Sightseeing

Since I took this week off from work, we have been taking in some of the sights up here in New England. We've had to pick strategically due to the cold weather. Here are two visits that we've done so far.

One of the areas up here that I found fascinating is the Newport, RI mansions. Some of you may remember me sending pics of these places last year when Abe and I visited. They decorate 3 of the mansions for Christmas and so Oma, Opa & I drove down to see them. We left Izzy at home with daddy due to the length of the trip. We first saw The Breakers... the summer home of the Vanderbilt family. I don't think Oma & Opa were ready for how extravagant this house was. Then it was off to see The Elms.... the summer home of coal baron Edward Berwind. Never heard of him??? Neither did I. But don't be fooled.... all these people took care of each other. Berwind coal supplied the Vanderbilt railway. No wander when one got rich, the others did as well! Sorry... no photography was allowed inside except for near the Christmas trees.

Opa & Oma in front of the Christmas tree at The Breakers.

Liz in front of the Christmas tree at The Elms.

Liz & Oma in the gardens at The Elms.

Liz & Opa at the back of The Elms.

We then decided to see the JFK Library here in Boston. This is the place where Senator Ted Kennedy's body was placed to be viewed by the public. Since I did not grow-up knowing President Kennedy, I found this place very educational and well done. For others who know him, this is a place of strong memories... both happy and sad. And Izzy held up just fine for this trip!

Oma, Opa & Izzy in front of JFK Library. Yes... it was that cold!

Izzy testing out Robert Kennedy's Attorney General's desk.

Enjoying the view of Boston from the JFK Library.

Merry Christmas!

We have been blessed to have Oma & Opa visit us over the holidays. They both arrived safe and sound this past Tuesday between snow storms back in Nebraska. Ironically, the weather has been better up here than back home for them. Since they are here, Izzy has been staying home from daycare to be spoiled by constant attention. Here are a couple of pictures from Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. Hopefully all of your celebrations were as special for you as they were for us.

Izzy is excited about her flying dragon!

Clay decided that everything was not intended for Izzy. Her box is mine... ALL MINE!

Izzy being shown a present from Oma & Opa... a barnyard puzzle. But the crinkle ribbon was just too mesmerizing for her.

The men (all 3 of them) carving the turkey for Christmas Eve dinner.

Izzy's first taste of Oma's famous Christmas cookies. Like true Bures women, she LOVED it.

Teta & Judo were able to send a Christmas card to Izzy all the way from Syria. She enjoyed this one as well.

A Barkoudah family picture before we all headed to Christmas Eve church service.

A gift from Santa.

Santa Claus is Coming!

Time was running short for us before Christmas but we still found a way to see Santa. The local toy store in JP had him come tonight. So, Izzy & I packed up to go see him despite the chilly air (see those rosey cheeks!). True to herself, all the smiles & giggles escaped once the camera came out. She didn't quite know which one to be intrigued by as mom was taking pictures along with a store employee. Dad... she asked for a new car.... already!

First Snow!

Today is a day for firsts for us. It was Izzy's first snow fall. There was just enough to make a few neighborhood children go sledding. I'm sure there will be more to come... get ready Oma & Opa! And if that was not enough... Izzy decided it was about time to roll over! It's about time! At first she seemed a bit perplexed... how did I go from my tummy to back and then just squealed. I guess this means we will be keeping a closer eye on her from now on.

I'm sure Abe will be a bit irked that I added this photo but it was just too funny. We have a feature on our new computer... it's call Photo Booth. If you can remember back to those photo booths you used to sit in and it would take 4 photos... this is the same thing. So he sat in front of the computer while it took 4 photos making these type of faces. And of course, I'm hard at work in the background :-)

There wasn't enough snow to make a full-fleged snowman, but this will do :-)

My pink stay-puff marshmallow baby! Izzy was all bundled up before our walk today. She couldn't even move those arms & legs.

This is how Izzy helps mom fold laundry. She sees a pile, reaches for it and then can't stop... so many things to touch!