Happy Birthday Brother!

 While visiting my brother this past summer, I took a box of his things which Mom had put aside for him.  Since he usually flies back and forth, he had left them at my house.  But, before I left the box, I decided to copy some of the photos.  First are school photos in no particular order.

 I believe the sweatshirt above was a SEMO sweatshirt I had given him.

 Yes, those are paper cups on his wrist. Part of the cowboy look!  Below is Tammy our family dachshund/fox terrier mix.

Tremont House

This being our 4th trip to Galveston, we decided to stay in one of the historic hotels---Tremont House.

This reminds me of several historic European hotels we have stayed in.  High ceiling, decorated with antiques, but with a beautiful modern bathroom

 The inside is rich with architectural details not found in most new hotels like an atrium lobby and a bar on loan from the historical society (rosewood)

Gymnastics Meet

Meet Me in St. Louis Gymnastics Event

Roman and Coach Kevin

Waiting for results

Chesterfield Athletic Club 

Roman won 3rd in Vaulting

Mercury Gymnastics won 2nd over all.

Roman and Rebecca came to St. Louis for a Gymnastics meet.  I am so happy I got to see my little gymnast.  Sadly, we were too far away to photograph most of the events, but I did get to see him on the floor (9.1), Pommel (5.2), Rings (7.1), Vault (8.5), Parallel Bars (8.2) and High Bar (7.7).  It was all very impressive watching this 6 year old perform on all the apparatus.

Myseum

 While the grandchildren were here, we visited a new museum in our neighborhood---Myseum.  The kids had a great time with bounce houses, slides, building opportunities, scientific experiments, pretend play.

And I was able to achieve my dream of long legs!

Christmas

 Christmas  this year was a little like a revolving door.  First, the Lewis family came in on Christmas night.  Then, Dec. 26, the Warrens arrived.

 We had a traditional meal that evening followed by a dance review!

 I decided not to put ornaments on the tree because I wasn't sure it would work in this new location.  I figured if anyone noticed, I'd haul out the box and we could decorate it. . .no one noticed.

 Don't they look sweet---this was after many attempts 

 This is the modern day equivalent of Uncle J reading "The Night Before Christmas"---I think it was watching him play Angry Birds Holiday Edition.

 Anna got another princess dress, Roman, Skylanders' play pieces and Eli received Spiderman paraphernalia (He must have been hanging from the ceiling since I didn't get a photo). Below new decals for the Warren's car.

 We also gave out books that had belonged to Dave's parents:  Todd is reading one given to Grover from Eloise on their engagement.  Twenters got one of Eloise's Lindbergh books.  Lewises got Anecdotal Lincoln which had belonged to one of Eloise's aunts.

We had a great time---Roman even got to show his good culinary tangerine arranging skills!