Sunday, February 6, 2011
Fall Winter Celebration of Family and Festivities
FORREST:
Our family had the most joyful fall ever leading up to the October wedding of our daughter, Nicole, to Steve Byers at Meridan House in Washington, D.C. Zak walked Marcy down the aisle and then immediately picked up his camera and assumed his role as wedding videographer.
An emotional Arthur walked Nicole down the aisle to her handsome beaming groom and held up well with just one quick choke during his memorable toast to the bridal couple.
The guest list included Leland Street neighbors whom Nicole has enjoyed a friendship with over the years; Charles and Bonnie Duffy, Farrell Cosmas, Vicky Taplin, Ben Delancy, Maggie Simpson and Michael Payne. Just after the ceremony, as the bridal party finished the recessional, Marcy and Nicole were delighted to look up and see Bonnie, Maggie and Vicky smiling down at them.
Marcy's brothers and sisters were all together to share the day, as well as three nieces. It is a treat to get family together from different corners of this vast continent. Marcy and Arthur shared the joy of the celebration with Steve's parents, Jack and Marie Byers.
Following the ceremony, the evening progressed with dining and dancing to the music of the Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra until the bride and groom exited as the cheering guests waved sparklers.
Nicole and Steve flew to Tahiti for a two week honeymoon.
In stark contrast to their honeymoon in Tahiti, they spent three wintery days in NYC arriving just as the snowfall began on December 26th.
They arrived in time for a matinee performance of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. By the time the performance let out, New York City was coping with the blizzard of the century. They found a few wonderful ports in the storm, including the sanctuary of their hotel directly across from Central Park with glorious views of the Park’s winter wonderland.
The November edition of American Cinematographer magazine features a lengthy article about Zak and Chad of ZF-Films and their spectacular underwater video for Deftones.
Marcy and Arthur spent the final week of the year in California for Arthur’s production week as Exec. Producer/Director of the NBC Rose Parade. The Tournament of Roses Parade included forty-seven floral covered floats, twenty-two bands and twenty-two equestrian events all marching with great energy and enthusiasm along the parade route.
The Rose Parade rolled along the streets of Pasadena under bright blue skies on a chilling morning. This year’s parade’s theme was Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories was beautifully interpreted. What a way to begin the New Year!
HELLAND-BAY:
The Helland Bay family is enjoying fall and the holiday season! The kids had a fantastic Halloween and we were thrilled to be invited to the Vicentes to celebrate a proper American thanksgiving!
The Helland-Bay household had another fabulous Christmas in America!
We decorated the Christmas tree, made gingerbread cookies and had family visit from Norway which added an extra joy to the holiday, as did the visit from Santa on Christmas Eve! Santa was seen making several stops along Leland Street to the homes of all the good little boys and girls.
Just after the New Years, the family enjoyed a great get-away and the warm weather at Sanibel Island, Florida.
Sea sponges, shells and other fun stuff rolls ashore at “the Rocks on Sanibel Island’s west gulf beaches. The kids loved collecting shells at the beach and swimming in the pool.
STROTHERS:
The Strothers time as "El-Hi" parents is drawing to a close. St Albans varsity football, with Will as quarterback, had a 9-1 season, losing only to Georgetown Prep, 13-15.
Will was on the bench at the end of the season as he recovered from the insertion of a screw in his left wrist -- he played for 2 1/2 games after suffering a break in the Prep game, thinking that he only had a sprain. He is looking forward to attending Trinity College in Hartford this fall. Related to his leaving, the Strothers will be seeking advice as to how to survive as empty nesters.
AYAZ:
Fall was great fun this year. Sophia celebrated her 5th birthday in October and both girls enjoyed many Halloween festivities!
November was also a busy month. Tony’s mom came to visit from California and we all enjoyed her delicious home cooked afghan meals. We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with friends and made a trip to the Ice Skating rink! While Grandma was here to babysit Tony and Nicole enjoyed some fun nights out, including a concert of the J.J. Grey band
The Ayaz family enjoyed balmy weather during their winter vacation in Costa Rica! The girls fell in love with the white-faced monkeys and howler monkeys that played in the tree tops around the house!
The family did the 100 foot high zip line through the rain forest--Nicole was the most scared! They enjoyed a tour of the Manuel Antonio National park and days of relaxing by the pool and beach. The family returned to 26 degrees in DC, already dreaming of a return visit.
