Category Archives: Kristy

Michelle’s 18th

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Originally the plan for this birthday was a cookout, which has become a bit of a tradition, but the weather was not cooperating this week with temperatures in the 40’s and quite a bit of rain. It certainly looked as though the cookout could happen and the preparations were made to have one, but in the end the plans had to be changed. It was decided that the meal should be a favorite of Michelle’s choosing and what she wanted was potato gnocchi with vodka sauce. This dish is usually served with a vegetable, so yellow squash, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms were sauteed. This was served with a parmesan crusted chicken. It was a very elaborate meal.

Dinner was served and it came out extremely well and there was plenty for everyone to eat. Next was the singing of “Happy Birthday” and ice cream cake. Finally, the presents were given to Michelle. The original gifts were things that she needed, but were sort of gag gifts in order to throw her off from the main gift, which was a new laptop. The complete set of pictures can be found on the pictures page.

Saturday with Patty

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Patty needed tennis shoes for gym class and for lacrosse. The official first required practice for lacrosse is February 25th, so that is only a little over a month away now. James was at his mother’s so it seemed like a good weekend to look for shoes.

The hunt for tennis shoes began at Summit Mall, because Patty does not often get to go there. It is a little bit more of a drive. Walking around the mall, it did not seem there was much of a selection. Actually, there was plenty of selection, the problem was coming to the realization that the cost of the tennis shoes was going to far exceed what was budgeted. Patty got Starbucks after a series of questions. It sort of went like this:

Starbucks: Do you want coffee?
Patty: Yes

Starbucks: Hot or cold?
Patty: Cold

Starbucks: Vanilla, chocolate, or caramel?
Patty: Caramel

So, that is how she ended up with an iced caramel frappuccino, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Next was to Dick’s Sporting Goods. There she tried on a few different pairs of shoes and the decision came down to two pair. Originally she was advised to go with the pair that would last longer, but ultimately the decision was made that it would not matter and she should get whichever pair she liked the most. The pair she liked was a Nike running shoe. Orange with yellow laces. They are nice.

Next was to Chapel Hill Mall to get socks and she managed to talk her way into getting earings. She ended up getting more earings than she should have, because they were buy one get one 50% off.

The night ended with popcorn, candy, and Redbox movies. The first movie was Snow White and the Huntsman, which I did not believe James would like a great deal, and after having watched it I still maintain that opinion. Patty liked it quite a bit. It was not planned this way, but for the second movie both Patty and I and James and his mother ended up all watching Paranorman last night. I joked that when their mother takes Patty that we should plan the movie, so that both kids can watch the same movie again. The movie was enjoyable and it was a good end to a good day.

Winter Festival

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The Winter Festival at Archbishop Hoban is a two day event where they showcase the musical and artistic talent of the students. Patty plays violin in the orchestra and so she performed on the same day as the choir and the guitar group. Patty also had art that was displayed for a clay piece that she did.

Fortunately for Patty her mother was able to attend the event in the absense of any other family members. Her mother also graciously provided all the pictures. This was the second Winter Festival that Patty performed in and just as last time it was fun and went well. Buying strings when they break and practice in her room is apparently paying off as she is becoming quite accomplished at playing the violin.

Patty’s Birthday 2012

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Patty’s birthday was delayed this year, so that everyone could show up and the 26th this year was bad for several reasons. We had a cookout this year, which is something of an on again/off again tradition that was started several years ago. This birthday was attended by myself, Patty, Eddy, her Mom, her Great Grandma, Aunt Becky, Uncle Andrew, and their children Abby and Zach. It was fantastic that they could all make it out.

The cookout, which is done on a coal burning grill featured chicken, hotdogs, and hamburgers. The sides were potato salad and pork and beans. Something for everyone. It all came out good this year. The weather was perfect for a cookout reaching the mid to low 80’s and not a drop of rain all day. It has been something of a drought this year, so it did not seem likely that rain would be ruining this cookout. Everyone ate to their fill and Patty opened her gifts.

The only gift Patty really wanted this year was a cell phone. This has been a request for the last couple years. That wish has finally became a reality on her 15th birthday. Now she can stop borrowing Grandma’s phone and use her own for all of her Facebook and texting needs, which will inevitably consume a great amount of her time from now on. Just not at school where they are likely to confiscate the phone. As always all the pictures can be found on the pictures page.