Pittsburgh Trip

December 1-3
Let the fun begin - in Texas, actually! Homero & Patty arrived into Dallas from Puerto Vallarta and stayed with us on Friday night before flying to Pittsburgh on Saturday morning. Friday night the four of us enjoyed a delightful dinner in downtown Dallas at the Tower Club. Bobby and Todd surprised us all by showing up.

Todd had another surprise up his sleeve for Homero in Pittsburgh - he arrived on a flight to Pittsburgh before us!
A Saturday in Pittsburgh isn't complete without a visit to Primanti's. Three hungry hombres.
Saturday night, we got the whole group together for dinner at a Mt. Lebanon institution, Atria's. Left to right: Jessica (my sister-in-law), Eric (my brother), Linda (my mom), Lionel (Benny's brother), Homero (friend from Puerto Vallarta), Patty (Homero's lovely and tolerant wife), Todd (aka Trope), Joe (long story - stupid Patriots), Benny (friend from Cozumel), Chris (my beloved), me, and David (my dad).
Little did I know that this handsome man would later that night be asking my parents if he could marry me. Sly and handsome - nice combo.

I had the extreme pleasure (?) of sharing a room with three stinky boys all weekend. Not sure what happened on that side of the room that night. The snoring sure was strong throughout!
Sunday morning we all loaded up the minivan and headed to Max & Erma's - best damn buffet in town.
Todd found the worst hat ever - and we all had to wear it... why not???

Since we were too early to tailgate, we hit downtown for all the good sights. PPG Place had a lovely tree with a skating rink. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Great shot of Heinz Field.

It may have been cold and rainy, but that didn't stop us from tailgating for about 4 hours. We were well prepared...
But not as prepared as this guy with the beer bong and fully-stocked bar.
Our disposable grill really kicked out some heat and made a mean burger (or so I'm told).
However, Chris is the king of the tailgate grill...
By this time of night, we conquered the art of tailgating.
Homero couldn't turn a corner without buying some Steelers' gear.
Apparently there was a game going on, but I didn't see much of the first half since I was staring at my hand. This picture doesn't even begin to do justice to the rock I am wearing.
A fantastic night for all!










Here's the happy couple on a lovely Pittsburgh evening -which includes a Steelers' win!

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.

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!

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.

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.