BATEMAN:
The Batemans had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all three children home!!! Claire arrived from South Africa on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. After a few good nights sleep in her warm bed, began cooking for the Thanksgiving feast. Annie was home from UGA for the week and contributed her pumpkin bread pudding to the festivities.
Jill's brother, Mark and sister-in-law, Patty, came down from New York and Jill's parents came up from Florida.
All in all, it was a fun and cozy weekend blessed with precious family time, loads of turkey, too many southern style casseroles and several desserts complete with homemade boiled custard. The Batemans had a wonderful holiday season; really enjoying all being home together (the kitchen was NEVER idle).
Jill, Annie, and Claire kept up the tradition of going to the Washington Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker and also took the Vamoose to NYC to enjoy the Christmas merriment.
Christmas Day was magical with the early snowfall, and Jill and Terry loved the new dynamic of being surrounded by "adult children" who were into relaxing and enjoying the peace of the day. It was one of the more restorative family Christmases.
As of January 11th, Jill and Terry (and Rugby) were once again empty nesters! Memories of the Claire’s semester in Cape Town, South Africa and Jill and Will’s trip to visit her are enjoyed over and over again in the photos.
Jill and Claire on top of Table Mountain and Will and Jill near Cape of Good Hope . Of course a safari was among the unforgettable sights and experiences.
It’s a world away from meeting a medicine man in Africa to setting up a new apartment in Glover Park with the help of Jill, Annie, and Claire.
Annie drove back down to Athens, GA to begin her semester at the University of Georgia.
Jill flew down to Nashville to help Claire move into her new on- campus apartment at Vanderbilt. Claire is thrilled finally to be out of the dorm (and if any college student ever needed a kitchen, it's Claire).
LEE:
Grandchildren can be dangerous. I say that lovingly. On Nov. 3 I was chasing my 4-year-old grandkids down the hill outside their house when I slipped, did the splits (never could do them!) and tore the tendons to my hamstring. I had wonderful care at Michael and Velina's home on Rosemary Street with a nice break at the beach and a trip to the N.C. mountain house of my sister and brother-in-law over Thanksgiving.. As usual the visit was filled with piano, guitar and singing that makes the heart fill with joy. My kids encouraged me to go ahead with my silk-screened Christmas card and the caroling party.
Editor’s note: All of Leland Street is so appreciative of Ann Lee’s Caroling Party tradition; those who opened their doors to the holiday cheer of the carolers and everyone who enjoyed the homemade treats, cider and wine loved sharing this annual holiday event with neighbors.
TAPLIN-DELANCY:
The Delancy family drove to Brooklyn NY on the afternoon of Dec. 24. While packing the car for the trip, they encountered many neighbors delivering cards and cookies, decking the halls with decorations, and departing for the airport, train and bus stations to pick up visiting family members. Everyone was very jolly, and the Christmas spirit was in the air! They had a smooth, pre-storm journey to New York, and arrived in time to have Christmas Eve dinner with Vicky's family at her brother and sister-in-law's home in Brooklyn.
In the midst of the snowstorm, Russell, Paul and Vicky’s Dad found indoor activities involving fun and concentration.
They spent Christmas day in Brooklyn also, and then spent the night in Manhattan, with plans to celebrate Paul's 16th birthday (the 26th) hitting all his favorite spots in the Big Apple.
Checking the forecast before leaving Chevy Chase for a few "snow showers" on Sunday, the family decided not to bother bringing heavy snow boots. Bad decision, since two feet of snow fell on the 26th in New York.
The family faced gusting winds, snow falling horizontally, and white out, but managed to see a movie in Times Square (The Fighter -- excellent!), a show (Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson -- very entertaining!) and enjoy a birthday dinner in mid-town.
(Editor’s note: The snow is at least three feet deep on the Rockefeller Center sculptures behind Paul.)
Staying at the Yale Club and starting the day over a nice breakfast was a treat, even, or maybe especially, in a blizzard.
While Paul has enjoyed many fun birthday celebrations with family, this one was unique!
KARASIK-RUBASHKIN:
Pam and David had a wonderful Thanksgiving trip to Paris, which was cold but beautiful.. We were fortunate to be able to spend a week in Paris, taking in all the lovely sites, and eating some really excellent meals. We rented a wonderful apartment in the sixth arrondissement and it made traveling very comfortable.
