Carolina Dreaming

Well our last full day in Carolina started out with a visit from Kelsey the dog.

We did some traditional fall stuff, such as raking leaves and jumping in the piles.

Zach enjoyed the tire swing at Aunt Susie's house.

Later we went the world famous Dragon Park.

After a big pasta dinner (no pics available) we packed up and got ready for our big travel day tomorrow - keep checking back for more Monkeyshines.

Family 2007

Here they are - the official 2007 family pictures:

Black Friday

I suppose that most families go shopping on the day after Thanksgiving but our family, being somewhat atypical, exchanges gifts on Thanksgiving, and thus has no need for this part of the great American experience. Instead, we gather for the annual photograph, then do the gift exchange.

This year was no exception, however, it was extra special because with the addition of Zach and Miranda, the entire nuclear family was together for the first time ever (unless more children are hatched, which at this point does not seem likely).

So exchange gifts we did, and young master Zechariah and young miss Miranda made out like bandits. Here are a few breif pics of all the fun and frivolity for your viewing pleasure.

Both kids got puzzles and art supplies and sticker books and tub toys. Zach got a bunch of Thomas the Train stuff and Miranda got a talking baby doll and some other nice things. It was quite a haul!

After all the excitement, it was definitely time for snacks and naps - which is what we did.

Later, Grandpa Monty led a multi-generational golf outing and, while the golfers were out, the party shifted from Aunt Susie's house to Uncle Warren's house for more fun and a big take-out dinner. Still two more days of Carolina Monkeyshines to go - be sure to keep checking back.

Turkey Day Monkeyshines

Well, we made it safe and sound to North Carolina - braving the planes, trains and automobiles - and we ended up at uncle Warren and aunt Leslie's house for the annual Thanksgiving extravaganza.

We ended up hanging around at the airport for quite a while, so we spent some time watching some of our favorite videos with Grandpa Monty and walking around looking at the airplanes.

When we landed, aunt Susie was waiting at the Raliegh airport to pick us up and off we went to our party. All of our cousins, aunts, uncles and significant others were there - it was amazing!

Since it was 75 degrees and sunny in beautiful Carolina, we spent much of the afternoon before the feast playing outside (kids display pack/herd behavior).

Later we all played inside with the whole family.

At last it was time to strap on the feed bag, and what a feast it was!

Miranda wore her special new party dress, and she looked very beautiful as you can see for yourself.

We lost the pretty black tights after the first diaper change but she refused to take the dress off until she was practically asleep.

After dinner we all hung out and digested. The good news was that this made room for the multitude of tasty pies that magically appeared, so we indulged in desert. There was pumpkin, apple and several other pies, as well as various cookies and other tasty treats.

Stay tuned for more Carolina Monkeyshines.

Travel Plans

Today (after work of course) I will be finishing up all the last minute errands that I need to accomplish, in order to travel with the kids tomorrow. Yes, that's right, tomorrow is the day of our highly anticipated airplane trip to North Carolina for the big Miller/Danzinger Thanksgiving extravagana and rummage sale. Our favorite little ones will be arriving at Daddy's house tonight at around 8:30pm, but the "fun" will really start tomorrow at 9:15am when we pile into a limo for JFK and the start of our holiday. Fortunately, I should be able to do a better job of posting over the break (and returning all the backed up email - your patience is greatly appreciated - you know who you are), as I wont be getting up at 2am and doing the Wall Street grind. Wish us all a bon voyage and safe travels - and a very happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Sicko Monkeyshines

We were all feeling a bit sick this past weekend and the weather was cold and wet, so we pretty much stayed home (at Daddy's house and enjoyed some quality time. In spite of a little cabin fever, we managed to have fun and it was a very loving time. Here's the short version (captions only).

Zach reacts as Daddy tries to give him a bite.

We take turns trying on Daddy's shoes.












We played with some toys that we had almost forgotten about.

Miranda creats a beautiful work of art with her stickers.

Miranda carefully adjusts her microscope for some important research - Squeaky was unharmed.











Zach relaxes after a tough day of play.











Miranda mugs for the camera - charming huh?













Make sure you check back for the thrills and chills of Thanksgiving Monkeyshines in North Carolina!