A Reunion

We had a Padden reunion last week and it was fantastic!  Neil, Pam, and the girls flew in to spend the weekend here.  I was only able to be a part of it for one day because I had a work trip planned over the same weekend but that one evening was so so special.  Nana, Olivia and Grace picked Mia and Luca up from school, came home and made cookies and then we all met at a pizza place for a fun rowdy dinner.  The highlight of my year so far!

Who doesn't love to reconnect over cookies?

It was snowing so hard on this night and that just added to the warmth at the table.  We all have so much fun together and this was no exception. This was the best we could do in terms of getting a shot of all of us!

And my favorite shot....the original AMEN.  My heart is full. 

Christmas and New Year's Eve

Again, I didn't get too many pictures this holiday season but it was lovely.  We spent Christmas Eve downtown and went ice skating and got coffee and treats at our favorite café. 

We came home and met Mom for mass and then Melanie joined us for dinner as well.  We toasted to a great evening. 

The kids were so thoughtful and creative with their gifts.  When you're little, and you don't have any money, it can be tough giving gifts.  But Mia and Luca nailed it.  Mia made me a candle and an awesome mug and Luca took an old jar and wrote in Sharpie.  I just thought it was so sweet, and will go down as some of my favorite presents. 

Mia grabbed a tunic from my closet and wore it as a dress for New Year's Eve.  Love her creativity and ingenious spirit. 

We took the kids (and Tilly) on the train downtown for hot chocolate at the Brown and the firework show to celebrate.  We had a great time!  The firework show wasn't that impressive but we still loved being in the city. 

Nonna's Visit

Mary visited for Thanksgiving and my computer is FINALLY fixed so I can post pictures now more regularly!  It was a great week that she was here and we all had such a nice time.  I wish I had more photos of her stay but I only managed to get these two!