David's sister and family live in London, and they met us in Paris so that we were able to celebrate thanksgiving with them, turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce! It was gray and cold, but we all enjoyed ourselves tremendously.
The Eiffel tower was amazing, as was an extensive Monet exhibit at the Grand Palais. Fortunately the civil unrest which had plagued the country only a few weeks ago had largely subsided, though we were shut out of the Musee d'orsay one day due to a strike! It's nice to come home to such warm weather!
Pam worked over the holidays so they kept close to home.
Hannah spent two weeks in New York City working on the Columbia University radio Station (WKCR) Bach Fest which is their big annual fund raiser--quite successful. New Year’s Eve was spent with close friends and good food, with a well-deserved rest on New Year’s Day. Hannah is back to Barnard on Monday, and Sophie and Jacob are facing a week of finals exams! Pam and David saw and highly recommend The Kings Speech.
DUFFY:
This fall, Matthew has enjoyed playing flag football (and watching a lot of football with his Dad, too.) In fact, “eye black” was on the top of his list for Santa. He found that and much more sports stuff under the tree. Christmas was so much fun – so nice to be here at home.
Matthew was thrilled by everything, but a visit from “Santa” on Christmas Eve was the biggest thrill of all. His eyes almost popped out of his head when Santa walked right through the front door. Matthew ducked for cover under the dining room table and watched Santa deliver presents. After Santa left, Matthew exclaimed, “I better go right up to bed in case Santa comes back!” Matthew loves telling friends and family about the visit, and sometimes observes “Santa’s voice sounded a bit like Arthur Forrest’s.”
Charles’ and Matthew’s favorite gift may have been “Bubba” – the Steeler football player you’ve seen on the front porch. Bubba has since relocated to Charles’s sister’s home in McLean.
Bonnie and Matthew took the Vamoose to New York City to enjoy Rockefeller Center
We can hardly believe that Ryan is 10 months old. Ryan is growing by leaps and bounds. He is officially crawling now, after weeks of moving backwards or in circles.
Editor’s note: The little wooden wagon that was amongst the Leland Ladies Baby Shower gifts for Bonnie has been put into action.
Ryan can put his toys in it and there is still room for him to crawl inside and have BIG brother Matthew push him around.
SIMPSON-PAYNE:
Maggie's work took her to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a week before Christmas.
A trip which involved wearing the traditional Abaya, riding camels and eating copious amounts of mutton.
She made it back in time to welcome her sisters from France and Ohio for the holidays and to enjoy a wonderful Christmas together. The day after Christmas, as the snowstorm headed North, the family including Chloe (the dog), loaded into the car for the yearly drive down to the beach, near Charleston, S.C. Despite heavy blizzard conditions they made it safe and sound and enjoyed seeing the rare, light dusting of snow as they entered Charleston. After a wonderful week relaxing, biking and playing family board games at the beach, the family headed back to the daily hustle and bustle of life in Chevy Chase.
RILEY:
The Rileys’ expect to move in to their new house, which is nearing completion, by early February. The Rileys celebrated Christmas a few days early with Mark's sister Denise who lives in Hyattsville and brother John who lives in Triangle, VA.
Christmas Eve was spent with Christine's family at her brother's house on Lynn Dr. They spent a quiet Christmas day at their home with Christine's parents who live in Triangle, VA.
After Christmas Mark took Liam up to Erie, PA to visit with his Mom and two other sisters, Teresa and Kelly.
The highlight was taking a walk across the frozen bay and seeing fish frozen in the ice below and the remains of a shipwreck sticking out just above the ice. They returned back to Maryland to spend another quiet New Year's at home.
DANIEL-WOLFF:
David Wolff was home for Thanksgiving from the University of Michigan, where he is studying for a Masters in Music education. Larry spent a week in early November attending a conference on teacher education in Israel and also helping with the synagogue in Tel Aviv (Beit Daniel) which the family has been involved with for 20 years.
Thanksgiving Day and Friday were spent with old friends and relatives. Miriam recommends the novel Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese.
