A week of Holiday Events -

Hi All,

We had a busy week with different holiday events. It started off with having dinner with family, for Margaret's mom's Birthday. Peter had so much fun playing with his cousins, he was sound asleep in the car before we even got home. For those of you who don't know, when you talk about having dinner with Margaret's side of the family - just the immediate family (brothers and sisters) is a lot. Margaret has 16 brothers and sisters, yes - that is not a typo. Margaret has 8 sisters and 8 brothers, none are adopted, or step - they all have the same mom and dad. So yes, having dinner with the family or even part of the family is a lot.

On December 5th, it was St. Nicholas Night, so Peter and his mom put their shoes out for St. Nick. It's a Dutch tradition where you put your shoes out on your front porch, for St. Nick to put gifts in. Peter was so excited about doing this, he wanted to put all his shoes out on the front patio. The next morning we woke up, and Peter was reminded about St. Nick, and he ran to the front door, he's face lit up when he saw the presents on the front porch near his shoes. Peter's mom brought the gifts in, so Peter can open them. Peter must of been a very good boy, for St. Nick to bring these gifts.

(Peter opening his gifts from St. Nicholas)

On Friday Dec. 7th, we went into the New York City to see the "Tree" and all the holiday decorations. Peter's dad (Kerry) had work to do in the city so we all drove in together. Peter was a trooper in the cold weather with all the walking we did. On the way into the city Margaret's brother (Joel) called, and long story short - Margaret and Peter went to the "American Girl Doll" store to get a doll and accessories that Santa needed to put under Joel's Tree this year for his daughter. Margaret has never been to this store, and WOW, it is huge. We got there just in time, because as we were leaving the line was around the building/corner. Originally Margaret was going to try and meet up with another woman who was adopting with the same lawyer, but that didn't work out as planned - sorry Laurie, maybe next time. We managed to get out of the "American Girl Doll" store, jus in time and Peter was great in the store. And yes, Margaret's brother Joel owes her big time, but don't worry next year I am sure Anna will be needing a doll from this place and "uncle Joel" will have to drive in and get it. Once out of the store, Peter decided to walk from the "American Girl Doll" Store (50th street) to 28th Street. Lets just say, it took a long time to walk that distance, since Peter didn't exactly have his running shoes on. When we got to 31st Street, we were at the corner waiting to cross and Peter just had to wave to this couple that was in a big black truck. The crosswalk light turned for us to walk, but Peter didn't want to cross just yet, he kept on waving to the people in the black truck and they kept on waving back. It was cute, and the people in the truck couldn't believe that Peter stood there and just kept on waving. Then finally the "big black truck" had the green light to go, and as they drove away, they continued to wave to Peter. Yes, Peter definitely has the politician wave down pat. Once we got back to 28th Street we called up Kerry (Peter's dad) to see if he was done with work yet, and he wasn't. So we went to the Madison Square Park, Peter had fun running around. The squirrels in this park were very friendly, almost tooo friendly. If it wasn't for the fact that I picked Peter up, I bet the squirrels would have crawled right up Peter's legs. Kerry finally got done with work, so we walked around NYC and had lunch and then caught up with Margaret's niece and went to go see the tree and we went by Margaret's niece's husband's job to say hi to him, since he had to work late. Peter loved to see all the lights in the city, and he loved the M & M store, probably because that is his favorite candy. After seeing all the sights and the cool toy stores in New York City, we said our good byes to Margaret's niece and headed home. It was a long day and a lot of walking. Peter was great the entire day, so when we were at FAO toy store, mommy just had to give in and get him a toy.

(Peter looking at the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, New York City)

On Saturday Dec. 8th, we had a Christmas Party to go to. This party was given by Local Union 25 for all its employees' children. Margaret use to go when she was little, and always had fun at the party. The kids had a fun time, it's not the same as when Margaret was little, but the kids enjoyed themselves and they got to see Santa Claus. Peter's Grandma enjoys this time, because all (most) of her grandchildren and great grandchildren attend this event.


On Saturday Dec. 8th, we had dinner with two other families who also adopted from FTIA (Pam's & Melissa's family). We had dinner at an Italian Restaurant in Huntington, it was great food and it was family style. Next year, we are going to post it on the FTIA yahoo group, so others can join us for dinner for the holidays.


On Sunday Dec. 9th, we went out East (Eastern Long Island) to cut down our Christmas Tree. After about thirty minutes of looking, we decided to cut the first tree Margaret picked. LOL. It's a beautiful blue spruce. After cutting down the tree, we met Margaret's niece & nephew and their family for brunch. It was a perfect day, we managed to get home before the nasty wet sleet/rain came. We put the tree in the living room, but we didn't decorate it yet, that will be next weekend's project. We still have to decide if we want Peter to help decorate, or do it while he is sleeping. Because it will become a tradition on whether decorating the tree is a family activity or does Santa's Elves come and decorate the tree. :) Peter has already trimmed the tree, by breaking off some branches, he likes the way it smells.

(Peter picking out his Christmas tree)

(Peter waiting for Hot Chocolate, after cutting down the tree.)

Peter is getting into the Christmas holiday. He is soo cute, when he hears Christmas songs playing, he looks for Santa. When he hears bells ringing, he points out that he hears the bells. During the evening when we are out, if we see a house decorated for the holidays, Peter wants to see "more, more, more". This Christmas is going to be fun with Peter.



Sunday December 9th - "Light the Night" took place in our hometown. It's Bay Shore Holiday Tradition in creating a community of light. It was pretty cool to see the streets lit up with votive candles in white paper bags. It was chilly out, but the rain held off until later on in the night. Peter decided that he wanted to walk around the neighborhood to see all the candles/lights. Peter just loves to walk.

(Light the Night")

Since Christmas is just about 12 days away, we are rushing to get everything ready. Peter's room is still be worked on, we are waiting for the wallpaper and border to arrive, so we can put that up. Peter's aunt and uncle bought all the bed linens for his "Nascar" room. Mommy and Daddy still has wrapping to do, and to get this house back in order since the living room and Peter's room are done being painted. Daddy and mommy also has to go grocery shopping for Christmas eve, because we celebrate Christmas eve with Margaret's side of the family. Daddy enjoys cooking for this holiday, and mommy hates cleaning up after daddy cooks, because he is not the neatest cook in town. And lets not forget about mommy trying to finish making the Christmas cards, yes - Margaret knows that she is nuts, to think she would have time to do this - but no sense complaining - they'll look really cute once done. :)