"Arianna, how old are you today?"

Arianna's homemade pink yummmmmy cake

I found a stuffed puppy that looked like Buddy, so I put a nametag around him of a heart with Buddy's name!
So cute...she's always asking, "Where's Buddy?" - now she can play with him, and no allergies for mom!
:)

My sweetie


Happy Birthday Arianna!
We love you!!

We all gathered at Lux for a fabulous New Years Eve celebration!
:)
We LOVE the Chex Mix they always have out, and they handed out mini champagne bottles for everyone too!

Bob, Jim, and Susan

Jim, Susan, and Mike

Noisemakers!

Me and Susan

Bob's brother Sam and friend John

Tracy and Susan

Me and Bob

Wishing you lots of happiness and sticking to those resolutions...at least trying to...
:)
Will update again soon!

Merry Christmas!
Our mini table tree behind all the presents
:) - Buds is relaxing on the couch with the snowman pillow.

Made a new Buddy calendar for Bob for his office.

Jim and Susan's beautiful First Christmas tree in their new home.

I love how they color coordinated the presents and the tree with shades of blue and a splash here and there of red...really beautiful.

Susan about to open our presents to her and Jim.

Jim opened his liquor dispenser from Bob (as you can see, he is very pleased)
;)

I matted and framed this print for them - I took it over the summer in their back yard.

I made a little photo book for Ariana that has pictures of her and our family and even Buddy in there. She's showing it to Lillian (her mom) here. Lillian tells me that she actually takes it to bed with her to look at.
:)

This is Daniel - he has grown SO much over the last year. Look at those curly locks! We gave him that little toy he's holding...it bounces around.


Bob and Amada relaxing on the couch before our Christmas dinner (in Albany)


Mom's Christmas dinner...mmmmm

Santa Buddy!


Me and dad at his place by the tree with Buddy


Next morning, Bob and Buddy waiting while I pack up the car to head back to Rochester


Peter and mom (in her new all leather Harley digs...that's right - all leather, and ready for the road!)


Quick visit with Mickie before we headed out of town


More in depth stories to come!

I got to visit with Sue at her school the other day for her baby shower ~ her colleagues are so friendly, and very generous! She got so many amazing gifts for her baby to be. She was beautifully radiant, and I can't wait to meet her baby boy. Only two more months!
(notice the pin she got - "It's a Boy!")




The four of us (Bob and Kevin too) are getting together at the end of the week for dinner at Don Pablos (Mexican) to celebrate the holidays. mmmmmm mole sauce...

See you soon Susie!
:)

Sunday December 4th - The wedding of Carrie and Jim!
It was a beautiful early December morning as I headed East to witness the marriage of my dear friend Carrie together with her sweetheart, Jim.

It wasn't the same without Bob by my side, and it was sad to have to say goodbye to him that morning, but he was in very good hands with his mom and family.

I think I drove 90mph the whole way as I was filled with anticipation and excitement for the big day !

I had some extra time before being able to check into the hotel where the wedding was being held, so I continued on to visit the Dutchers in Malta. The whole family was there, even little Dylan. I got to see Mickie still putting her Wedding Time Capsule together for Carrie - a beautiful hand crafted box for Carrie to place all her wedding momentos into to open at some point in the future for reminiscing. Great idea Heim!
:)
After the visit, I headed over to the hotel to get ready. It was just beautiful. All decorated for christmas with pointsettas and white lights...I made my way up to my room, got ready, and headed back downstairs. As soon as I got to the ceremony room, I saw my dad and Pat first! I was so happy to see them...we visited for a bit, and then I started to see more people coming in. It was so special seeing Carrie's family all together... for those that don't know... I have been friends with Carrie since the 7th grade...have visited, and been a part of their family for that long too. This was a very special day.
I saw Mickie come in - she was just beautiful...it's so exciting to get all dressed up, and then to be surrounded by loved ones is really overwhelming. The Dutchers made their way in too, and Jeff too! Jeff is an ex of Mickies from College, but has won our hearts and has been our friend for years. I was so happy to spend time with him throughout the night ~ he's like one of the girls...so funny.
:)
As you can imagine, I have a ton of pictures from the event, but will spare you all the scrolling. I've picked out a few to help feel the warmth and love of the evening.
Anyways... we all made it to our seats and were filled with anticipation ... when Carrie turned the corner to the aisle with her dad, the sight was purely breathtaking.



It was so emmotional watching the two of them say their vows together. Holding hands throughout the ceremony, gazing deeply into each other's eyes with love and excitement for their future together...Mickie and I watched as years of memories shared between the three of us flooded our minds. That's OUR Carrie up there...



During the ceremony, Carrie's nephew read aloud a poem that Mickie had written for the ocassion. It was written as if from a child's point of view about love. Another masterpiece Heim.

"Love is
Like the moon in the sky
Ice cream with apple pie

Like finding
The perfect hill to sled on
And the last unbroken crayon

Better than
Christmas morning and the first snow fall
Filling a trick-or-treat bag and eating it all

Marriage will be
All of your favorite things combined
Being together till the end of time"
-Mce

Once he was done, he walked over to Mickie and handed her a rose...so sweet!







Congratulations!!! They're married!



We all headed into the reception area to visit, and enjoy some delicious munchies...everything was just beautiful. I got to visit with my dad and Pat, the Dutchers, and Jeff...the whole evening was so much fun!
Here's the three of us, Mickie, myself and the new bride Carrie!







Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Dutcher...without whom the three of us would not of had as much fun through highschool, nor would we have so many adventures to have grown up with. They always welcome us into their home as if their own...we have always been a part of their family and love them dearly



This is my dad, his girlfriend Pat, and myself enjoying the wonderful reception. Aren't they such a cute couple?
Go dad!
:)

Me and my Heim...inseperable.


mmmmm yay cake!



The rest of the evening was so much fun... we all danced together, enjoyed some cocktails, cake, and even a pastry table...mmmmm
At one point, just myself, Carrie and the Dutcher family were out on the dance floor.
Heim and I and Jeff stayed til the very end and walked Carrie, Jim, and their presents upstairs to their suite. It was so amazing in there... a huge room, jacuzzi, veranda...with rose petal decorations on the floor, candlelight...very romantic. We said our ooohs and aaahhhs, gave goodnight hugs and wishes, and the three of us headed out. Mickie and I said goodbye to Jeff, and then headed back to my room. With Bob having to stay home, I invited Mickie to stay with me. We stayed up talking about the beautiful evening...and how happy we were to see our dear friend get married to such a sweet man who is dear to our hearts...and settled in to play a little Sex and the City trivia in bed.
:)



The next morning, we were invited to a brunch with the family...so we got ready, and headed over to greet the bride and groom with morning hugs.
Everything was delicious.
One last picture of us before we make our separate ways...



The newlyweds!



They are heading off to Disneyworld during Christmas break for their honeymoon and are very excited!

Congratulations Carrie and Jim ~ I couldn't be happier for you both and am excited to be a part of your new married lives as you journey down this new path together.
With love and leftover wedding cake on top,
Suz