The Wolff Daniel family, including Becky and David, spent much of the holiday season in Longboat Key Florida (near Sarasota), visiting Miriam’s father and enjoying the Florida West Coast. Among the highlights, David and Miriam kayaked in the choppy Gulf of Mexico, where David was visited by three curious dolphins. Larry and Miriam kayaked in the Myakka State Park, joined by alligators, vultures, storks and roseate spoonbills.
David and Larry visited the Mote Marine Aquarium in Longboat Key where they observed sharks, turtles, jellyfish and manatees.
The whole family attended a seventieth birthday party for Larry’s brother in law. By the end of the week Becky, recovering from accidentally cutting a tendon in her foot a month earlier, was walking without crutches. The following week she attended the annual consumer electronics show in Las Vegas where she touted Microsoft’s new Internet Explorer 9. Back in Washington Larry spent two cold days in a primitive Potomac Appalachian Trail Club cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with a friend and two dogs, including Toby, where he worked on his wood burning skills.
Later Larry visited his brother in frozen Greenville South Carolina and spent 10 hours in the Greenville airport before arriving home at 1 am.
LLOYD:
Florence enjoyed a neighborhood brunch as a nice opportunity to catch up with long time friend, Farrell Cosmas. Farrell brought along photos from Will and Karen Cosmas’ wedding to share.
HOROWITZ -KAZIN:
Michael and Beth were thrilled to have both Danny and Maia home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Zoe was happy as well, but dog that she is, there was another reason to celebrate: she got more turkey in one day than she gets in a month. Danny spent all fall running the canvass operation for Rep. Tim Bishop, a Democratic congressman from New York.
And he's still at it: the election was so close that the counting is still in progress, with each side challenging absentee ballots they believe may favor their opponent. At least, it's a great experience. Maia is nearing the end of her first quarter at Stanford, where she has made good friends, taken a hiking trip to Big Sur, and auditioned for several plays.
KINNAIRD:
The Kinnaird Family is loving being in our new home. Steve and David have been enjoying going to some of the University of Maryland football games this fall. For Thanksgiving, we had a marvelous feast at Steve's mother's home, prepared by Joanie and Gramma Kinnaird. The Kinnaird Family enjoyed their first Christmas on Leland Street Leland. The homes were beautifully decorated and a joy to pass by every day. Have you noticed the 48 pots of pansies that come and go from the front of the Kinnaird house? It's science fair time.
Joanie has been busy examining the differences of those grown with chemical, organic or no fertilizer. David is enjoying the start of his recreational basketball season. He plays on a team with guys from several different schools. It's fun for them to get together after not seeing each other much during the year. For Steve and Amanda, having two teenagers is a hectic but fun time!
MARTZ-DAVIES:
So, the Martz Davies family has had a busy but lovely Fall. Kyle and Nora both played soccer and hockey, and Kyle played his first season of lacrosse, which he took to like a violent fish with a stick takes to water. Nora has spent her Sundays going straight from hockey, where she is an aggressive defensewoman, to ballet rehearsal at the Strathmore -- she will be a Snowflake in the Moscow Ballet's production of the Great Russian Nutcracker at the Strathmore, December 8 and 9.
Several members of her (otherwise all-boy) hockey team are coming to watch. She bashes them with her hockey glove when they call her "Snowflake" in the locker room.
Pip finally has her own activity -- gymnastics. Before her first session, she was incredulous that she got to be on the other side of the classroom door, having spent the first three years of her life waiting, and waiting, and waiting.
Chris turned 40 October 1, and to celebrate, Chris and I spent our FIRST DAY AWAY TOGETHER IN 6 YEARS getting our Saab serviced in Charlottesville, Va, rather than hiking and biking in the Shenandoahs. To be clear, we weren't AT the service center all day -- mainly we were waiting for the flatbed to drive back and forth to Purcellville Virginia before the driver decided whether he could actually find our car and navigate the hills to get to it. The next day, though, friends came out to spend the night and have a spectacular dinner at the Inn at Little Washington.
GIBSON:
The kids here are busy counting down the days to the next holiday break and Lola lying around dreaming of another winter of snow for romping, sleeping, and neighbor greeting.
In the meantime, Gordon is enthusiastic for the new basketball season, thanks to his genetic height advantage. Molly re-upped for the crew team at BCC and is currently hobbling around the house and rubbing her blisters in both delight and horror. We all enjoyed early snow in Pittsburgh over Thanksgiving, while visiting Doug's family.
