New York at Christmas Time

So the college boy turns 21 in February. Like many folks do, they celebrate this milestone occasion in Las Vegas or a place where the kid can order a drink legally.

Well, Brandon will be in Idaho playing baseball on his 21st Birthday as the season will have begun. So he received an early birthday present... a trip to New York with his girlfriend Kalli to visit Aunt Jennifer.

Wow did these two kids have a wonderful time and we were so happy for them.

Something about New York in the winter and around the Holidays. So festive & sparkly and cozy. Aunt Jennifer and beau Kevin of course showered them with food & fun and they tooled around the city exploring and mastering the subways.

Pictured above is Brandon with Kalli and pictured to the right is Brandon with Aunt Jennifer.

They ate slices of pizza, visited the Statue of Liberty, checked out ice skating at Rockefeller Square, and absorbed the holiday spirit that is so prevalent in the city that never sleeps.

Jen and Kevin were wonderful hosts and the big kids had a great time ushering in the New Year with them.

There's a 12 year age difference between Jennifer and I. When she was born both my sister Michele and I treated her like a doll and an extension of our toy collection. We took her everywhere and she was part of our clique as the cute little baby.

It's wonderful to flash forward all these years and watch her relationship with my boy's. They are close enough in age that while they are not in the same stage of life, they certainly can relate to one another. Makes for a special bond.

What a splendid way to ring in 2012!

Day 344: College Life

Ah, to be in college again. It really is a very fascinating and fabulous time in one's life. The opportunity to learn, absorb, grow as a person, meet new friends, dream, ponder, be excited about the future and be in love. What could be better?

Not really sure when in life you have the opportunity to focus on just YOURSELF. Many never get the chance. For those that are lucky enough to attend college, it really is something to relish and appreciate! Once you graduate it's into the real world... well that's a post for another day... today's remarks are about how much fun I am having here in Salem, Oregon with my college son Brandon and his fabulous friends!

Check out my boy Brandon (on the right) talking with his pitching coach after throwing another stellar game and picking up the WIN!

I had such a wonderful visit meeting and spending time with Brandon's friends and hanging out with all the parent's in the stands. It made me feel so happy to meet the terrific friends Brandon has selected. Our friend and fabulous photographer Kalli Norimoto joined the weekend fun to watch the baseball games with us and we all laughed, ate and had fun together.

Pictured to the right are Brandon and Kalli in their Willamette University gear! Go Bearcats!

Tonight Brandon, his friends and I headed to dinner. Too fun for me to listen to them talk about the future, the moment, what's important.... was I ever that young?


Pictured here is Brandon's baseball teammate Chris and his girlfriend Alex, both good friends of Brandon's up at Willamette! Too cute!

Spending time with your children, no matter their age, is a gift. Your children wanting you to spend time with them and their friends, is priceless.

I was honored and proud to be his Mom and he was happy I was there with him. Love to Brandon, Kalli, Alex, Chris, Jake, Parker and his beautiful mom Sue. Here's to more great times at Willamette University.

It was a Good Day to be a BEARCAT!

Day 316: Go Willamette University

Today Willamette University wrapped up their fourth and final game in a 4 game series in Southern California.

Yesterday they played a double header. First game at Claremont-Mckenna, a win for Willamette ... second game against Pomona College, unfortunately a loss for Willamette.

Today we played Occidental College in Eagle Rock, California. It was pretty much a blow-out, Willamette 17, Occidental 2. It was a beautiful day, with sunshine, a beautiful campus and surrounded by fabulous Willamette parents and family Auntie Stacie and cousins Elias & Gabriella. Brandon sure is a loved kid that is for sure!

I am exhausted from all this baseball, driving, conversations... every bone in my body is aching and I didn't even take to the field (ha-ha!).

In all seriousness, thank you to all the dear family & friends who came out to show their support & love for Brandon and us... it was a magical weekend, with a birthday celebration, lots of great baseball at the college level, dear friends & family...

A special thanks to Brandon's good friend Kalli Norimoto for coming home from her Arizona State University to celebrate Brandon's birthday and attend his games, and for taking all the fabulous photos you view on my Blog...

Pictured here are Brandon & Kalli...

It was a whirlwind weekend... Go Bearcats, Go Brandon...

Day 314: PLAY BALL

Today Willamette University is in town for a 4-game tournament! Yeah, that means I get to see college boy Brandon and his teammates play some great college ball!

Today was their first game against Chapman University in Orange County. Two of Brandon's best pals, Ryan Wysocki & Kalli Norimoto met Brian and I at the house and we drove together to the game.

After the game Brandon was able to join us for dinner so we headed off to a belated Birthday dinner for him ! We had such a great time being with him and the college age kids and celebrating his Birthday!

Yes, can you believe we have a 20 year old child, wow! He had a 1o o'clock curfew so we dropped him back at the hotel and headed home. We clocked 9 hours today of baseball and driving! I'm exhausted and off to bed to get up and do it all over again tomorrow!

GO BEARCATS!

Day 248: The Lawry's Tradition

Ah, our yearly visit to the famed Lawry's Restaurant for holiday prime rib! Yummy! I have been going to Lawry's since I was a child with my family for the delicious meal & festivities at this time of the year. Hubby Brian and I have continued the tradition with our boy's and it is a treat they always look forward to!

Pictured here is me (the proud Mama) with two of her cubs, Harrison & Spencer Simon (both 15 years old).

If you have never visited this Los Angeles landmark, and you are a healthy eater, then I highly recommend putting it on your things to accomplish in 2011. Especially if you are a carnivore like us Simon's. The food is always scrumptious and the Singing Carolers are always special.

A few years ago dear gal pal Suzee Markowitz and her son Brandon joined our yearly tradition for the feast.

Pictured here are Suzee and her handsome son Brandon.

And pictured here is me with my son Brandon .... these two boys, now 19 years old were born the same day and share the same name!

Pictured here is my son Brandon and his friend beautiful Kalli, who took all the lovely photos for us!

If you ever doubt that your children may not care or treasure the family traditions you have created, don't, because they do care. I've written about this before ... your children do care about traditions, consistency, things they can depend on and look forward to. This special family dinner at Lawry's during the Holidays is one of those memories. We love sharing the tradition with good friends Suzee & Brandon.

Pictured here is me and gal pal Suzee!

What a beautiful night full of great food, treasured friendships and blissful memories!