Christmas, part 2

Another Christmas, just a memory. This one was a good one. I got a new MacBook, and had plenty of time off work to enjoy the holiday. Here are a few random photos.


I had a girls' weekend the week before Christmas at my house with my mom, sisters, nieces and great niece. The main purpose was to see "The Nutcracker" but we also ate, shopped, played games, chatted and had fun girl time.


My sister Lisa and her granddaughter, Harper.

My sister Linda, my mom and my niece Aspen.

Harper and her mom, my niece Ashley.

Mom and Harper.

Mom and Linda, on our way to Uptown Bistro for dinner before the ballet.



My sister Lisa at the restaurant.


My niece Emily, far left, her sister Ashley, and Harper.


Harper enjoying the "Christmas house."




Went to my mom's for Christmas. More random shots, including this one of Dale playing keyboard with my niece Elizabeth.


My youngest brother Richard and his middle son, Will.

Richard's youngest son, Joe.

My brothers Craig and Stephen with my niece Rachel, who got engaged to her boyfriend, Jordon, on Christmas Day.

Dale with my sister in law, Anne.

Emily, Linda and my niece Sara.

Little Joe playing with the truck that Dale and I gave him for Christmas.


Dale will do anything to get the shot. Hopefully he'll have some good shots that I will share later. Stay tuned.

Christmas, part 1

I got Dale an electric guitar for Christmas. He seems pretty happy about it, which makes me happy. He's hard to buy for.

Wichita Eagle Holiday Open House

For the second year, the Eagle held a holiday open house that drew hundreds of readers. My job again this year was to coordinate tours of our building. Here's a video that my friend and Eagle photojournalist Jaime Green produced from the open house. Not only do I have a guest appearance in it, but so does Dale!

http://videos.kansas.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=7826237

She also took this photo of me and Eagle photographer Fernando Salazar, fooling around before the open house began:


We had about 1,200 people at the open house this year, a big bump from the 500 we had last year. I'm told a good time was had by all.

Tree time

Josie and I finished decorating the tree this afternoon.

Yeah, she's about as sweet as she looks.

Denise turns... well, let's just say it's a big number

Some of us got together at the legendary Candle Club last night to celebrate Denise's birthday. The Candle Club is one of the few remaining "night clubs" that requires members to pay dues to belong. And to become a member you must have two current members recommend you. It's a throwback to the 70s in every way.

The birthday girl had her some fun.


The ever-creative Jaime (and new hubby Carter) made a bunch of pipe-cleaner figures of Denise using photos of her for the head and body.

Here's another one. To see all of them, go here: http://366images.blogspot.com/

Carter and Jaime with the big band on stage getting ready to play us some swingin' music.

Dick and Bonnie.

Molly and Mike. They're new Candle Club members and were our hosts for the evening.

Dick and Dale.

Katie Grover and Denise, with a good view of this funky venue in the background. It was packed from corner to corner last night.

Carter hamming it up.


Dale and me. I'm not sure why Dale is grimacing except that he is not a fan of the Candle Club because of all the cigarette smoke. Must admit, it's not a strong selling point.

Piano proteges

One of the highlights of our weekend was watching Jaden and Josie perform at their piano recital. They were both amazing... so talented, poised and joyful with their music.

The artists with mom Rachelle, Dad Bret and brother Luke.

Josie and her teacher. She was rocking that dress, which she got last year from Rachelle's mother. It was the first time she'd worn it.

Josie and Jaden with Dale.

Dale was telling Jaden that the music he was playing for his recital was a piece that Dale taught Bret when he was a boy.

Jaden preparing to play.

Isn't he adorable?

And speaking of adorable.

Josie at the piano.

Done performing.

Dale videotaped the performances so the kids could watch themselves afterwards.

Precious!


Then it was lunch afterwards at Il Vicino on a gorgeous fall day.

More halloween

Photos from Halloween night with the grandkids.

Luke was dressed as Raphael, Josie as Cleopatra and Jaden as a Bakugan characters. Barney dressed up as a feisty schnauzer.

Jaden.

Bret and Cleo.

Making their trick-or-treating strategies.


Josie and Jaden

Heading out.