Our family had the most joyful fall ever leading up to the October wedding of our daughter, Nicole, to Steve Byers at Meridan House in Washington, D.C. Zak walked Marcy down the aisle and then immediately picked up his camera and assumed his role as wedding videographer.
An emotional Arthur walked Nicole down the aisle to her handsome beaming groom and held up well with just one quick choke during his memorable toast to the bridal couple.
The guest list included Leland Street neighbors whom Nicole has enjoyed a friendship with over the years; Charles and Bonnie Duffy, Farrell Cosmas, Vicky Taplin, Ben Delancy, Maggie Simpson and Michael Payne. Just after the ceremony, as the bridal party finished the recessional, Marcy and Nicole were delighted to look up and see Bonnie, Maggie and Vicky smiling down at them.
Marcy's brothers and sisters were all together to share the day, as well as three nieces. It is a treat to get family together from different corners of this vast continent. Marcy and Arthur shared the joy of the celebration with Steve's parents, Jack and Marie Byers.
Following the ceremony, the evening progressed with dining and dancing to the music of the Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra until the bride and groom exited as the cheering guests waved sparklers.
Nicole and Steve flew to Tahiti for a two week honeymoon.
In stark contrast to their honeymoon in Tahiti, they spent three wintery days in NYC arriving just as the snowfall began on December 26th.
They arrived in time for a matinee performance of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. By the time the performance let out, New York City was coping with the blizzard of the century. They found a few wonderful ports in the storm, including the sanctuary of their hotel directly across from Central Park with glorious views of the Park’s winter wonderland.
The November edition of American Cinematographer magazine features a lengthy article about Zak and Chad of ZF-Films and their spectacular underwater video for Deftones.
Marcy and Arthur spent the final week of the year in California for Arthur’s production week as Exec. Producer/Director of the NBC Rose Parade. The Tournament of Roses Parade included forty-seven floral covered floats, twenty-two bands and twenty-two equestrian events all marching with great energy and enthusiasm along the parade route.
The Rose Parade rolled along the streets of Pasadena under bright blue skies on a chilling morning. This year’s parade’s theme was Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories was beautifully interpreted. What a way to begin the New Year!
HELLAND-BAY:
The Helland Bay family is enjoying fall and the holiday season! The kids had a fantastic Halloween and we were thrilled to be invited to the Vicentes to celebrate a proper American thanksgiving!
The Helland-Bay household had another fabulous Christmas in America!
We decorated the Christmas tree, made gingerbread cookies and had family visit from Norway which added an extra joy to the holiday, as did the visit from Santa on Christmas Eve! Santa was seen making several stops along Leland Street to the homes of all the good little boys and girls.
Just after the New Years, the family enjoyed a great get-away and the warm weather at Sanibel Island, Florida.
Sea sponges, shells and other fun stuff rolls ashore at “the Rocks on Sanibel Island’s west gulf beaches. The kids loved collecting shells at the beach and swimming in the pool.
STROTHERS:
The Strothers time as "El-Hi" parents is drawing to a close. St Albans varsity football, with Will as quarterback, had a 9-1 season, losing only to Georgetown Prep, 13-15.
Will was on the bench at the end of the season as he recovered from the insertion of a screw in his left wrist -- he played for 2 1/2 games after suffering a break in the Prep game, thinking that he only had a sprain. He is looking forward to attending Trinity College in Hartford this fall. Related to his leaving, the Strothers will be seeking advice as to how to survive as empty nesters.
AYAZ:
Fall was great fun this year. Sophia celebrated her 5th birthday in October and both girls enjoyed many Halloween festivities!
November was also a busy month. Tony’s mom came to visit from California and we all enjoyed her delicious home cooked afghan meals. We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with friends and made a trip to the Ice Skating rink! While Grandma was here to babysit Tony and Nicole enjoyed some fun nights out, including a concert of the J.J. Grey band
The Ayaz family enjoyed balmy weather during their winter vacation in Costa Rica! The girls fell in love with the white-faced monkeys and howler monkeys that played in the tree tops around the house!
The family did the 100 foot high zip line through the rain forest--Nicole was the most scared! They enjoyed a tour of the Manuel Antonio National park and days of relaxing by the pool and beach. The family returned to 26 degrees in DC, already dreaming of a return visit.
