Fellowship, Food, Fun and Family!

Just wanted to flashback to a fun night we had over at EZ's brother's house during the holidays. Twenty four of us gathered for dinner at Marvin and Laurie's and we all had a blast catching up. Decided to make a few collages that would help share more of our Christmas memories. (Click to make them bigger).

Lots of talking and posing for pics...

Time to eat some delicious ziti...

Don't forget the games...

Alas, the family pic...all 24 who were there!

Many thanks to the Marvin Baker bunch for hosting us and for the delicious meal!

EZ Heads to the Dean Dome

We had a great start to 2012!  Jamie and Tara had a scheduling conflict, so they were kind enough to offer us tickets to the UNC/Monmouth basketball game (courtesy of Jay Bailey) for Sunday, January 1st. We decided to give it a try, but definitely wondered if EZ would be able to sit for any part of the game, or would most of his time be spent standing/walking, catching only glimpses of what was happening on the court. Regardless, that man of mine was pretty excited to be heading to the Dean Dome, so he popped an extra pain pill and off we went.

We invited our good friends John and Barbara Carter to join us, knowing they love Carolina basketball and would understand if EZ wasn't in his seat much, or if we had to leave early. The tickets included a parking pass for the lot closest to the Dome, and admittance to a pre-game gathering in the Tarheels' Practice Facility, complete with snacks and party hats to celebrate the New Year. Thanks Jay for hooking us up!

We were thrilled to be able to walk through "the tunnel" right onto the court before heading up to our seats. You quickly realize just how tall most of those basketball players are!

This next picture is our pitiful attempt to capture ourselves sitting. We haven't yet mastered the knack of self-portraits, but had to show EZ in the seat.

Much to our surprise, EZ was able to sit for a good part of the game, except for a few laps around the Dean Dome and a trip or two to the concession stand. The Tarheels won and a great time was had by all. To top things off, they scored over 100 points, which meant Bojangles sausage biscuits for $1 the next day if you showed your ticket. Oh yeah!

It felt so good to be able to go out on a date, with another couple, and actually sit beside each other just like old times. We even went to dinner afterward and SAT at a table! Maybe "sitting" is improving and a date to the movies for the first time in two years is in our future. Oh the things we take for granted...

Gigi's Surprise Gift!

Yep, my Mom is the proud owner of a new Kindle Fire, and is she ever happy! EZ & I, Johnny & JoAnn, Debby & Van, Summer & Jeff, Tara & Jamie, Sarah & David, Leah & Kyle, Ben and Alli, David M. and Nick all contributed and we gave it to her for Christmas. She had no idea we had schemed together and here is her reaction:

The smile says it all. She is an avid reader and very high tech with Facebook, her iPhone and MacBook Pro, so we thought she would enjoy doing away with the old Kindle and bringing in the new! Merry Christmas Mom and many hours of fun on your Fire!

New Year's Eve Day

There is never a question around the Baker house as to how we will spend December 31st as it is EZ's birthday! This year we treated him to some of his favorite food requests, and a day spent enjoying family. The morning began with a visit and Happy Birthday song from four very special little people, followed by breakfast that included bacon, eggs, cinnamon rolls from Tara, and some glazed KK donuts!

It was a gorgeous day, so we decided to head for a park and enjoy the great outdoors. EZ and I remember the days when Nick played soccer on these very same fields when he was Nathan's age!

Before we knew it, lunchtime was here so EZ drove us through Bojangles for another one of his favorites, chicken wings and unsweet tea.

After the kiddos (and some of the grown ups!) napped, we re-convened for some snuggles and movie time, birthday dinner, opening presents, homemade dark cherry ice cream pie, followed by our New Year's Eve toast (at 7:45!). You know we have to include some food pictures...Samantha was particularly fond of the sparkling grape juice!

What a special day we had closing out 2011. (Now back to salads and dieting.) Happy New Year everyone, and may 2012 bring you much blessing!