Brother The Rock Star

Rock Band....

It Rocks. And when your brother is a Rock Star, it seriously Rocks. Whether on the drums, vocal, or guitar, Brent is in his element.

Rock Band is here to stay...Katherine and Brent may take this show on the road

Thank You, Santa! You Rock!

Preparations, Arrivals, and New Traditions

Christmas Eve Preparations...
For several reasons, we broke tradition (sorry mom and dad) and did not make the family Ribbon Jello Salad. Instead, the girls made Jello Parfaits with Red and Green Jello and Whipping Cream layers. Reason One: This dessert was one the girls could make with very little supervision and Two: Everyone came clean...they don't like Ribbon Jello Salad, especially the sweet layer in the center. It is pretty and festive, but is always sitting left over after dinner.
Heirloom With Dinner...

We inherited these green parfait and dessert cups from Ron's mother, who got them from her mother. I like using them at special occasions, like Christmas Eve, as it feels like we have a piece of those loved ones with us, even though they are no longer living.

Arrival From The North

Not Pole...In from Atlanta, my brother, Brent arrived just in the Nick of Time for dinner, wearing the hat he left home in and kept on his head for all 600 miles of the journey to South Florida. He stopped in Orlando to meet Jeff and Alison, who were headed back to Gainesville (thank goodness they met up, as he collected my American Express Card that Jeffrey accidentally drove off with.)

Let The Festivities Continue... Brent is Here! Party animal that he is, we will celebrate!

Andrew In Atlanta

Warning: The next few posts are heavy on family photos and events. Hang in there with me..... I had to document Andrew's trip to Atlanta and a few other family events. Summer and family gatherings go together!

Doing What The Family Enjoys Most

Eating......

Here The are At On The Border in Atlanta

A night out to dinner with family.

Uncle Brent, Matthew, and Camille

Uncle Mark, Uncle Brent, and Matthew
Uncle Brent, Matthew, and Camille

The entire trip was not all play.... There was time to for everyone

to pitch in and help Uncle Brent get some household projects

done.

Here are Uncle Robert, Grandpa, and Joel at Brent's Condo

Mark helping with a household project for Uncle Brent.