BATEMAN:
The Batemans had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all three children home!!! Claire arrived from South Africa on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. After a few good nights sleep in her warm bed, began cooking for the Thanksgiving feast. Annie was home from UGA for the week and contributed her pumpkin bread pudding to the festivities.
Jill's brother, Mark and sister-in-law, Patty, came down from New York and Jill's parents came up from Florida.
All in all, it was a fun and cozy weekend blessed with precious family time, loads of turkey, too many southern style casseroles and several desserts complete with homemade boiled custard. The Batemans had a wonderful holiday season; really enjoying all being home together (the kitchen was NEVER idle).
Jill, Annie, and Claire kept up the tradition of going to the Washington Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker and also took the Vamoose to NYC to enjoy the Christmas merriment.
Christmas Day was magical with the early snowfall, and Jill and Terry loved the new dynamic of being surrounded by "adult children" who were into relaxing and enjoying the peace of the day. It was one of the more restorative family Christmases.
As of January 11th, Jill and Terry (and Rugby) were once again empty nesters! Memories of the Claire’s semester in Cape Town, South Africa and Jill and Will’s trip to visit her are enjoyed over and over again in the photos.
Jill and Claire on top of Table Mountain and Will and Jill near Cape of Good Hope . Of course a safari was among the unforgettable sights and experiences.
It’s a world away from meeting a medicine man in Africa to setting up a new apartment in Glover Park with the help of Jill, Annie, and Claire.
Annie drove back down to Athens, GA to begin her semester at the University of Georgia.
Jill flew down to Nashville to help Claire move into her new on- campus apartment at Vanderbilt. Claire is thrilled finally to be out of the dorm (and if any college student ever needed a kitchen, it's Claire).
LEE:
Grandchildren can be dangerous. I say that lovingly. On Nov. 3 I was chasing my 4-year-old grandkids down the hill outside their house when I slipped, did the splits (never could do them!) and tore the tendons to my hamstring. I had wonderful care at Michael and Velina's home on Rosemary Street with a nice break at the beach and a trip to the N.C. mountain house of my sister and brother-in-law over Thanksgiving.. As usual the visit was filled with piano, guitar and singing that makes the heart fill with joy. My kids encouraged me to go ahead with my silk-screened Christmas card and the caroling party.
Editor’s note: All of Leland Street is so appreciative of Ann Lee’s Caroling Party tradition; those who opened their doors to the holiday cheer of the carolers and everyone who enjoyed the homemade treats, cider and wine loved sharing this annual holiday event with neighbors.
TAPLIN-DELANCY:
The Delancy family drove to Brooklyn NY on the afternoon of Dec. 24. While packing the car for the trip, they encountered many neighbors delivering cards and cookies, decking the halls with decorations, and departing for the airport, train and bus stations to pick up visiting family members. Everyone was very jolly, and the Christmas spirit was in the air! They had a smooth, pre-storm journey to New York, and arrived in time to have Christmas Eve dinner with Vicky's family at her brother and sister-in-law's home in Brooklyn.
In the midst of the snowstorm, Russell, Paul and Vicky’s Dad found indoor activities involving fun and concentration.
They spent Christmas day in Brooklyn also, and then spent the night in Manhattan, with plans to celebrate Paul's 16th birthday (the 26th) hitting all his favorite spots in the Big Apple.
Checking the forecast before leaving Chevy Chase for a few "snow showers" on Sunday, the family decided not to bother bringing heavy snow boots. Bad decision, since two feet of snow fell on the 26th in New York.
The family faced gusting winds, snow falling horizontally, and white out, but managed to see a movie in Times Square (The Fighter -- excellent!), a show (Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson -- very entertaining!) and enjoy a birthday dinner in mid-town.
(Editor’s note: The snow is at least three feet deep on the Rockefeller Center sculptures behind Paul.)
Staying at the Yale Club and starting the day over a nice breakfast was a treat, even, or maybe especially, in a blizzard.
While Paul has enjoyed many fun birthday celebrations with family, this one was unique!
KARASIK-RUBASHKIN:
Pam and David had a wonderful Thanksgiving trip to Paris, which was cold but beautiful.. We were fortunate to be able to spend a week in Paris, taking in all the lovely sites, and eating some really excellent meals. We rented a wonderful apartment in the sixth arrondissement and it made traveling very comfortable.
