Friday, December 28, 2007

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thursday, November 22
Another year spent tailgating at Texas Stadium for the Cowboys' game on Thanksgiving Day. Audrey was excited to be going with us this year, however, it was really cold for Texas.

Audrey and Chris enjoy tossing the football around. Audrey has one heck of an arm on her!
Audrey is cozy warm inside the car. Here you can see our food set-up on the side of the car - we had all the fixings: ham, potatoes, rolls, broccoli rice casserole. Delicious.
The three of us were chillin' in the car before heading into the game. Audrey and I gave up at half-time; we spent the third quarter under a heater in the bathroom. Fortunately, Chris was sufficient with the lead in the fourth quarter and let us go home, where his parents were patiently awaiting for our arrival.
Friday, November 23
Thanksgiving all over again! Not only did Chris's parents join the fun, but the Cotropia's, too. Dwayne & his little girl, Madeleine, joined us later in the afternoon for some food and libations.
Wine was flowing like water...
All that turkey knocked out Baby Landen.

Audrey had the best time with the little girls. And they were sweet as can be.

Monday, December 10, 2007

We're Engaged!

Sunday, December 2 - We got engaged!!!
It's happened - Chris proposed. And I accepted, of course! All while tailgating in the rain for the Steelers game. It was perfect.

More pics to come from that weekend - it was chockfull of fun!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Chicago - 3 of 3 Updates

Chicago - November 9-11

Another weekend away from home, but so many good times. I love the city of Chicago - so it was well worth being out of town. No, we didn't go to this show. I wish...We arrived late on Friday night and headed to dinner for what Chicago is known for - pizza. None other than Giordano's - tasty. No, not Gino's, but it is really good, as well.

After a fantastic hour-long run along the lake, on Saturday morning, we headed out on foot for a nutritious breakfast at Dunkin Donuts. Shortly thereafter, we made a stop at the Palmer House. The architecture was gorgeous - great lighting.
Behind Chris is the new construction for Trump's latest. Quite the endeavor - over 100 stories. We took an educational and fun architectural tour on the Chicago River on Sunday.

The Windy City skyline.The city was in full-swing preparing for the holidays. Macy's windows were already open to the public and we tried to track down Martha Stewart to see her light up the Christmas tree, but to no avail. Here's the Chicago Tribune building already decorated.
This was taken at the Wrigley Building - where ClubCorp previously had a club, however, the signage still exists.

Another great trip, however, we are looking forward to spending the next few weekends at home - especially before Thanksgiving and our trip to Pittsburgh for the Steelers game.

Santa Fe, NM - 2 of 3 Updates

Still playing catch-up... Santa Fe, New Mexico - October 27-29

Santa Fe was all new to me and loved it, of course. However, a little on the chilly side. The elevation didn't fare well with me at first, but got used to it. The scenery was just breathtaking.
First stop - Sandia Peak.








The Plaza in Santa Fe is where all the fun happens - shops and restaurants all around. Great margaritas!







On Saturday, we took a tour around town and surrounding areas.






This is the Miraculous Staircase inside one of the many churches.








They jokingly call these the Dolly Parton mountains.





Markets overflowing with local goods.






The art was everywhere - shops, galleries, on the streets, homes.
On Saturday afternoon, we took a drive up to Taos. However, we were too late to view the pueblos.



Sunday, we headed back towards Albuquerque and went to the other side of the Sandia Peak where they have the gondola going up the side of the mountain.


Another fun trip for the Walton & Hansz.





Catch-up Time - Audrey's Homecoming - 1 of 3 Updates

Saturday, October 27
Audrey's Homecoming Dance - the first of many to come, I'm sure. So grown up!

Here's Audrey with her date, Erik, and in the center is her good friend, Elysse.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

My new haircut and color!

November 1
I have been needing a change. So I did it! Feel free to let me know what you think.

Was in Santa Fe last weekend and will be heading to Houston on Friday (tomorrow) to visit Audrey. Will have pictures soon.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Baby Landen is born

Friday, October 12
The Cotropia's newest addition, Landen Tate, was born this past Friday. They were so sweet to let me come hang out with them over the weekend.

I'm absolutely smitten!