December 1, 2015 - January 8, 2016 ::: Christmas Season in Madisonville

 

We returned to Madisonville Dec 1 and started preparations for  Christmas.  It doesn't take much time to decorate SONATA!

 

 

 

 

 

Madisonville is such a sweet little town on the Tchefuncte River with lots of  bay oak trees with Spanish Moss hanging from them..one of our favorite spots is the Abita Roasting Co where we sit on the front porch enjoying our coffee.

We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Water St Bistro with Bonnie's cousin, Hank, who lives in Mandeville, which is the next town over, and spent a lazy afternoon reminiscing old times...so good to see him again. 

We took a road trip to Lafitte to purchase fresh Oysters, Shrimp and Crabmeat from a good friend of David's and crossed over  The Huey Long Bridge

 

 

Bonnie got to be grandma and help Rosemary make a Gingerbread House! 

 

Alan was nominated to participate for the Student of the Year Award....Proud parents, David and Susan!

 

Grandpa and Grandma Bonnie enjoyed playing "Grandparent Bingo" with William...sorry no winners!

 

We attended the Sounds of the Holidays concert at Madisonville Jr. High where Phillip attends and plays the tuba

 

Charlie celebrated his 75th Birthday Christmas Eve surrounded by all his little peeps! We also took
a "minute" to celebrate our 11th Wedding Anniversary! What was I thinking?

 

 

Christmas morning and everyone is anxiously waiting to open presents!

David celebrated his 46th birthday Christmas day...a busy two days!!!

 

Clayton and Grandpa fight it out in Rock, Paper, Scissors!

 

 

 

Sunday, Dec 27, we headed to New Orleans to enjoy a three day reunion with Charlie's brother and sisters.  Jackson Square, where we stayed, was full of holiday tourists and football fans.

 

 

From left to right..Mary Ruth, Dorothy, John, Barbara and Charlie..oldest sister Ann was unable to come

 

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We took a cable car ride through the Garden District and passed by Jane Seymour's home which was just outstanding with the large white lighted lanterns in the trees

 

 

Robert and Barbara treated everyone to a lovely lunch at Galatoire's

  

 

 

 

We headed back to SONATA for a short visit before everyone went home..We ate way too much wonderful food in New Orleans and really enjoyed our time together!

 

November 16 - December 1, 2015 ::: Thanksgiving in Virginia

 

 



Arrival in Virginia, Scott was most helpful in picking us up just after midnight in the early hours of the 17th.  Off to our condo for a few hours sleep.  First item in the morning was to get two vehicles running.  The 1999 Mercury started up right away.  The 2013 Ford ... was dead.  Had it towed to Ford for a new battery and safety inspection.  Next efforts, get ready for Thanksgiving just over a week away.  The preparation would begin in full force after a series of medical appointments, the dentist, and shopping. 

 

We borrowed a table and some chairs from the Admiral's Landing Condo ... set up the dining area for the arrival of all our guests.

 

 

We were fortunate to have the Land Family join us.  Ashley, above, was joined on the balcony by her friend Rob and other members of her family for a sampling of beer which Cam brought to share.

 



 

 

Rob, Cam, Ted, and Ashley on the balcony with the BAE shipyard showing up across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River from our location.

 

 

 

Jenine is taking care of two of Cam and Katie's children,  Sarah and Abby.  They appear to be making a sea-shell arrangement on the coffee-table, and doing a fine job at that. 

 



 

 

On Bonnie's side of the family:  Taylor, Brandi, Joyce, Rhonda, and Bonnie.

 

 

The Rood Family, Jonathan, Taylor and Brandi

 

 

The Burke Family:  Charlie, Bonnie, and John (Charlie's brother)

 

Taylor and Grandma

 

Judy, Joyce, Bonnie.  Two Grandmothers, and one Great Grandmother.

 

 

 

Sarah, Abby, mom Katie holding Rebekah, and Josh

 



 

Taylor (oldest grandchild)  holding Rebekah (youngest) 

Later in the day Charlie's two grandsons joined us and enjoyed a plate of Thanksgiving Dinner and visiting with Grandpa, Grandma Bonnie and with Uncle John.

 

Grandma Judy taking care of her grandchildren

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Dinner served

 

Moonrise over the BAE shipyard

 

 

The Norfolk skyline as seen from our Condo Unit #301

 

 

 



Saturday we celebrated Christmas with our Virginia and Tennessee families at Rhonda and Leslie's home

 

 

Charlie's son, Scott and his fiancé, Fonda 

 

 

 

 

Jonathan, Brandi, MaMa and Bonnie enjoying the day.  Charlie and Taylor had plaid shirt contest! 

 

 

Our "Birthday Groupies" had a fabulous meal at Bravos celebrating everyone's birthday all at one time since we will be away for a year..such fun and wonderful friends!

 

 

We celebrated MaMa's 88th Birthday...YAY!!!