David's sister and family live in London, and they met us in Paris so that we were able to celebrate thanksgiving with them, turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce! It was gray and cold, but we all enjoyed ourselves tremendously.
The Eiffel tower was amazing, as was an extensive Monet exhibit at the Grand Palais. Fortunately the civil unrest which had plagued the country only a few weeks ago had largely subsided, though we were shut out of the Musee d'orsay one day due to a strike! It's nice to come home to such warm weather!
Pam worked over the holidays so they kept close to home.
Hannah spent two weeks in New York City working on the Columbia University radio Station (WKCR) Bach Fest which is their big annual fund raiser--quite successful. New Year’s Eve was spent with close friends and good food, with a well-deserved rest on New Year’s Day. Hannah is back to Barnard on Monday, and Sophie and Jacob are facing a week of finals exams! Pam and David saw and highly recommend The Kings Speech.
DUFFY:
This fall, Matthew has enjoyed playing flag football (and watching a lot of football with his Dad, too.) In fact, “eye black” was on the top of his list for Santa. He found that and much more sports stuff under the tree. Christmas was so much fun – so nice to be here at home.
Matthew was thrilled by everything, but a visit from “Santa” on Christmas Eve was the biggest thrill of all. His eyes almost popped out of his head when Santa walked right through the front door. Matthew ducked for cover under the dining room table and watched Santa deliver presents. After Santa left, Matthew exclaimed, “I better go right up to bed in case Santa comes back!” Matthew loves telling friends and family about the visit, and sometimes observes “Santa’s voice sounded a bit like Arthur Forrest’s.”
Charles’ and Matthew’s favorite gift may have been “Bubba” – the Steeler football player you’ve seen on the front porch. Bubba has since relocated to Charles’s sister’s home in McLean.
Bonnie and Matthew took the Vamoose to New York City to enjoy Rockefeller Center
We can hardly believe that Ryan is 10 months old. Ryan is growing by leaps and bounds. He is officially crawling now, after weeks of moving backwards or in circles.
Editor’s note: The little wooden wagon that was amongst the Leland Ladies Baby Shower gifts for Bonnie has been put into action.
Ryan can put his toys in it and there is still room for him to crawl inside and have BIG brother Matthew push him around.
SIMPSON-PAYNE:
Maggie's work took her to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a week before Christmas.
A trip which involved wearing the traditional Abaya, riding camels and eating copious amounts of mutton.
She made it back in time to welcome her sisters from France and Ohio for the holidays and to enjoy a wonderful Christmas together. The day after Christmas, as the snowstorm headed North, the family including Chloe (the dog), loaded into the car for the yearly drive down to the beach, near Charleston, S.C. Despite heavy blizzard conditions they made it safe and sound and enjoyed seeing the rare, light dusting of snow as they entered Charleston. After a wonderful week relaxing, biking and playing family board games at the beach, the family headed back to the daily hustle and bustle of life in Chevy Chase.
RILEY:
The Rileys’ expect to move in to their new house, which is nearing completion, by early February. The Rileys celebrated Christmas a few days early with Mark's sister Denise who lives in Hyattsville and brother John who lives in Triangle, VA.
Christmas Eve was spent with Christine's family at her brother's house on Lynn Dr. They spent a quiet Christmas day at their home with Christine's parents who live in Triangle, VA.
After Christmas Mark took Liam up to Erie, PA to visit with his Mom and two other sisters, Teresa and Kelly.
The highlight was taking a walk across the frozen bay and seeing fish frozen in the ice below and the remains of a shipwreck sticking out just above the ice. They returned back to Maryland to spend another quiet New Year's at home.
DANIEL-WOLFF:
David Wolff was home for Thanksgiving from the University of Michigan, where he is studying for a Masters in Music education. Larry spent a week in early November attending a conference on teacher education in Israel and also helping with the synagogue in Tel Aviv (Beit Daniel) which the family has been involved with for 20 years.
Thanksgiving Day and Friday were spent with old friends and relatives. Miriam recommends the novel Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese.
