Central Park at Midnight

Much, much more fun than ringing in the New Year in Times Square!

New York City!

Lorenda talked me into coming to New York City for New Year's to run the Emerald Nuts Midnight run in Central Park with her. I'm sick, tired after a week of company, old, and out of shape. But I'm here!

The weather - after a big snowstorm last week - is cooperating. Predicted temperature at midnight: 42 with calm winds. I think I can do this!!

Sarah tagged along with her mom - her first trip to the Big Apple. We're staying up at Columbia Medical School's executive residences (thanks Ross!). Last night, we took the train to the Upper West Side to join UT alumni in New York City to watch the Vols' last second loss in its bowl game.

After the game, we rode down to South Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, then wandered uptown to look at the construction at Ground Zero. We hopped off the train at Times Square to look at the ball, 24 hours before it's scheduled to drop. At Sarah's request, we got her some genuine New York City street food.

Shawn tagged along with me. I couldn't convince him to run, but he couldn't pass up the chance to get oysters and champagne in Grand Central Station in the middle of the afternoon on New Year's Eve.

Artwork

Ella had a little help from her dad, coloring this page in one of her Christmas coloring books. Looks familiar, eh?

Last fishing trip of the year

Shawn and Daniel got skunked today out on the water, but at least it was a beautiful day to be out there!

Let me out!

Tucker likes to climb the stairs, so we keep a baby gate in place to keep him from getting away from us. Sometimes, he manages to slip through when we're not looking. That boy is keeping us on our toes!

The Christmas Card Photo That Wasn't

Cookies!

I overdid the holiday baking this year, so there were plenty of goodies left for the kids. They made a major dent in my surplus.

Ella can't decide if she wants a tree or a snowflake, so she takes one of each. Yum!

Tucker likes his Christmas cinnamon roll!

What is it??

A new mandolin!

Presents!

Christmas Morning in Stevensville

Ella's gonna be a baker like Grannie Diannie.

Tucker checks out the loot under the Christmas tree.

He can't wait for his new toys, so he made do with a vacuum cleaner attachment.

Happy Birthday Cory!

Crockett loves Christmas too!

Crockett, playing with "Justin Beaver," a Christmas present from his California cousin Benson.

On the eve of Christmas Eve

Ready for the kids to arrive!

O Holy Night

Checklist complete! Just in time for Christmas!

Miller Family Christmas

In Michigan this weekend for Miller family Christmas.
For some reason, I didn't take too many pictures. I guess it's because Mitch kept me busy in the kitchen. At least we ate well!

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Maryland Style!

Biggest fish of the year, almost

Holiday baking

Thanksgiving with the Kimbro Clan

Some family photos from Thanksgiving weekend at Creig & Tonya's.

Shawn's Return to Live Radio in Tennessee

We came to Knoxville for Thanksgiving this year. We decided to drive down on Thursday to miss traffic, since the kids were spending the holiday at Steve and Evie's.

When we got up on Friday morning, Shawn decided to tag along with Daniel as he mixed the Blue Plate Special at WDVX. When one of the featured acts cancelled, Daniel volunteered him and his Dad to fill in. When I got the call to "bring my banjo," Ella and I jumped at the chance to see our guys in action.

Shawn used to be a regular in WDVX's lineup, but hasn't been on a Blue Plate Special since we moved to Maryland. Ella and I got some hot chocolate and settled into our first row seats for the show. I'm a bit biased, but if I do say so myself, Shawn picked up right where he left off - pretty cool!