What’s in your stocking?
In NJ, Santa has taken to filling our stockings with a theme in mind, and when you are talking about a Williams Christmas it’s no surprise that at least one of these themes would focus on food. But I think everyone was shocked to see Pete’s stocking filled with Crab Legs.
Someone must have been really good this year!
I seemed to have forgotten to take any other pictures this year, probably because none would be as good as this one!
Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh
This year I celebrated my first Thanksgiving away from home. I went to Pittsburgh, PA where Chris’ mom’s family lives. Driving up Thursday morning was a great way to avoid traffic and get there just in time for turkey. I think there were about 27 people who joined in the festivities and plenty of food for all. I even had my own name tag, although it is covering up the words “Chris’ Current Girlfriend”.
My place at the table
That's not the real turkey
The next morning we braved the Black Friday sales. I couldn’t believe how many people were shopping at 5:30am! I think next year I’ll be staying in my jammies and shopping online.
Search for the Lost Symbol
This Fall, Mom and I both read Dan Brown’s newest book The Lost Symbol so it was fitting that on this year’s “parents weekend” we decided to go on our own search for the lost symbol. Mom and Dad arrived friday night and after we gobbled up an apple crisp we watched Matt Lauers’ interview with Dan Brown about Masons, Washington D.C. and the hidden symbols. Saturday morning we started off the tour with a trip to the Library of Congress (one of my favorite spots in our nation’s capitol) we took the tour and even snuck a picture of the renowned reading room. We checked out the new visitors center at the Capitol Building and then did a drive by of the Masonic temple on our way to the National Cathedral. It was my first time and the cathedral and it really was gorgeous. There are so many chapels and little nooks to check out.
Library of Congress Reading Room
Library of Congress, View from Visitors Center
National Cathedral
We didn’t find the Lost Symbol, or maybe we did 😉 – but we did get to see many of the historic locations mentioned in the book. And after our self guided tour we headed to Ray’s the Steaks for dinner. The meal was delicious as always!
The next morning Dad helped me out with a few jobs around the house. Since it was the most beautiful day of the fall we headed down to Great Falls for a little hiking and a picnic. Thanks guys for coming down, we had a blast!
Fixin' up the place.
Me and Mom and Great Falls
Chris and Me
Mom and Dad
A Maniac Reunion
On Labor Day weekend the Harkness family arrived in Ogunquit, Maine. We gathered to dedicate a plaque to Grandmama on the Marginal Way, a walking path along the rocky coast leading from Perkins Cove over to Sparhawk Motel. Grandmama had vacationed over 70 years in Ogunquit as a girl, as a mother, and as a grandmother. Her plaque looks out over the rocks and out to sea – perfect Maine scene. We had a brief ceremony with a few words, took some pictures and then in true Harkness fashion – headed over to Lords Harborside Restaurant to celebrate with some great food.
Harkness, Williams, Francises, and Amundsons
Lobstah at Lords
We visited all our favorite spots, and took pictures even though we’ve been taking the same pictures for years…
Nubble Light
Bald Head Cliff
Capturing the Perfect Spray
Pedestrian Drawbridge at Perkins Cove
Dad of course had us up at 7am to walk down to the beach to watch the turning of the tide, a thrilling demonstration of Mother Nature at work. Although it’s hard to notice we did see a change in the water. Check out the difference between low and high tide at Ogunquit Beach.
Low Tide
High Tide
Some steamahs from Barnicle Billy’s, a boat ride on the Finestkind and some homemade lobstah rolls at Aunt Karen’s condo and the trip was complete. Although I dont think anyone was ready to leave that salt air!
Bonnie, Andrea, Mom and Dad
Dad, Mom, Uncle Loring, Aunt Mike
Family Picture
Best Wishes Laurel and Chris
My cousin Chris got hitched last weekend to a great catch. Welcome to the family Laurel! The ceremony was at an historic church and the reception was at Lake Valhalla where my cousins Chris and Kelly swam on the swim team growing up and I even lifeguarded there one summer. It was a great time with lots of dancing!
