Quote of the Day

To make an end is to make a beginning.  The end is where we start from.

T. S. Eliot

A Must Have

Sometimes I see something that just needs to be part of my Hittyville World.

This is one of those somethings.

Furever Friends

A moment in time...

A VERY rare moment for Pixie and Gypsy.

Fun Fact

It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky in a standing position.

Quote of the Day

The things that make me different are the things that make me ME.

~piglet~

Today's Thought

Reading is dreaming with open eyes.

Abe and Elliott Visit the Cleveland Aquarium

 Elliott and Abe...along with their parents and Kate...visited the Cleveland Aquarium and were truly awed by the Tunnel.

Amy was as well!

 I love four year olds.

The world is so new and exciting to them.

 The boys are focused on their surroundings and taking it all in.

Travis and the boys...I am sure they are engaged in a scientific discussion of some sort.

I wonder if they are both pointing at the same thing...

 Next...

It seems like only yesterday Kristen and Noah were playing together just like their sons.

Mother and daughter...

~Happy~

And then...

Back to the Tunnel one more time before they go!

Shopping Time...a great way to end a wonderful visit!

Later...

 The group decided to have lunch at The Mellow Mushroom.

It looks like some of the Aquarium Friends joined them.

Two peas in a pod...

I can only imagine what Abe is thinking about...

He is probably planning an aquarium of his own.

His lunch looks good!

  

This picture pretty much sums up the bond Elliott and Abe share.

I see their great-grandfather's spirit in both of these beloved boys.

~It Goes On~

Kate's Christmas Open House

My sister, Kate, had her first family gathering at her beautiful home in honor of Kristen, Travis, and Elliott.

Joe and I got there a bit early and caught up on Kristen's happy and very busy life in California.

 This little party was really all about the children!

Introducing Abe and Elliott, the red nosed reindeer.

 Through the tent screen...

 The boys were joyfully arresting the grown-ups.

Brooke looks like she is enjoying herself, Scott...not so much.

Even the mothers were put in "jail".

Elliott took this game very seriously...

 Kate is next!

Two very creative little boys...

 Keith, Dion, and Brianna arrived and the five became one...

 I love these kids...

Sorry about the top of your head, Keith!

 Brianna and Elliott in their own world...

~Family~

Thank you to Kate and Anna for sharing some of your pictures.

I was so busy playing with the children, I missed showing you...

Pat, Cassi, Johnny, Corey, Travis, and Noah

Kate's amazing dinner buffet

More of Kate's charming home

Next time...

It was an evening for creating memories of the heart.

Busy Days

Whew!

We have been totally embracing the holiday season and that has left me little time to blog...However, I have still managed a few quick pictures on Facebook and Instagram.  I will always post those here as well.

I am so excited for the adventures I am working on for 2018 and will share them with you when things quiet down.

Our part of Ohio has been VERY cold and I hope if you have been hit with these freezing temperatures, you are keeping nice and warm...

More tomorrow!

With joy~Vicki

Brrr

Today's freezing temperatures are for the birds...

SNOWBIRDS!

Busy Post Christmas Abe

 Abe could not wait to get started on his Smithsonian Dinosaur Dig.

Somewhere along the line, he lost his goggles and is really working hard on his excavation!

Wow!  It was really worth the work.

Goggles found.

Later...

Abe put on quite a light show for his parents with another great Christmas gift...a space projector.

~Magic Years~

With Love and Thanks

Thank you to all the Santas who brought magic into our lives this year!

Christmas 2017

Just before Christmas...

The Carlson Christmas Tree is completely decorated and Abe had the honor of "topping" off the tree...with a little help from Mom and Dad!

 Abe added lights to his tepee.

Nice!

 Abe adorned his windows with Christmas cheer....

Beautiful artwork, Abe!

 Abe and his parents baked cookies and the decorating began...

 Such concentration.

 The best part of all..."tasting"!

Abe and Amy made just the perfect snack plate for Santa.

~Love~

Christmas Eve...

 Cassi and Pat's Crabfest is a family tradition and Cassi was in her glory cooking away in her beautifully remodeled kitchen.
Thank you for hosting, dear sister!

 Surprise announcement...

Rupa and Mike are expecting a baby and Priya is looking forward to becoming a big sister!

 A very happy expectant family...

 Brooke and her new "squirrel" hat.

They are inseparable!

Noah has that "I am on vacation" glow.

 Abe was keeping his "Reindeer Poop" safe in the bag.

Brooke and Scott's gift had him laughing, especially when he realized it was edible...chocolate.

Joe is my ultimate Santa Claus...

 Johnny and Corey are ready to host our family Christmas dinner.

Hannah has just finished up a semester of college.  I loved discussing art with this talented young woman.

 Kate and Anna make me smile.

They are both so dear to my heart...

 Kate is telling Abe that her grandson, Elliott, will be arriving soon and they can play together later in the week!

 Christy and John are such a cute couple.

Christy made the most delicious Christmas cookies...

 First course...clam chowder.

Happiness is sharing the holidays with my beloved Abe.

 Cassi gave a word of thanks for the newest member of our family who is due VERY close to my birthday!

 I love this picture!

Joe and Abe are having a staring showdown.

Brooke and Amy are happily posing.

Scott does not like the camera, but is always a good sport.

And then there is Noah....

Look at that face.

 ~The Young Man and the Crab Leg~

 This is Brooke and Scott's first Christmas as a married couple.

Back at Abe's home...

Noah and Amy have started a family tradition of giving Abe a special gift on Christmas Eve...

I can only imagine what Abe is thinking.

Christmas Morning

 One of the many joys of childhood...

Opening presents from Santa Claus.

 And there were many!

 Noah was preparing our family Christmas Brunch.

I LOVE this tradition Noah and Amy started!

 Abe was beyond busy with his gifts from Santa and Oma/Joe and Brooke and Scott.

 From Brooke and Scott...

I want one!

 Playtime with Joe...

 A family portrait of sorts...

Christmas Day

 Our family gathered once more at Johnny and Corey's home.

Missy and Scott's family decided to stay in Nashville this Christmas.

We missed them, but understood they needed some down time after a busy football season and a Bowl Game, which they won!

Brianna looked especially happy to see her cousin, Abe...

 Abe loves Keith and the adventures he plans for them.

 Abe "performed" his rendition of Jingle Bells on the piano I once played on as a child.

 Kate is the best playmate ever!

Time to get the food on the table.

Kate made the mashed potatoes.

 Johnny is a master at cooking beef...and carving it as well.

 Johnny, Kate, and Cassi put together a true Christmas Day Feast!

Oma and Mom would be so proud...

Thank you for hosting our gathering, Johnny and Corey!

 For me, life is all about family...

Especially our darling grandson, Abe!

~It was the Merriest of Christmases~