Christmas in Oregon

We had a great time spending Christmas in Oregon.  It is so much fun watching kids get so excited as they open their presents.  We spent a lot of time with the Pappas family went to the valley for Christmas eve. So much fun.

Bo holding precious little Bailey

Nick with Bella (her first trip to Oregon)

Amy, Pete, Nick and Layla wearing the reindeer, elf and Santa decorations that Layla and I made.

Bella opening her first Christmas present from Jimmy, Angela, Zoey and Bailey

The kids opening presents at Tom and Bonnie's on December 23rd.

Amy, Laura and Pete

Bella took up residence in Nick's suitcase.  I think she wanted to make sure she wasn't left behind as we made our way back to California.

Thanksgiving

Nick and I decided to host Thanksgiving at our house for Dad, Barbara and Ryan.  Unfortunately Ally stayed in New York.  She was missed.

Here is the table all set and ready to go.

Taking the turkey out of the oven

It the kitchen getting ready to eat

The table with all the food that we had prepared.  We made turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, salad, ham, green bean casserole, and fresh baked bread.  I was impressed that it all turned out and I managed not to burn the house down.

Since Ally was unable to celebrate Thanksgiving with us we took this picture and sent it to her.  We are all dressed in Fordham apparel.  This was the first week that we got our little puppy Bella. It was a great turnout and we had a wonderful time.

Bordeaux and Talence France

After spending several days in Paris we flew over to Bordeaux to meet up with Tommy, Kim and Kinley.  We were excited to watch Tommy compete in the Decastar, and be there to support him.

At the track in Talence, France.

Cheering Tommy on from the stands

Kinley and I playing while we wait for Tommy to compete in his next event

Tommy did really well and ended up getting 3rd overall.  This is after he was driven around the track for his victory lap.

Award ceremony

Tommy signing autographs

Holding Tommy's trophy and Kinley's balloon animal.

The following day we took about a 45 minute drive to a beach.  It was a lot of fun.  Kinley was buried in the sand and turned into a mermaid.  Although it was chilly we put our feet in the water and built sand castles.

Tommy, Nick, Doc and Kinley and the sand castle they built.

After spending time at the beach we walked around the town and grabbed lunch.  Afterwards we had to make an ice cream stop.  Here is Kinley sitting in a ice cream cone chair waiting for her ice cream.  Too cute.

We took a trip to Chateau Pape Clement a winery in Bordeaux.  We were able to learn about the wine making process, tour the grounds, and even taste some wine.

The group looking at the room with the barrels of wine.

They had wine in the cellar dating back to 1893

After Bordeaux we flew back to Paris to spend a day with Kim. Kinley, Doc and Rita.  We ended up walking past our hotel and figured we needed a picture.

In front of the Eiffel Tower

We didn't have a chance to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower when we went a few days prior, so we were excited when the group suggested we do it.

Kinley and Nick racing through the gardens.

Kinley and I admiring the views

Kim and Kinley in front of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Nick and I in front of Notre Dame.  We had such an amazing time in France.  Great spending time with Tommy, Kim and Kinley.  So many great memories.

Paris

We had the opportunity to travel to France to watch Tommy compete in Talance meet in Bordeaux, France.  Nick and I decided to go over a few days early and spend some time in Paris.  The city is amazing.  So much to see and do.  Great time walking around for hours.

In the Tuileries Garden outside the Louvre.

The Arc de Triomphe which was within walking distance of our hotel Prince De Galles and the Champs-Elysees.

Walking down from our visit to Montemarte Cathedral.

In front of the Eiffel Tower.

Mymouse was nice enough to treat us to a fabulous dinner at the Tour D'Argent.  We walked to the Notre Dame Cathedral before dinner.

Waiting downstairs of the Tour D'Argent to be shown to our table.

At our table enjoying the views.

Nick and the sommelier at Tour D'Argent reviewing the extensive wine list.

The following day Nick and I took a romantic dinner cruise through Paris.

Out on the deck of the boat as we were passing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night.

After the dinner cruise we thought it would be fun to go dancing.  We found a little spot close to our hotel however we were the only people there under 50 years old.  Too funny.

Enjoying a cocktail in our hotel on our last night before leaving for Bordeaux.

Hawaii

Nick and I traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii for our 2 year anniversary.  We had the best time.  Stayed in the fabulous Halekulani hotel, visited Pearl Harbor, swam in the ocean, and ate great food.

Unfortunately this was the only picture that I took on our trip.  It is significant because 28 is our lucky number.  We were engaged on September 28th, married on July 28th, and stayed in room 828 our first night as husband and wife.

Vegas with Ally

Another trip to Vegas with my wonderful sister Ally.  On the way there we decided to keep ourselves entertained by making funny faces.

Once we arrived in Vegas we watched the Beatles Love show, ate at Nove in the Palms casino, went to the Playboy club, and did a little bit of gambling. 

Before the Cirque Du Soleil Beatles show at the Mirage Casino.

I love these two!!