THANKSGIVING DAZE

Ooooops, left out one picture - forgive me. Tom was present too and he pointed out that there are 3 photos with Kim and none of him. Duhhhh

What a wonderful holiday, Thanksgiving, to give thanks for all the wonderful gifts God has given us in this most wonderful of countries. We had family, friends, and neighbors over to help us give thanks and to celebrate birthdays for Alexis (6), Kim (39), and George (really old).

A lot to be thankful for, but where are Reese and Connor?? - See you four at Christmas - the Praters were sorely missed.

Preparing for our New Years Eve skit as the "Flatliners" and singing the Lighthouse Bay Blues. George, Antonio and Lenny.

A "pause for the cause" while preparing the feast for the 16 Givers of Thanks.

I sent the Family a video on how to cut the turkey for Thanksgiving. I then armed myself akin to Edward Scissorhands and prepared to cut the turkey the proper way for maximum results. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Barb supervised my new technique.

Here's the result of my artistry.
HOPE YOU ALL HAD A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING

Hello from CHUCKY CHEESE!!!

Nouna and Dina say, "Cheese"
Mommy and Chris on the "mega truck"
round and round we go..
Who me????
Off to the races with mommy and "theo-nouno"

We had a great time at Chucky Cheese...hope you get a kick out of the photos. Thank you Nouna and Nouno for such a good time!!!
Love, Dina and Chris..Mommy too

Telis in Kriti

Ooops, I forgot to post the photo of Telis and me on today's blog. Note that I'm standing on the high ground - he's about 6'-2".

SNOWBIRDS RETURN

First let me tell you that I got a "comment" on this blog from my cousin Telis in Irakleion, Crete, last week (Greece 2007 archive - if you're interested). That means that this site has gone international - so don't forget all of our family in Kriti when you're blogging. In fact, Papou Tito's sons, Pantelis and Giorgos may visit the USA in February.

Now to this post: After Pat and Katherine left, we didn't know what to do with ourselves so - we partied! Seriously, we had a great time with those two non-stop shoppers and now all of the "snow birds" are again descending on Florida. That means more people, more fun, and more traffic. Florence and Ted got down last Sunday and it's great to have them back. Now it's back to "business" - ie golf, shopping and parties. This Friday we went to the Elks' Friday Fish Fry and had some good food and good music.



The music was really good - for listening and dancing. You know what Barb and I were doing.

The "Thre Amigettes" - with apologies to Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, and Martin Short.

Friends Forever! South siders Hank & Laverne and Dick and Rosalie, Roy & Margaret- our dear friends from England, Ted & Flo and George and Barb at the Elks' Friday Night Dinner Dance. Welcome back everybody!

GIRLS GONE WILD !!

Yes, even in the best of families, when girls go away to Florida wild things happen. Barbara Katherine, Madelaine and Pat took to the beaches to enjoy the sun, look for sea shells - and otherwise scandalise their families. I'll tell you another thing, that Pat can SHOP! She dragged (a very willing) Katherine to every store and outlet mall in SW Florida. They rested one day and I got calls from several merchants looking for them and saying that their sales had plumetted.

Katherine got in with a bad group for a while and wanted to become a Biker Babe, but we convinced her to pursue a local, more lady-like club.

Months before Spring Break, and Katherine went wild like any coed from the north.

Pat let her hair down for our party, Return to Paradise, and looked great.

All in all, we had a wonderful time and needed only Michael to round out Papou's "Five Fingers". Hurry back you guys!

Will this ever work?

I have tried to post and never can upload photos. I am trying to see if I can post text. Sorry! We have had a foreign exchange student staying with us for 2 1/2 weeks so I have a lot of interesting photos. I hope to get some up soon. And yes, my husband is an IT professional!

Hollinden Visit

Opa and Uncle Steve are in town

Lexi does a dance

Dressed to Kill... or at least nibble.

OK, I almost never dress up for Halloween, but this year I was in Atlanta for the holiday and decided to be a bit more adventurous than usual. Here are some pics from the festivities. RAAAAAAGHRRRR!!!

Halloween in the OP

Halloween Greetings from Orland! It was a beautiful 60 degree day so most of the kids' coats were worn under the costumes this year! Ninja Maria and Candy Corn Witch Katerina were joined by cousin Debbie's girls Football Player Kayla and Cowgirl Nina. Flashdance Angela and Pirate Jami are still young enough to join in the fun.
Spoke with Yiayia Eleni on Halloween and she sends her special Halloween Greetings: "treeky treeky" to all!!

Happy Halloween II

Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz...

Gabby in Heaven...

Hollyn with her friends...

Sisters having fun...

Boys will be Gouls

Reese is on the left, Conn by his side

Buddies John Cruz as Storm Trooper and Matt Lemons as Blue Demon

Unmasked. Way scarier.

Not like the Halloweens I recall - when we went trick or treating in snowsuits. Chandler St. John is the Grim Reaper/Executioner

This year marked the first annual Candy Trade. It is much like the trading floor at the NYSE, only more pressure. Tempers flared, there were winners and there were whiners. Over all, the candy market closed three points down due to rumors that someone was giving out Charleston Chews. We found out who it was and egged their house.

Sugar rush. Happy All Saints Day!

(Some candy strategically placed to protect Connor's identity. Ooops!)