Annual trip to New Jersey

Our trip to Jersey was later and shorter than usual this year and without our travel trailer due to Bob's ankle surgery.  We left December 1, when Bob was able to put half weight on his left leg, although still in his surgerical boot and on crutches.  We spent the first night on the road outside of Lexington, and got to our hotel on Rte 23 in Pompton Plains Wednesday, December 2.  There we met up w/cousins Joe, Carol, and Nelson, who helped unload the family heirlooms we were delivering.  We all had a nice meal at the hotel's small restaurant, and enjoyed the catch up conversation.  Thursday, Bob and I went to the cemetery, then to Bloomfield to visit with our friends John & Plish.  That night Bob and I had a romantic dinner at the Huntsman in  West Milford to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our meeting each other.  Friday was a fun day shopping with cousins Adele and Carol, and then a pleasant gathering at Adele and Michael's for dinner. Saturday we joined Carol, Nelson, and their kids for another get together.  Sunday we met with Uncle Mike and Rita for a brunch at the Allwood Diner, then one more visit to the cemetery.  Later we went to Denville to join the Konecny/Milller/Kopesky/Mutchler/Rose clan at Kelly and Ray's beautiful home for yet more feasting.  Monday we were on the road again, and  home by Tuesday to start Christmas preparations.  Unfortunately, there are not a lot of pictures. The photographer was too busy talking and eating most of the time!

Bob and John 

"Plish & Trish"

Adele modeling the pretty cape she knitted

Annie and her friend, Jeff

Matt, home before final exams.  He will be transferring to Montclair University this upcoming semester

 Morgan (soon to be 9) playing one of her practice songs on their new baby grand while her 5 year old sister Madalyn enjoys the entertainment.

Madalyn is also taking lessons and doing very well.

Morgan and Madalyn by their magnificent Christmas tree.  Ray is in the background, busy helping Kelly with preparations before the others arrive.  There were 18 of us in all.

We didn't see snow, but Jack Frost made his presence known.

as did the fog on the ride home.