We had such a nice Christmas week with family and friends and of course a visit to Rockefeller Center. Lauren and I had a dentist appointment in Harlem and so Kenny decided that we should take a quick run down to see the Tree. So off we went after a tooth was pulled and cavities were filled and with two numb mouths, we were off. It was the Friday before Christmas and the streets & sidewalks of Manhattan were packed beyond belief. We parked the van at the NY Hilton, said hello to the usual suspects, Mike & Dennis and walked over to Rockefeller Center. We passed Radio City Music Hall, saw the tree, went over to the angels, took a few pictures, waited on line to see Saks Fifth Ave's decorated windows--which weren't that great, then headed back to our van to start back home, but not without a trip to Starbucks (because there were no Dunkin Donuts around) for an iced latte w/ two sugars and topped with whipped cream, coffee black w/ one equal & 4 hot chocolates for the ride. As we were driving down 53rd & 9th Ave. standing there on the corner, waiting to cross the street, was the guy from "What Not To Wear" but because I was the only one to see him, Kenny said it couldn't have been him. The festivities continued the next day with a special visit from Marty & Elaine. The festivities still continued on Christmas Eve when we went to Granny's house in the Bronx and got there just before Uncle Brian had to leave for work. It's always a fun night full of lots of laughs and of course a visit from "Santa." The festivities STILL continued on Christmas day at our house with my side of the family-again just another really fun time (although it's not complete without Richie, Justine, Taylor, Emily and Kenny, Sheri, Kelsie and Cameron there). (Thanks Gabrielle for the frappuccinos:) The festivities STILL continued the next morning with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Gena and Uncle Philip coming back to our house for breakfast.

Kenny and I feel truly blessed to have such great families & friends....


Grandma & Grandpa opening their gifts......

Now Chris's turn...

Nice jacket, Chris

Uncle Philip's turn to open his gifts

Joseph & Gabrielle waiting for their turn to open gifts.....

Aunt Gena opening her presents...
Chris & Tommy were dressed alike...very cute and not planned.

At Granny's house Kelly helps Granny open her presents.

On Christmas Eve, Santa came to Granny's house for quick visit....

All the Croke grandchildren together at Granny's. Starting from the left we have Kelly, Alyssa, Kailey, Alison, Tommy, Michael, Darren and Lauren.

Marty and Kenny with an angel on his head.

Time spent with great friends, Marty & Elaine. "Hey Marty can you give me a transfer"?? Elaine you look great!!!!

Lauren, Alison, Tommy and Kelly at Rockefeller Center in front of the angels. Lauren's mouth was still numb.....

I forgot to add this one of us in front of the tree.