Cul-de-Cocktails at the Melting's

Tonight was the second Friday night gathering to enjoy cocktail hour. We hosted and made Cosmopolitan Martini's while everyone else brought an appetizer. At midnight, when the kids went to bed, the men struck up a game of boccie ball that lasted until 2:00 a.m.

Father & Daughter Dance 09

I was honored that Hanna asked me to take her to her school's Father & Daughter Dance this year. I had a great time with her and enjoyed seeing all her schoolmates cutting a rug. Hanna won a gift certificate from one of the drawings that night.

Cul-de-Cocktails at the Kowaleski's

Tonight was the first Friday night gathering of a new weekly ritual with our neighbors to enjoy cocktail hour. The Kowaleski's hosted and made Margarita's while everyone else brought an appetizer. We had a great time and everyone left around midnight.

2009 Storm

Hanna has played in the YMCA basketball league for the past two years. Today was the first game of season three. Hanna's team name is called "Storm" and she is wearing #6. Hanna's friend and neighbor, Kayleigh, is playing on the same team and wears #1.

Hanna spent time this summer practicing shooting and dribbling in the driveway and it has paid off. Hanna played very well today - she made a basket, had an assist, had a rebound and one steal. The coach had her play the guard position for most of the game and she really enjoyed it. Kayleigh is playing for her first year and is a natural athlete. She had 3 or 4 assists and 1 or 2 steals in the game. Storm won the game 16 to 5.

RBC Center

I had the opportunity to attend the Sports Council Meeting and see the Hurricane's' Owner/CEO speak. The event was at the RBC Center (where the Hurricane's play) and while everyone was arriving we watched Toronto practice on the ice.

CP World Record

Grammie and Grampie (Tom & Kim) brought Nora and Hanna back to Raleigh after Christmas. They are staying until Monday, January 5th. Tonight during the Vikings vs. Eagles Football game they made Cheese Pigs (CP) for dinner. The World Record for the most consumed CP's in one setting was previously held by Brad Foley - he devoured 21 CP's in 1971. History was made tonight in Raleigh, NC when Jeremy Melting tucked away 22 CP's to claim the crown. Long live the champion! Click here for photos.

MJ

My lifelong friend Matt Jemtrud visited us for a few days. Here are some photos of our visit to Chapel Hill, The Duke Chapel and Duke Gardens.

2009 Happy New Year

We celebrated New Years Eve with our good friend Matt Jemtrud and our neighbors the Kowaleski's and the McGhiey's. We built a fire in our backyard and later went into the house and built a fire. We cheered in the new year with champagne.