There was a brief rainstorm to deal with, as well as a DJ who sidelined as an Elvis impersonator, and a photographer who didn’t use a tripod or Photoshop, but hey, we played games, had fun, ate food, and all was good…

The kids have a ball.

Survivor Man Steve is ready for anything!

Maddy enjoys cake (too much!)

Emma is in it to win!

Tinkerbell needs surgery. She has a lump that may or may not be malignant, so we’re getting it removed. No one is looking forward to this…

Here’s an update on Tinkerbell’s condition.

It was also good to see family again, and Emma and Maddy definitely had a blast hanging out with Shelby.

We’re hoping to get out to Maryland this Summer, but we’ll see how things go.

Oh yeah, if you are looking for the Papa John’s Pizza in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, it’s located inside the Walmart.

Dana and I designed and printed these shirts for the whole family for Xmas.

A quick look at the Wikipedia revealed the following: (emphasis is mine.)

While feasts of Saint Nicholas are not observed nationally, cities with strong German influences like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and St. Louis celebrate St. Nick’s Day on a scale similar to the German custom. On the previous night, children put one empty shoe (or sock) outside, and, on the following morning of December 6, the children awake to find that St. Nick has filled their previously empty footwear with candy and small presents (if the children have been “good”) or ostensibly, coal (if not). For these children, the relationship between St. Nick and Santa Claus is not clearly defined, although St. Nick is usually explained to be a helper of Santa. The tradition of St. Nick’s Day is firmly established in the Milwaukee community, with parents often continuing to observe the day with even their adult children.

So it’s a Milwaukee thing… Now you know.

What are we cutting out? High-fructose corn syrup, it’s terrible… Dana is trying to cut way down on dairy (I would, but I grew up in Wisconsin, and that’s hard!) We really don’t eat out too much, and rarely do fast food places. We’ll have to see where Bombay Express (formerly Bombay Sweets) and it’s delicious Indian food fits into this.

Overall, Dana’s definitely been feeling better, and I’m glad to be eating new things and finding I like many of them. (Yams? Yum!) I’ll be doing some research on rice to determine the best kinds to eat, and best ways to prepare it. I’ve also become a big tofu fan again, though the kids are so far not on-board with that one…

Ayako Miyake is my personal favorite. She’s managed to complete the course 3 times, she is the Ninja Warrior Queen!

Dana has a favorite too, but I can’t remember who it is.

The Wikipedia has a page on Kunoichi with more info.

You can see them all on Flickr or view them right here as well.

If you’re a friend of ours that can’t make it, we thank you for your support. If you can make it, we’ll see you tonight!