New York

I got back yesterday evening. New York was pretty ok. I got to see my new baby "neice" Emma. It was nice seeing Tony again, he's basically my big brother. I'll get a picture up once I get a chance. Saw about half of my dad's side of the family Christmas Eve. Had lunch at my cousin Belinda's house, it was only a small gathering of 27 people. Yes I know, not that small but if you knew the size of my dad's family you'd understand. With just my first cousin's there are 20, almost all of them are married and have kids, then you have to count the aunts and uncles, there are 4 aunts and 3 uncles that we see when we're there, there's also my mom and dad then the black sheep who never comes. If we got everyone together there would be well over 50 people, and no I'm not exagerating. After lunch we went to my Uncle Mark's house, Tony and Emma and Tony's wife Gracie (family name, real name: Gloria) were there as well. Had supper at Uncle Billy's house. Elizabeth was there which was nice. Up until probably about a year ago she was angry at her dad for remarrying even though it had been over 10years since her mother had passed away. It was nice to hear her call Sandy mom and you could tell that all had been forgiven and that they were getting pretty close. Now we're done with Dad's side. Had hot chocolate and cookies at my mom's sister's house and opened some presents since my aunt had to work Christmas Day. I got the most awesome pajama pants, they are Buffalo Bills pants, ok so they're pink but i don't care because its got the Bills icon on it. Christmas Day was pretty quiet, opened one gift at Papa's house where were staying and had the Christmas Dinner. After dinner we played swipes and my sister Joy got the new nickname from Papa, #6. She kept taking the chips and dice from him so he just started calling her #6 since she's the 6th granddaugther. Tuesday we went shopping with dad's sister Barb and her daughter Melissa who's getting married soon. We first went to IHOP then shopping. Wedensday we went home, its so good to be home.