The Happy Couple
Mom and Aunt Peggy
Lake Valhalla
Popular new dance move?
Sneaking Around
While I was up in NJ we had the opportunity to go check out Gramma’s house which is currently for sale. The house has been making quiet a bit of publicity. It’s located in Mountain Lakes, NJ with a lake view and gorgeous property. The house is unique in that it has retained so much of its character over the years and has only had 3 families live there since it was built in 1913, and one of those families was Dad’s.
Gramma's House
We had fun reliving our memories and for us grandchildren most of those included playing outside in the yard. It’s funny how the simplest things made for some of the most fun times of our childhood.
Candy Store
Stone School
Gramma used to keep her records on the back of the basement door. She recorded everyone’s height, birthdays, weddings, and best of all — vacations. Dad and Uncle Jon took another turn to be measured, notice anything suspicious?
Who's Taller?
ut oh!
Congrats Kelly and Greg!
Uncle Jon and Kelly
Cheers
Kyle and Andrea Toasting
It’s better in the Bahamas
Mom, Dad, Pete and I spent another week in paradise along with our family friends Kris, Gus, and Timmy. Our week on Paradise Island was completely relaxing. Most mornings we’d wake up and head down to the cove for some snorkeling. The sealife in our little cove was amazing we saw sting rays, angel fish, and mom says she saw and octopus.
The Cove
One day we took a snorkel cruise on the Flying Cloud a 57′ catamaran. We sailed out to a reef right off Rose Island and had some more great snorkeling – we even saw a Lion Fish. Don’t get to close they’re poisonous.
- Dad, Mom, Pete and Bonnie
But the most exciting part of the Flying Cloud adventure was when Timmy accidentally dropped Kris’ camera overboard and Gus jumped into the water as we were sailing back to the dock. We had to lower the sales and turn around to go get him. Mom, Dad and I were in the front of the boat and had barely noticed we were starting to turn around until Timmy came up to the front of the boat and said, “you know what we’re going back for right? Gus!”
Pete and Timmy took a fishing trip with Action Jackson – i dont think there are any words that can describe their experience…
Pete, Tim and Action Jackson
Mom, Dad, Kris and I walked down to the Cloisters while the boys were out fishing. I love this place….so pretty and dreamy.
The Cloisters
Dad at the Cloisters
A few more of my favorite pictures…
Conch Salad and Kalik
Pete, Bonnie, and Tim
Atlantis at Night
Tradition on the Bench
Happy Easter
It was great spending time with the family over Easter. We dyed eggs on Saturday afternoon, Dad won the prize for most “artistic”. After church on Sunday morning, we had a great brunch with a gorgeous table setting. Apparently, that morning mom had been trying to decide which china she should set out – Noritake or Limoge? Andrea quickly helped solve the dilemma as she burst out in song, “Up from the grave He arose, and He ate his eggs upon Limoge!” We all had a laugh and toasted the day with delicious mimosas.
Dad, Me, and Chris
Andrea pouring mimosas
Mom and Pete
Easter Brunch
Christmas at the Williams
It was a white Christmas at the Williams’ house this year. Although it wasn’t actually snowing, there was plenty on the ground to add to the festivities. We celebrated Christmas Eve with oyster stew and plenty of Christmas cookies. Then attended the candlelight service at church.
On Christmas morning everyone was excited to open their stocking presents and Santa surprised us this year with a theme for each persons stocking. Dad’s was full of different size flashlights, Mom had fun kitchen stuff, Andrea’s was filled with pampering pleasures, Pete found a block of cheese and full baguette, Auntie unwrapped her covetted Alan Sherman records, and I had a cozy night in with a movie and pajamas. Merry Christmas Everyone!
Cozy in my new bed jacket
Christmas Romance
Shiver me timbers!
Cream Pie for Breakfast!
BonsterTheMonster 