Pour Maman La Salle de Bain

My sanctum sanctorum. A candle, glass of wine, book and a good soak.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

We headed out to the Four Sisters Vietnamese restaurant for a seven course dinner on Christmas eve followed by a night of playing Bohnanza at Josh and Lisa's after Laz went to bed. Stumbled home after midnight and welcomed them back Christmas morning where Laszlo met his new Thomas train set, tricycle and sled. Strangely enough the two most appealing items were the sled (we had no snow) and had Bob Bob drag him around on the driveway as he sat in his sled. Then he discovered Nana's putter and went outside -- in his dinosaur costume -- to hit a few but found out having a dinosaur head in the way can really ruin your swing. He is a little confused between holiday and halloween - so he figured he needed his costume. Johanna came over later and Nana got an ipod! Josh tried on an old hat and looked dashing. Josh and Neil got a three hour racing lesson for the holidays from the Mario Andretti racing "camp." Heard from the Georgia Kearns' and Max sent a picture of lil Max in his LL Bean sweater. Karolina hit it big in the American Girl department and all in all, it was a good Christmas. Welcome 2012. Bring it on!

Christmas Hannukah 2011

Seems like only yesterday I blogged my lament about taking down the 2010 Christmas Tree and now 2011 is up - finally! This is a nice little tree - I scaled down my trees to only one this year, and kept it under 9' for a change. All the ornaments that are cute are hung low so when Laszlo comes over he'll be able to see them. He called today while I was decorating and he's very excited even though his tree went up over a week ago. This is going to be a great holiday with my only regret being that Joanna, Max, Karolina and Lil Max won't be up here but it's always better when kiddies get to have visions of sugar plums in their own beds. Tia JoJo is getting her tree up and we'll all spend Christmas eve at dinner then over at Josh's setting up the Thomas' train table and tracks once Laszlo hits the sack. Can't wait for him to see the trains and the Gucci German tricycle I scored at the Thrift Store with Jojo. Got Karolina and Lil Max's presents off last week so they should be all set. After Christmas it's up to Connecticut to see Beeg and Mommy Sue. All in all, it should be a pretty mellow Christmas.

Jasmine's Shower

We're all looking forward to the arrival of baby Isabella. Sherry Noziglia hosted a great day and it was like the PCF alumnae association meeting: Amy, Erica, Judy, Emily, and of course Jasmine.

Jojo Laszlo, Bob Bob and Nana hit the zoo on a beautiful November Sunday morning. Elephants, orangs, butterflies and lots of walking. This has become a great Sunday morning tradition. We are planning for the winter with trips to museums, the airport and aquarium - so much to do - so little time! Thanksgiving is coming and we're all gearing up but very sad that the Georgia Kearns' can't make it.

Laz and Nana Hit DC

We started at the Washington monument and he really wasn't into it until we hit the WWII memorial with all that water!

















He got closer and closer until he finally got wet.
Then it was on to the Vietnam memorial to feed the ducks the remnants of his pbandj sandwich, which they truly appreciated.

Then it was on to the White House, Occupy DC tent city at Freedom Plaza, catching a show of Jersey Boys at the National Theatre and then home with a smile on his pbandj smeared face for nappy nap (for nana, too :-)).

Kim's Shower

The rains poured down but did not make a dent in the wonderful Hawaian theme for Kim's shower. Here are a few pictures from that great day. Bridesmaid Charity takes notes.

The outlaws

Last time you'll see Kim in an apron!

Kim's Mom, sister and friends.

Grandma Chieko right

The Goodies!!

Kim and Mommy Sue

The Spatz girls with Nash

Kim's veil

number one wahini

Laz gets a new bike

Laszlo and Nana have been having a great week while Mom and Day are in Ireland. One day Laz woke up and spotted something new in the backyard that the Fairy Godmother(Aunt Jojo) left overnight. It's so cool to have your own personal Fairy Godmother who leave neat stuff in the middle of the night!

Laz took a break to get out of the heat and read a book.

Shout Out to Four Seasons Spa Atlanta

Big K and Little K just before getting gussied up for the wedding. At right is Max and Jo Kearns' "backyard."



After a relaxing day at the Casa de Pauley-Kearns in the North Georgia mountains and celebrating Jenna Prince and Chris Farmer's wedding, Johanna and I headed to Atlanta to meet Jenna Rinehart Rassif. An incredible five hours was spent at the Four Seasons Spa, followed by dinner at the Terrace(Ellis Hotel) and incredible desserts at the Intermezzo Cafe around the corner, where we ran into Miami Dolphins star Brandon Taylor- whom I wouldn't recognize but Jenna is a Dolphins season ticket holder. That spa is a definite repeat!

Jenna and Johanna - lifelong friends. Johanna on the porch at Fox Run - see the mountains reflected in the glass.

We're now seeking recommendations for other spectacular girls weekend retreats!

The Prince and the Farmer Wedding

Here comes the bride...

The bridal procession makes its way down the path and the bridgegroom waits with a smile.

The band and gluten-free cupcakes and, of course, the cake. The groom's cake was a delicious lemony treat as well.

The wind beneath her sails and Jenna says "I do."

Mr. and Mrs. Farmer

The wedding arbor, built by Chris, with help from Jenna and friends.

The day started with the girls getting their hair done with flower girl karolina all decked out but the attention soon turned to Jenna who looked elegant and stole the show throughout the night. The wedding arbor, done by Chris, with help from Jenna and friends, was amazing and from which hung beautiful stained glass by a friend from Ashville.

Jenna talking with friends after the ceremony.

First dance

Chris sings to Jenna

Martha makes the toast.

Martha and her posse

Jo, little Max and Big Max. Karolina spent the night directing traffic with her friends! Bridesmaid Joanna Pauley Kearns

Max Kearns invites cousin to dance

Mary and friend



And they lived happily ever after....the end.