The Wolff Daniel family, including Becky and David, spent much of the holiday season in Longboat Key Florida (near Sarasota), visiting Miriam’s father and enjoying the Florida West Coast. Among the highlights, David and Miriam kayaked in the choppy Gulf of Mexico, where David was visited by three curious dolphins. Larry and Miriam kayaked in the Myakka State Park, joined by alligators, vultures, storks and roseate spoonbills.
David and Larry visited the Mote Marine Aquarium in Longboat Key where they observed sharks, turtles, jellyfish and manatees.
The whole family attended a seventieth birthday party for Larry’s brother in law. By the end of the week Becky, recovering from accidentally cutting a tendon in her foot a month earlier, was walking without crutches. The following week she attended the annual consumer electronics show in Las Vegas where she touted Microsoft’s new Internet Explorer 9. Back in Washington Larry spent two cold days in a primitive Potomac Appalachian Trail Club cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with a friend and two dogs, including Toby, where he worked on his wood burning skills.
Later Larry visited his brother in frozen Greenville South Carolina and spent 10 hours in the Greenville airport before arriving home at 1 am.
LLOYD:
Florence enjoyed a neighborhood brunch as a nice opportunity to catch up with long time friend, Farrell Cosmas. Farrell brought along photos from Will and Karen Cosmas’ wedding to share.
HOROWITZ -KAZIN:
Michael and Beth were thrilled to have both Danny and Maia home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Zoe was happy as well, but dog that she is, there was another reason to celebrate: she got more turkey in one day than she gets in a month. Danny spent all fall running the canvass operation for Rep. Tim Bishop, a Democratic congressman from New York.
And he's still at it: the election was so close that the counting is still in progress, with each side challenging absentee ballots they believe may favor their opponent. At least, it's a great experience. Maia is nearing the end of her first quarter at Stanford, where she has made good friends, taken a hiking trip to Big Sur, and auditioned for several plays.
KINNAIRD:
The Kinnaird Family is loving being in our new home. Steve and David have been enjoying going to some of the University of Maryland football games this fall. For Thanksgiving, we had a marvelous feast at Steve's mother's home, prepared by Joanie and Gramma Kinnaird. The Kinnaird Family enjoyed their first Christmas on Leland Street Leland. The homes were beautifully decorated and a joy to pass by every day. Have you noticed the 48 pots of pansies that come and go from the front of the Kinnaird house? It's science fair time.
Joanie has been busy examining the differences of those grown with chemical, organic or no fertilizer. David is enjoying the start of his recreational basketball season. He plays on a team with guys from several different schools. It's fun for them to get together after not seeing each other much during the year. For Steve and Amanda, having two teenagers is a hectic but fun time!
MARTZ-DAVIES:
So, the Martz Davies family has had a busy but lovely Fall. Kyle and Nora both played soccer and hockey, and Kyle played his first season of lacrosse, which he took to like a violent fish with a stick takes to water. Nora has spent her Sundays going straight from hockey, where she is an aggressive defensewoman, to ballet rehearsal at the Strathmore -- she will be a Snowflake in the Moscow Ballet's production of the Great Russian Nutcracker at the Strathmore, December 8 and 9.
Several members of her (otherwise all-boy) hockey team are coming to watch. She bashes them with her hockey glove when they call her "Snowflake" in the locker room.
Pip finally has her own activity -- gymnastics. Before her first session, she was incredulous that she got to be on the other side of the classroom door, having spent the first three years of her life waiting, and waiting, and waiting.
Chris turned 40 October 1, and to celebrate, Chris and I spent our FIRST DAY AWAY TOGETHER IN 6 YEARS getting our Saab serviced in Charlottesville, Va, rather than hiking and biking in the Shenandoahs. To be clear, we weren't AT the service center all day -- mainly we were waiting for the flatbed to drive back and forth to Purcellville Virginia before the driver decided whether he could actually find our car and navigate the hills to get to it. The next day, though, friends came out to spend the night and have a spectacular dinner at the Inn at Little Washington.
GIBSON:
The kids here are busy counting down the days to the next holiday break and Lola lying around dreaming of another winter of snow for romping, sleeping, and neighbor greeting.
In the meantime, Gordon is enthusiastic for the new basketball season, thanks to his genetic height advantage. Molly re-upped for the crew team at BCC and is currently hobbling around the house and rubbing her blisters in both delight and horror. We all enjoyed early snow in Pittsburgh over Thanksgiving, while visiting Doug's family.
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