...come with me!

Farrell's is fabulous fun!

Since it was still technically the holiday weekend...and since Debra was still in town...AND since we are all starting back on Slim Fast tomorrow...we went to the BRAND NEW Farrell's for dinner tonight! OH what fun!

Sirens, train whistles and kazoos...burgers and sundaes and candy...
drumming and singing and clapping...french fries and hot fudge and....

CREAM SODAS!

Gina and Sunny
With Logan (I borrowed the glass from my mom...
despite peer pressure, I had a Diet Coke!)

Debra and Thatcher and QuinnAllison's friend, Taylor
I was thrilled to be able to provide the boys with train whistles and kazoos TO GO! (Gina was so excited!)
Four out of eight cousins...
Seriously, it is one of the LOUDEST restaurants I have even been in...
And definitely one of the most fun nights I've had in a very long time.

i'm pretty sure this is one of those times.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last night my whole family gathered to celebrate!

All five DiLallo sisters were in attendance!

The capper to the night was the several-hour dance party!
SUCH a fun night!

Such a beautiful day!

Thanksgiving 2009

As I sit here in my warm, beautiful home on this early Thanksgiving morning, I want to start by saying thank you. To YOU, to the WORLD to GOD...to who ever's listening: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
I'm snuggled up in jammies and brand new UGGs slippers enjoying a giant mug of cranberry flavored coffee while my soul mate, Mac, keeps my lap warm. Planes Trains and Automobiles entertains in the background for what must be the 50th time in my life and my heart wells with happy. In a couple of hours I'll be heading out to spend the day at one of the most gorgeous resorts in the world--right on the ocean! The place is full of people I love and I'll be celebrating Thanksgiving Day with them.
I saw much of my family last night, and they will all be coming here tomorrow. It will be the first time in many years that all five DiLallo sisters will be together. And (most of) our kids. And our parents. My refrigerator is full to capacity this morning with food and wine and the MANY accouterments for our post-Thanksgiving Day Celebration. My cupboards and counter tops currently runneth over...
So much to be grateful for. SO much. I have a most wonderful life. FULL of blessings and overflowing with joy. I know that it's more than most people will have in a life time.
Why me?
I have two nice cars in my garage. And a washer and dryer. Lots of clean clothes. (Too many clothes.) I have two (working!) bathrooms in my home. Three bedrooms. (Yes, I live alone.) I have running water. Air conditioning. Heating. And tons of blankets. (Lots of people don't, I know.) I have three televisions, DVD players and DVDs and iPods...a great camera...and my other soul mate--Mr. BlackBerry. I have a closet and drawers full of clothes. (Did I mention I have too much clothes?) My home is full of treasures. My treasures. And I LOVE this house.
I never take ANY of it for granted.
Gosh, there's SO much more....
I am debt free and have money in savings. I have great neighbors. I love where I live. I went to 32 baseball games this season and my team went to the NLCS...two years in a row now. (oh, and I rarely had to pay for a ticket...)
And I am so healthy! I have perfect blood pressure, eye sight and cholesterol. I have never been on any medications--ever! I have the energy and vitality of a woman half my age and the strength and muscle of a MAN half my age. (Watch me!)
And while I'm counting my seemingly endless blessings, I am reminded that I have toured the White House, helicoptered over the Swiss Alps, rode in a gondola in Venice, seen the Pope in Rome. I've been to Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone Park, the Grand Canyon, Graceland, Disney World and Yankee Stadium (twice!) I've climbed to the crown of the Statue of Liberty and stood on top of the World Trade Center. I've been to Buckingham Palace and seen the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo's David. I've had Belgian waffles in Belgium and had champagne with dinner on the Eiffel Tower....
And my children!! They are both amazing. They are financially independent and career-minded, as well as being happy and healthy and hilarious. They are grown and great and EACH has a Bachelor's Degree! A BIG thanks to them for being every parents' dream kids.
I have friends who I've known for 30 plus years. Deep, genuine, passionate friendships. I don't know where I would be today without my friends who have loved me and listened to me and laughed with me for years and years and years. Thank you!
My entire immediate family now lives in California! And, like I said, they will all be here on Friday. I am SO excited...AND SO GRATEFUL!
It is absolutely impossible to count all my blessings and list everything I am thankful for. And have more than anyone could ever need, want, desire...or deserve.
I lack for nothing. And I'm grateful for everything. OH so grateful.
My heart is SO HAPPY this morning because--more than anything--I know that I am loved. I know I am appreciated. And I get to be a part of so many peoples' lives.
Thank YOU for being part of my life!
Thank you for reading me and coming along on this wonderful (crazy) ride with me...
YOU are loved. YOU are appreciated! YOU are a vital part of my life.
Happy Thanksgiving.
And thank you!

Twas the night before Thanksgiving...

The night started well...thank God for Beaujolais season...

...with two of my FOUR sisters....Leesa and Sarah!

Sunny, Thea, Sidney and Elijah!

Leesa's husband, Jonathan, adds JOY to the mix!

Yeah for Sid and Eli!

And my Jonas Brothers-clad nieces, Thea and Sunny!By the end of the evening, they were covered in war paint.
I was never so happy to be the AUNT...and say goodnight.

Thankfully, I'm all ready...