Downtown with Balsamo Family (12/20/08)

We were making our annual trip downtown and this year Mom & Aunt Jeanne were able to make it too! We met up on the train in Barrington!

Aunt Jeanne & Mom chattin on the train
Our first group picture in the reflection on the Bean

Much better...

Grandma & Nick relaxing in the chairs at Marshall Fields by the Christmas Tree

Us in front of the big Christmas Tree at Macy's

Another good shot

We went to Dick's Last Resort for lunch/dinner and had these lovely hats made

I love downtown!

This is in front of the tree at the Daley Center Plaza

Another fun shot!

Aunt Jeanne (and the rest of us) were BEAT on the train ride home!

It was such a fun day!!

Rizzo Christmas Party (12/6/08)

Our second Christmas Party was held on december 6th this year! It was a great time - everyone was very creative this time with their White Elephant Gifts!!

Sarah smiling so beautiful!
Me & my bro!

Me & Erin

Erin & Angie - Love your girls!

Dad & Kay came to join us for a bit

Jennie & Andy

CHEESE!!!

Joey's AWESOME White Elephant Gift, HaHa!!

Jessica waiting anxiously for Levi to open the gift she brought...

It was Richard Simmons tape of Sweatin' to the oldies and a framed autographed picture of Richard, LOL!

Sarah got giant diapers and then wore them for a bit for us, LOL!

Joey & Andy giggling about something!!

Rich got T.P. and $1

Jessica got an empty bottle of cologne that says "Worn by Dave Schnell" - so funny!!

The "Stroke on a Rope" made a come back again!

Laura & Chuck checking out the games - damn you Chuck for always covering your face!

LOL The bottle of rum Kay opened

Lynette got a nice new Foot Massager!

Andy got a nice bra & panty set

Mollie got a pair of slippers made out of pads, LOL!

I opened a bag FULL of tons of stuff, mardi gras beads, a 1/2 burned candle, a pancho, koozie, broken sunglasses, pad of paper, flashlight and who knows what else, LOL!

Justin got some pink sparkly hearts!!

Johnny got a toaster filled with porn!

Nina scored a keychain with poop on it!

Schnell got a kick ass Batman clock!

Jennie got a picture of Joey wearing a crown (like a little kids sparkly dress up crown at a kids Bday party) with a message above it that says "Call 999-Josephine, I am experienced at making a spark!!!"

Ok so the story here is that Jennie made little chocolate cakes for her dish to pass and figured since she was moving to Alaska that she didn't want to wash the pan so that would be her gift, LOL! Neal got it and it still is unwashed and in the garage, LOL! Stinkin muffin pan!

LOL Awesome picture of Justin from Grace's Bday Party a few years back

Andy wearing his "gift" Haha!

Melissa wanted a piece of it too! These bra and panties were pretty funny!

Me & Jessica being cheesey!

Group pile on Schnell!!

Scarlet broke through the gate - damn her for wanting to join the party, lol

Here's the damage.. what a nutty dog!

Jennie & Ballz

Joey & Sarah

Since Jennie was leaving 2 days after the party she wanted to snuggle with Scarlet, lol she is such a good snuggler!

It was another great party! Good times - great people!!! Thanks for coming everyone!!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thanksgiving Up North in Da U.P.! (11/27/08)

Our 2nd Thanksgiving at the Lake and this time the lake was frozen when we got there. That meant that we could walk out on the ice and still use the Lake instead of being stranded on land. It was awesome and new to everyone up there so it was a great time!

Joey testing out the ice
Beautiful Sunset Lake
Me & my Hubby out on the lake

Hanging out on the ice

Kyle making his way down to the lake

Dawnie Bear

Uncle Joey & Kyle

Dawn goes down and Scarlet chases her to save the day

Dawn was AWESOME at sliding far on her boots! She could slide farther than the rest of us

Some of the group

Jennie filling up the bin with water to "brine" the turkey... Scarlet was supervising

We had an awesome time at the park!

Dawn biffed shit coming down the slide, LOL

Jennie, Joey & Dawn on the swings

Which ended up turning all of their butts blue, LOL!

We walked on the Lake on the way home from the park - it was so cool!

Jennie & I over by "Lure Lane" where I catch my fish in the sumer

Ricki & Scarlet sledding down the hill

Kyle up top making his way down

Kayla & Scarlet snuggling on the chair

Randy giggling about something!!

Thanks again Carol & Randy for another awesome holiday at the cabin!