Melissa's Amusings

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Missed Some Key Photo Shots....But Still Had A Very Happy Thanksgiving 2014 !

Thanksgiving is always a favorite time for me; but this year was an extra happy one. Because, this was the first time in three years that we were able to have all four boys here for the Holiday. Justin was able to arrange his terminal leave from the AF (Germany) and arrive almost a week ahead, which coincided with Geoffrey's Thanksgiving break from SIUE. The last one to arrive was Nathaniel from Green Bay, but was able to make it by late Tuesday night. [Phillip lives in Springfield :-)]
Besides the traditional Thanksgiving Eve homemade Pizza/Calzones while watching Jurassic Park and Thanksgiving Dinner (no photos), we just enjoyed the camaraderie while playing games,

Computering (?)

After dinner walks, this year with snow....

Snow decorating ornamental grass

snow cap on a bird's nest

Checking out Phillip's new solar panels and...

Solar panels covered with snow on the garage roof

playing with his dogs.

Now, silly me thought this would be a good time to get a good/posed group photo,which did not happen. It was actually easier when they were younger and I could threaten to take away computer or Nintendo games if they didn't cooperate for the pic!

They say there is always 'one' in the family that adds 'spice' to the photos :-)

Here, Justin wouldn't even join the group :-(

Geoffrey must not have heard me say 1,2,THREE!

But after seeing these, they do make me smile since they have a bit more character to them. A trip to 'Grandmother's House We go' (minus Phillip). We were there less than 24 hours, and yet packed in a lot of fun times/activities.

That is quite a pile for just a 24 hour visit!

Looks like Nathaniel is playing to an empty room, however, we are enjoying his medley of pieces throughout the house...It must have good acoustics.

more computering...

birds of a feather flock together :-)

A quirky activity of comparing handwriting.....and then have Mom guess who wrote each one.

How many people still use the cursive capital I? Here, only Lynn and Paul do! (Mom missed 3)

Game playing that involves 4 generations :-)

Nathaniel drawing with his eyes close and our team was able to get the answer...'sleepwalking'!!

We did a lot of eating, a walk to check out the town's new Christmas decorations, and some more music playing (no pics). Nathaniel, Mom, and I were able to get in 2 sessions of recorder music playing. With bass, alto, and soprano instruments, we were able to play some interesting and fun pieces.
Maybe, I will be able to get the 'missing' pics in the upcoming Christmas get-together. Until then, I will savor the heart warming memory of Thanksgiving 2014 :-)

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Anticipation

Anticipation- an emotion involving pleasure and excitement when thinking about a longed-for good event.It is also "the process of imaginative speculation of the future." So what better way is there to increase the anticipation for expectant parents than to have a baby shower, where friends and family gather to share in their joy!!
I was fortunate to be able to attend Liz's (my niece) baby shower this weekend to experience this fun-filled occasion. Kristen hosted the event with lots of attention to the beautiful details to make this a very special time for everyone.