Birthday Wishes

A few weeks ago, we took a short drive to Palm Beach Gardens to celebrate Mom's Birthday! We spent a wonderful day together, doing a little shopping and getting a little exercise. The Gardens Mall was very calm and quiet, it felt like our own private shopping experience. We had dinner at the Brio Italian Grill to finish off our great day. What a great way to celebrate a special day for a special person!

Mom and Dad on Mom's Birthday

Jim and Carolyn at Brio

Sitting by the fountains!

A Visit From The Kandles

Last week our friends Dean and Jenn Kandle came from New Jersey to Port St. Lucie for vacation. Dean and Jim have been good friends since working together at Trump National in Bedminster, NJ. The Kandles were very happy to have a few days away from the New Jersey cold! We had dinner together at their place, at our house for the Eagles game, and at our local Benihana restaurant. They enjoyed some golf together and much warmer temperatures. It was great to have them around as we don't get to see them too often any more. Jenn made a new friend during their time at our house - Pumpkin is in love! Our dinner at Benihana was nice as always. What a fun place to go and eat. We were thoroughly entertained while enjoying good food and a great view of the St. Lucie River. We hope to see them again soon.

Dean, Jenn & Jim

Jenn & Her New Boyfriend

Mom & Dad

Dean & Jenn

A Benihana Chicken - Made From Egg

The Benihana Mickey Mouse - Made From Rice

New Furniture

Jim and I recently painted the entire interior of our home. It was a big task, however, very worth while. While painting, we did some minor rearranging of the furniture. Our dining room got completely changed around, leaving a big empty space for a new dining room set. We have had a difficult time trying to decide what to pick for our new set. Our prayers were answered this week, as a friend of the family offered us his old one. The new dining room set has been a big addition and the best part was the china cabinet. Jim and I have been keeping all of our good china, given to us as wedding gifts, in a closet since September of 2005! It now has a home, and a good one at that. Not much else going on here in south Florida. It's been hot and sunny and very relaxing. We've begun making some travel plans for the 2009 Nationwide Tour season which begins in two weeks! It's hard to believe that our break is almost over. Jim and Joe (our friend and caddie) will be traveling to Panama. I have decided not to go, its only one week. We have also decided that we will both be traveling to Australia and New Zealand again! I am very excited!!!!

The new dining room set

Our first meal at the new table!

Cincinnati Bearcats go to the Orange Bowl

Wow, what a fun time! Our first ever bowl game experience. Jim and I were joined by 12 others to travel to Miami for the 75the Orange Bowl. Cincinnati had its very first crack at a bowl game against Virginia Tech. There were lots of other tailgaiters just like us, but many more Cincinnati fans than VT fans. We had a great time and were on cloud nine walking into the stadium at game time. Just as we took our seats we spotted Nick Lachey (singer) and Shawn Graham (Bengals kicker). How cool! Tracy Wolfe got their picture and hopefully we will be getting a copy. Mickie and Heather Gallagher and Tracy and Alison Mount meet us at the staduim (friends from Trump National in NJ). We really enjoyed the whole experience even though the Bearcats didn't win. I am glad we were able to witness their first bowl game in history!

Mike and Tracy Wolfe

Chef Timmy Cheesburger

Terri is tired already

The Wyder Clan (Steve, Terri, and Mike)

Oh My Gosh, Take My Picture, I Can't Believe I'm Here!

Oooh, This Is Nice. A Warm Fire

Hmmm, Beer Or Mustard?

Aaahhh, My Favorite Things!

This Is The Life

Oh No! You Mean We Have To Go In NOW??!!

The Wolfes And The Hermans

The Whole Gang, Cheering The Team On

New Year's Eve

We all enjoyed a warm and happy New Year's Eve. It was a party at the Wyder house that helped us all ring in 2009. Steve and Terri had a good group of about 15 for the party. We had a traditional holiday dinner complete with homemade stuffing, turkey, ham, and plenty of bubbly! It was off to bed quickly after the ball drop - a big day ahead on New Year's Day.

Carolyn, Terri (our hostess) and Mom

Dad's Getting a Message

Tim, Michelle, and Baby TJ Bearror (The Cheesburgers)

Our Host Steve, Behind His Bar

Jim and Mike Wolfe, Mini Martini's Are Better Than Big Ones!

Jamie and Annie, This Is Great! I Needed A Nap

Michelle and TJ, His First New Year's Drink

That Was SOOOO Funny! Jim Doesn't Think So

Mom, Dad and Carolyn

Christmas Eve/Christmas Day

The Hermans and the Carsellos had a very nice Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We all attended the Saint Lucie Catholic Church for mass on Christmas Eve, a very nice service. Later that evening we enjoyed a gourmet meal compliments of chef Herman. Christmas Day brought a slow awakening followed by a full breakfast. Once we all had a few large cups of coffee the fun began. Jim's favorite gift was his cowboy boots! Mom and Dad enjoyed their custom calendar. Carolyn said her favorite was the new iPod touch.

Carsellos and Hermans in Front of the Christmas Tree

Dad Getting Ready For the FUN!

Dad and Jim With His New Kicks

The Donahue's Martini Party

A Pre-Christmas hit! Jim and I have missed this party the last few years, but we were back and ready to go! Our friends Chris and Tracy Donahue throw a great Holiday Martini Party. We had about 15 people, great food, and super Martini's. My favorite Martini was the Blue Christmas... but you could also choose from the Sugar Plum, the Candy Cane, the Grinch, etc. We played games with stickers (going back a few years), singing Christmas Carols, and Holiday Trivia. It was a great time and we can't wait till next year! Thanks Donahues'!

The Host (Chris) Getting Ready

Jim with a Pre-game Dirty Martini

Jim and Chris in the Red Truck

The Gang Having Fun!

Carolyn, Enjoying the Singing Games

Rich, Seth, Jim and Chris After Hours