Winter Break 2006-2007
 |
Every year, we usually have some significant vacation time between Christmas and New Years. (See 2003-2004, 2004-2005, and of course, last year's wedding between 2005-2006.) This year, Elizabeth and I went to visit the Borlik side, in Indiana. (We spent time with her family in Colorado over Thanksgiving, and anticipate switching next year.) |
It was a lengthy stay in the surprisingly warm Indiana. It only snowed briefly one of the mornings, with no accumulation. It was a pleasant, relaxing trip, with many family gatherings. As tradition, we visited with my dad's side of the family on Christmas Eve night. On Christmas morning, open presents at my parent's house. In the afternoon and evening, we go to my grandfather's house. Much food was consumed.
We had opportunities to get together with college and high-school friends (perhaps the only disappointment of the trip was that we didn't meet up with the Schmiedelers, unfortunately). There were other get-togethers with family members, several trips to Notre Dame for the pool (some exercise, at least!) and for ND basketball games. We spent New Years' at my parents' house, as usual, with the family.
So, Elizabeth and I celebrated our first anniversary. Are we no longer newlyweds? We celebrated with an excellent dining experience at LaSalle Grill in downtown South Bend. (The restaurant had good service, good food, and good ambiance. It can hold its own against some of the best in LA, in my opinion.) The year 2006 went by very quickly, in retrospect, with ups and downs, and we look forward to the new opportunities in 2007!
 | Wrapping presents in Indiana. |
 | The devil on my dad's shoulder. |
 | The photographers were ready to capture the Borlik family. |
 | The Borlik family, on Christmas Eve, at my aunt and uncle's house. The Borlik family apparently now includes two particularly hairy specimens. |
 | My cousin Mike is a chef at the Carriage House, an upscale restaurant in South Bend. He treated us to a dessert of Bananas Foster, which was both tasty and an interesting display. My aunt and uncle's new kitchen almost seemed to be designed to host a cooking show. More pics here, here, and here. |
 | A hastily-snapped shot of my sister, and new "cousin" Jack. |
 | Christmas Day at my grandfather's house. |
 | A birthday celebration for my dad. |
 | New Year's Eve. Yes, we have the funny hats every year. |
 | What is she drinking? |
 | We returned to Los Angeles with no difficulties, and our house was in order. Elizabeth's Aunt Kathy had sent her some white roses, to celebrate her good test results, and they looked beautiful. (They continue to look pretty good, too, even a week later.) |
Comments
Hi there you two, I had beautiful snow here in Bluejeans, OR. The holiday pics looked great. Do you like the image stability? How is the shutter speed with your new camera? a'fran
Posted by: M.Frances Sillick | January 12, 2007 12:29 PM
thank you for the pictures of Christmas. Have you posted pictures of the new furniture and the finished bathroom?
Posted by: Janice Mandile | January 21, 2007 01:45 PM
I LOVED the Christmas in Indiana pics! it looks like it was a most festive time. I send wishes that your second year of marriage is full of JOY!
Posted by: A' Theresa Standing | January 22, 2007 03:24 PM
We need more dog and bananas foster preparation pictures. By the way, why did Jack the dog get identified? Arnie feels left out. Terriers are sensitive.
Posted by: Kate | January 24, 2007 09:51 AM