Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

I usually complain that we do not get enough snow. I guess someone was finally listening.

We had enough snow to cover the ground, make a snow man, and give Truman the coldest largest water dish he could ever imagine.

It was crazy here in Seattle- people sledding and snowboarding down steep streets that rival Wilmont skiing.  Some were snowshoeing and crosscounty skiing to work, roads were closed due to abandoned buses.  Made me miss Chicago and their lovely salt trucks.

We all managed to survive and now much of the snow has gone. All that is left is mush and slush. 

Isn't Snowy handsome? 

Bake drink eat laugh

We had our fourth annual cookie party. It was a success, despite some very embarrassed dogs.  This was the only picture of the night. I guess that is what you get when you start a party at 5pm with strong cocktails.  

Palm trees and nurses and Docs...Oh my

Andi got lucky and was chosen to go to a cardiac conference in Miami.  A few computer key strokes later, Robin, my sister Val, and I were also booked on a flight to the sunshine state!  

Maree and Howie after a long day of thinking.

Kihan, pondering the latest and greatest in Cardiology.  

 We not only took in the sun but we participated in a few art installations that were part of Art Basel.  Always important to mix some culture with cocktails.  
Don't get me wrong we had plenty of time to relax and take in the Vitamin D.  Even Jeremy let his hair down  HA!!! (sorry Jerome- I could not resist!)

Turkey day!

This year we roasted our first bird.   After much research we decided to use the Williams Sonoma method.  This involved over-priced brine and over-priced turkey rub... the results were worth every penny!

Our guests had a great time. We ate drank and ate some more!!!

We were thankful for so much, family, friends our jobs and that Lin did not have the baby in our living room.  We were all also very thankful for PIE!!!!

This pretty much sums up the way we all felt after dinner!!  

Better late than never...

So, I have been very bad at this blog upkeep. SORRY!

  Andi turned the big 40 his year.  What started out as going out for drinks with a couple of close friends ended in debauchery fit for a 30 something.  What a night, from a flaming police car to pictures with cookie monster.  Hey who has those pics  anyway?

My kind of town...

We just got back from a week-long stay in Chicago. We arrived the night of Yom Kippur at the Ruderman's just in time to put little Nora to bed. WOW, we were amazed at how much she had grown and how chatty she has become.

Julie and Sean just had a baby and we were blessed to be able to spend time with that little guy.  I will admit that I had trouble sharing Ethan with anyone, even his mommy.

 The minute I walked in the house I scooped that delicious little boy into my arms. (Sorry Laura).

Another big hit was little baby Annie. What a doll! She makes the best waking-up noises; we spent an afternoon just laughing and watching her stretch.

... Chicago is, my kind of town

The fun continued in Chicago during John and Susie's wedding.  It was great to see the whole family together!

Everyone had a great time dancing,

Especially Val!

Home is where the heart is... and we left ours in Chicago!

I love not camping

Post-gall bladder surgery in September, we were in need of a vacation. Courtney found a great little get-away in Idaho, so us girls decided to head over, enjoy nature and celebrate Annika's and Andi's birthdays!!

What an adventure- two cars, six girls, four dogs, and lots of wine!

(That little black spot is the Tobers)

We ate, we drank, we played fun games.

Well, perhaps Luna did not think Maree's games were fun.

We even took a hike... to the on-site market. It was about a city block away, but the elevation got to the dogs fast!

Some of the more adventuresome gals (not recovering from surgery) went for a ride in the sky. Zip liners Andi, Courtney, and Annika are so brave... and outdoorsy!

The not-so-outdoorsy crew enjoyed nature from the inside of the spa, poolside and in our back yard.

Girls Trip #1 2008 was a success, next stop Miami!!!!!